When your next gig brings you to Montreal and you have a few hours to spare off the ship, here are some ideas to help you pass the time.
Meet the Proship Team
That’s number one because we have an office in Montreal and love a chance to meet with you in person, grab a coffee, and learn about your latest adventures.
See the sights
Begin by looking around. Just by getting off the ship you’ll be setting foot on the newly renovated Alexandra Pier, which is located in the historic Old Port of Montreal. Simply walking about the cobblestoned streets can be the delight and photo ops you are looking for. If you fear getting lost and prefer a straight path, head along the water towards the clock tower and climb up for a nice view. Before you reach the tower, you can turn left at Place Jacques Cartier, where you might encounter street performers, street vendors, and other fun stuff. Between this colorful up-hill street and the clock, you will find a stunning wide and low building with a silver dome, the Marche Bonsecours. It features old-style shops and often hosts fairs and events that might be worth the visit. The Old Port is also home to a handful of historic churches, like the beautiful Notre-Dame Basilica, which features religious services, as well as tours and installations.
Arts and Culture
Montreal beams with arts and culture and festivals, and the Old Port is home to two key players in the contemporary art world, DHC/ART and the Phi Centre. Both host world-class unique exhibitions and events that are a must for art aficionados. If these two feel like a big commitment for your short visit or they are not showing something that appeals to your senses, you can still get your art fix! The Old Port’s streets are abundant in independent art galleries. Start by walking on rue Saint-Paul Ouest, where a number of small exhibits are open to everyone and free.
Not far from the Pier you will find Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal’s history and archeology museum, where you can get lost amongst old ruins and related temporary exhibits.
Coffee and Food
Montreal’s Old Port has really gotten a boost in this department over the past couple years and the variety is now wide. Olive and Gourmando is an old time favourite. If you’ve been to Montreal before, you may have stopped in already. It’s a dreamy and yummy spot to grab unforgettable sandwiches, pastries, and coffee.
There’s also Tommy with good coffee and a hip crowd, but you may have better luck finding a seat at Crew. Located in a well-preserved 1920s bank building, this coffee shop/co-working space hybrid boasts expensive but great coffee and food in an atmosphere that will make your jaw drop.
If the mood calls for a drink, stop at the bistro- brewery Les Soeurs Grises. Up for a not so fancy but no so cheap good meal? Vallier. Handcrafted, made-to-order junk food? Don’t leave without a burger and fries at Five Guys.
Events
Montreal has been dubbed by many the "City of Festivals." No matter what time of the year you dock here, you are bound to find a noteworthy event on the calendar. We suggest you conduct a small informal Google search and see what’s up, you may be pleasantly surprised!
Have you visited Montreal before? Add your tips below.
