Parc Jean-Drapeau
Montreal's largest park (tel: (514) 872 6120; website: www.parcjeandrapeau.com) comprises two islands (Ile Ste-Hélène and Ile Notre-Dame) and was the site of the city's monumental Expo 67 World Fair. Today, the islands are a great spot for exploring on foot, bicycle or rollerblades. Ile Notre-Dame draws motor-sports fans for the Grand Prix every June and is home to the Casino de Montréal (see Nightlife).

Half of Ile Ste-Hélène is taken up by La Ronde amusement park. Elsewhere on the island is the Stewart Museum, located in Montreal's only fort. It recalls the region's martial history with costumed guides and re-enactments. Nearby, the geodesic dome that was the American pavilion for Expo 67 now contains the Biosphère - a museum devoted to educating the public about major issues associated with water in general and the ecology of the St Lawrence River in particular. On Sundays through the summer months groove to the beats at Piknic éléctronik (website: http://piknicelectronik.com) a hedonistic outdoor dance party featuring the best international and local DJs and terrific views of the city.

La Ronde
Tel: (514) 397 2000.
Website: www.laronde.com
Admission charge (closed in winter).

Stewart Museum
Tel: (514) 861 6701.
Website: www.stewart-museum.org
Admission charge.

Biosphère
Tel: (514) 283 5000.
Website: http://biosphere.ec.gc.ca
Admission charge.