Things to see in Montreal

The Canadian Centre for Architecture should be seen as much for its own architecture as for the fascinating temporary exhibitions on buildings, architects and architectural movements inside. Peter Rose designed the modern building, whose austere limestone facade contrasts with the adjoining Shaughnessy House typical of the residences of Montreal's wealthy elite at the turn of the century. The area behind the museum is the CCA sculpture garden, designed by Melvin Charney.

This gallery never ceases to boggle the mind. Contemporary Canadian artists exhibit their work to the astonishment of art buffs and critics alike.

In the western end of Old Montreal, Pointe-à-Callière, the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History, tells the story of Montreal from its earliest days - with high-tech displays in the stunningly modern Eperon Building, and archaeological remains in the portions of the museum below place Royale (including the city's original sewers) and under the renovated Old Customs House.

Adjoining the plaza at the Place des Arts, the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Arts is Canada's only museum devoted exclusively to contemporary art. The museum's permanent collection is on display in one wing, on a rotating basis - the collection of works by Québécois artists, such as Jean-Paul Riopelle and Paul-Emile Borduas, whose expressive canvases typify the Automatistes of the mid-20th century, is particularly strong. The other wing features temporary exhibitions focusing on one or more artists. A small sculpture garden makes for a quiet retreat.

Dating back to 1829, this cathedral is the city’s most iconic building. It was the first gothic-revival church to be built in Canada and its handsome twin towers house an 11 tonne bell nicknamed “Jean-Baptiste”. Adding to local lore, French-Canadian chanteuse, Celine Dion was married here in 1994.

Montreal's largest park 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. 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, a geodesic dome contains the Biosphère - a museum devoted to increasing awareness about river and water ecology. On Sundays throughout the summer, groove to the beats at Piknic electronic, a hedonistic outdoor dance party featuring the best international and local DJs and terrific views of the city.

Located near the St Lawrence River, Old Montreal is the site of the original fortified city. The buildings and streets date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and have been carefully restored. The area is filled, throughout the summer, with tourists who come to stroll along the cobblestone streets, visit the boutiques and restaurants or simply soak up the joie de vivre among the street entertainers and pavement cafes in the former marketplace of place Jacques-Cartier. A tour on a horse-drawn calèche makes for an especially romantic way to see the sights.