Things to do in Montreal
Grab a ticket to Montreal's hockey Mecca
Considered holy ground by many, the Bell Centre (www.bellcentre.ca) is home territory for Montreal's beloved hockey team, the Montreal Canadiens. Such is their popularity that every seat has been sold-out for over a decade: so book well in advance. If you can't bag one, the stadium tour and Hall of Fame are worth visiting too.
Hit the slopes for a spot of skiing
For downhill and cross-country skiing, Montreal's powder hounds are simply spoiled for choice. Mont Tremblant (tel: +1 888 738 1777; www.tremblant.ca), a two-hour drive from the city, is popular but expensive, whilst Bromont (tel: +1 866 276 6668; www.skibromont.com) offers the largest illuminated ski terrain in North America. Skiers out of season, should head north to Mont Saint Sauveur (tel: +1 450 227 4671; www.montsaintsauveur.com).
Paddle through a National Park
Surrounded by hundreds of lakes, there couldn't be a better place to take up the serene pastime of canoeing than Montreal. Oka Park, L'Anse-a-l'Orme and the Laurentians all have water access. Just south of Montreal, Parc Iles-de-Boucherville (tel: +1 800 665 6527; www.sepaq.com) has clearly marked water trails to take kayakers between islands, as well as equipment rental.
Tackle Canada's wild white waters
The Laurentian Mountains have fast-flowing, clean rivers with rapids that are ideal for white-water rafting. New World Rafting (tel: +1 800 361 5033; www.newworld.ca/en) offer rides down the Rouge River, but if paddling doesn't appeal, Rafting Montreal (tel: +1 514 7672230; www.raftingmontreal.com) tackle the Lachine Rapids in a piloted jet boat instead.
Trek to the Eastern Townships
Within Montreal, Mount Royal has peaceful paths up and around the mountain, which are ideal for ramblers looking to escape the sounds of traffic. Outside the city, both the stunning Laurentian Mountains and the Eastern Townships offer adventurous hikers the chance to lace their boots for more strenuous and scenic excursions.
