As the second-most populated river island on the planet (behind Zhongshan in China), Montréal offers visitors and its 1.9 million residents a plethora of urban amenities, from its Parisian atmosphere, great restaurants and hotels to cultural and sporting venues, along with seafaring opportunities from St. Lawrence River cruises to kayaking local canals.

In addition to several new hotels and restaurants, numerous urban development projects will benefit both Québécois and visitors. The new REM (Réseau Express Métropolitain), a fully automated, elevated light rail transit network, will make the city even more connected and accessible, with direct links between various Montréal communities. With 42 miles of rail line connecting 26 new stations, the 100 percent electric REM will not only alleviate traffic snares but also reduce tons of fossil fuel emissions. Plans include direct train access between Montréal’s Trudeau International Airport and downtown. The project is expected to start operations in late 2022.

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One of the city’s newest arts icons, The Ring, suspends a 98-foot steel structure at Place Ville Marie, symbolizing the strong connection between Montréal, its citizens and its visitors. Award-winning landscape architects Claude Cormier + Associés designed The Ring.

This year, Société du Parc Jean-Drapeau unveiled major renovation plans, focusing on “re-greening” the park space, to include a riverside promenade featuring a ferry entrance and waterfront public square open to the river. The former Expo-Express bridge will transform into a New York- style high line promenade, and certain spaces in the park will be dedicated to wetlands.

Look for Royalmount, the second-largest private real estate project in Québec, to open in phases beginning 2023. Located in the heart of Montréal, the mixed-use complex developed by Carbonleo incorporates an upscale retail offering with more than 170 stores and 60 bars and restaurants, businesses and entertainment. This pedestrian-oriented development project will be 100 percent carbon-neutral once fully functioning. The first phase comes at a cost of approximately $835 million.

Currently undergoing a major renovation, the Museum of Contemporary Art will reside in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles. As work continues on the new building on Place des Arts, MAC relocated to Place Ville Marie in November 2021 and will remain in its temporary home until completion of the museum’s transformation in 2024.

CHECKING IN WITH MANUELA GOYA
Vice President, Destination Development and Public Affairs, Tourisme Montréal

Are any COVID-19 restrictions still in place for residents and visitors to Montréal?
The province of Québec prides itself on being one of the safest destinations anywhere in the world. The city’s vibrant array of hotels, restaurants, bars, boutiques and malls, museums, theaters, concert and sports venues, popular attractions and more are open at full capacity and ready to serve all comers in a manner that is mindful of safety and security.

What major cultural revitalization projects are taking place in Montréal?
Le Théâtre St-Denis is set to begin a new chapter in its history by becoming part of Espace St-Denis, a new cultural and gastronomic destination in the heart of the Latin Quarter. This new entertainment offering includes the storied theater, a studio-cabaret with a 180-degree virtual environment, a French brasserie-style restaurant, a terrace and grill and more.

The Centre d’histoire de Montréal begins its transition; the space will become the MEM – Centre des mémoires montréalaises. Located in the heart of Montréal’s Quartier des Spectacles, at the corner of Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Saint- Catherine Street, MEM will be a museum and citizen space that will be both inclusive and innovative. Citizen voices of yesterday and today will be honored as we reveal the identities and history that make up the city’s world famous “showmanship.” Opening planned for 2023.

Recreational boating and cruising are nice attractions for many visiting the city. What water options would you suggest to visitors?
Hop aboard and get ready to cast off on a pleasure cruise to remember with Le Petit Navire, an ultra-quiet, zero-pollution electric propulsion boat (carbon-neutral certified) designed for ultimate touring. Offering 45-minute or two-hour guided cruises along Old Port or Lachine Canal, a trip aboard Le Petit Navire has been a must-do Montréal experience for more than 15 years.

Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy river surfing by standup paddleboard and kayaking, just minutes from downtown. In Montréal the rapids of the St. Lawrence River provide a couple of options for stationary surfing. While using a similar technique to catching waves in the ocean, river surfing is its own unique experience, largely because the wave just doesn’t end. Founded in 1995, KSF offers a selection of river-based excursions, and surf lessons are one of the most popular activities.

DIVERSIONS

Montréal is actually the largest island in the Hochelaga Archipelago, which comprises 235 much smaller islands. St. Lawrence River cruise boats offer great options for visitors looking for one- or multiday river adventures. Freshly renovated, Port of Montréal’s Grand Quay offers updated marine infrastructures alongside unique contemporary spaces designed for the enjoyment of cruise passengers and landlubbers. The Port will open its newest venue, the 213-foot Port of Montréal Tower, to visitors in late 2022, a unique architectural feature certain to become one of the most sought- after new venues in the city.

PHOTO: © ALEXANDRE CHOQUETTE / TOURISME MONTRÉAL

For cruising options, the popular 121- foot Bateau-Mouche launched in 1992 and offers a 440-square-foot, glass-enclosed upper deck; a glass-enclosed lower deck; and an open-air deck, with a total capacity of 152 passengers. For its dinner cruises, the ship does not use plastic glasses, plates or utensils — real chinaware only — and its green philosophy also means a smoke-free environment at all times.

The 60- and 90-minute day tours cover many Montréal locations, including the OId Port, Montréal Olympic Stadium, Montréal Science Centre, Jacques Cartier Bridge and Habitat 67. The 3.5-hour dinner cruise covers the same attractions and includes a fine-dining menu, a live musical performance, a sound and light experience, and other amenities.

As another option for St. Lawrence River cruising, Croisieres AML operates dozens of sightseeing cruises, including whale- watching and Zodiac tours, several different types of brunch and dinner cruises, and much more.