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Montreal, CANADÀ 2024.
Rue Crescent in Montreal, Canada, is renowned for being the site of a large and iconic mural dedicated to the city's legendary singer-songwriter and poet, Leonard Cohen.
Location: The mural is situated on Rue Crescent in the heart of downtown Montreal, covering the side of a building. The specific address is often cited as 1420 Rue Crescent.
Significance: Rue Crescent is considered a fitting location, as it's a nightlife hotspot that Cohen was known to frequent during his lifetime.
Features: Titled Tower of Songs, the monumental artwork was inaugurated in 2017, around the first anniversary of Cohen's death. It covers over 1,000 square meters, making it one of the largest art pieces in the downtown core.
Artists: It was created by the MU collective, specifically by artists El Mac and Gene Pendon, and is based on a photograph of Cohen taken by his daughter, Lorca Cohen.
Tribute: The mural serves as a lasting tribute to Cohen as one of Montreal's cultural builders, quickly becoming a landmark and a very popular photo spot for both tourists and fans.
Montreal, CANADÀ 2024.
The Tour de l'Horloge (Clock Tower) is a prominent landmark in Montreal, Canada, located in the Old Port (Vieux-Port) area, symbolizing the city's maritime history.
Location and Function: It is situated on the Quai de l'Horloge (Clock Quay). Originally, it served a dual purpose: it functioned as a lighthouse for navigators entering the port and was designed to conceal the maritime hangars and grain conveyor system behind it.
History and Commemoration: Construction took place between 1919 and 1922 (inaugurated in 1922, with the clock mechanism starting in 1923). It was also known as the "Sailors' Memorial Tower" and was erected as a memorial to the Canadian sailors killed during World War I.
Characteristics: The structure is built in the Beaux-Arts style and stands at a height of 45 meters. It was designated a Classified Federal Heritage Building in 1996.
Public Access: The Tower features a 192-step staircase leading up to an observation deck, although access to the interior can be restricted during certain seasons.
Surrounding Area: It is located next to the popular Plage de l'Horloge (Clock Beach), a non-swimming relaxation area with sand and deckchairs, which also hosts various events.
Montreal, CANADÀ 2024.
The Marché Bonsecours (Bonsecours Market) is an iconic building and a National Historic Site of Canada in Montreal, located in the Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) borough near the St. Lawrence River.
History and Significance: Inaugurated in 1847, it is one of the most recognizable and historically important buildings in Montreal. Designed in a Neoclassical (also cited as Neo-Renaissance) style, it is known for its impressive façade and prominent silver dome.
Historical Functions: Throughout its history, the building has served several major roles:
Public Market: Its primary function for over a century, serving as the city's main agricultural marketplace and meeting place.
Parliament: It briefly housed the Parliament of the Province of Canada in 1849.
City Hall (Hôtel de Ville): It was the seat of the Montreal City Hall from 1852 to 1878.
Concert Hall and Ballroom: It also functioned as an important venue for cultural events and social gatherings.
Current Function: Following extensive restoration, today the Marché Bonsecours operates as a multi-purpose complex and a major tourist destination.
Shopping and Crafts: It is home to a commercial gallery featuring high-end boutiques and shops by Quebec artisans and designers.
Events and Exhibitions: It features several large halls, such as the impressive Ballroom, which are rented for major events, receptions, and exhibitions.
Other Uses: It also houses the headquarters of the Quebec Crafts Council (Conseil des métiers d'art du Québec).
Location: It is located on Saint-Paul Street East in the heart of Old Montreal, and is easily accessible via the metro (Champ-de-Mars station).
Montreal, CANADÀ 2024.
Rue Saint-Paul (Saint Paul Street) is the oldest and most historic street in Montreal, Canada, and the bustling heart of the Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) district.
History and Age: Laid out by François Dollier de Casson in 1672 (though its path existed from 1645), it is officially the oldest street in the city. For many years, it served as Montreal's main thoroughfare and crucial commercial artery.
Appearance and Atmosphere: The street retains much of its historical charm, with many sections still paved with cobblestones. It is lined with heritage buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Modern Life: Today, Rue Saint-Paul is a vibrant area and a major tourist attraction. Its function is primarily commercial and cultural, featuring a varied offering that includes:
Shopping and Commerce: Art galleries, local designer boutiques, specialty shops, and souvenir stores.
Gastronomy: Quality restaurants, bars, and cafes with street-side terraces.
Key Landmarks: Rue Saint-Paul is home to or runs close to some of Montreal's most important landmarks:
The Bonsecours Market (Marché Bonsecours).
The Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel.
Place Jacques-Cartier, a nearby square that is closed to traffic during the summer months.
Montreal, CANADÀ 2024.
The Monument à Paul de Chomedey, sieur de Maisonneuve is one of the most important and iconic monuments in Montreal, Canada.
Paul de Chomedey, sieur de Maisonneuve
Maisonneuve (1612–1676) was a French military officer and the co-founder, along with Jeanne Mance, of Ville-Marie (which became Montreal) in 1642. He also served as its first governor.
The Monument
Creation and Inauguration: The monument was designed by the renowned Quebec sculptor Louis-Philippe Hébert. It was commissioned for the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of Montreal's founding and was unveiled on July 1, 1895.
Location and Structure: The majestic work is a prominent landmark situated in the centre of Place d'Armes in Old Montreal. The structure, approximately 9 meters (30 feet) high, is made of bronze and granite, featuring a central pedestal and a surrounding water basin.
Central Figure: At the top, the bronze statue of Maisonneuve stands, dressed in military attire, proudly holding a flag in his right hand and resting his left hand on the hilt of his sword, gazing toward the St. Lawrence River (symbolizing the gateway to the new city).
Attached Figures: At the foot of the pedestal are four bronze figures representing other key historical personalities from Ville-Marie's early days, including Jeanne Mance (the co-founder and hospital founder) and Lambert Closse (a military hero).
The monument is a key symbol of Montreal's French and foundational heritage, located directly across from the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica.
Montreal, CANADÀ 2024.
The Belvédère Kondiaronk is, without a doubt, the most famous and spectacular viewpoint in Montreal, located at the summit of Mount Royal.
Main Location: It is situated directly in front of the grand Chalet du Mont-Royal, a historic building that functions as a visitors' center.
The Views: The viewpoint, a semicircular terrace, offers a direct and stunning panorama of downtown Montreal, clearly showcasing the skyline of skyscrapers. On clear days, the view stretches to the St. Lawrence River and the Montérégie hills in the distance.
Cultural Significance: For over a century, it has been the preferred spot to observe the city's growth and transformations. The view from Mount Royal towards the river is historically considered the most cherished view in the city.
Accessibility: The Belvédère Kondiaronk can be reached in several ways:
By Foot: By climbing the various stairs and paths (such as the popular route starting at Avenue des Pins and Peel Street).
By Bus: Using bus line 11, which drops you off near the location.
By Car: Paid parking is available nearby.
Nearby Attractions: Just a short walk away is the Lac aux Castors (Beaver Lake), a popular recreational hub offering activities year-round, including ice skating in the winter.
Montreal, CANADÀ 2024.
Rue Saint-Viateur Ouest (Saint-Viateur Street West) is one of Montreal's best-known thoroughfares, particularly famous for its cultural and commercial concentration in the Mile End neighbourhood.
Origin of the Name: The name honors the religious congregation of the Clercs de Saint-Viateur (Clerics of St. Viateur), whose provincial house was located alongside the street.
Heart of Mile End: The western section of the street, particularly within the Mile End area (west of Saint-Laurent Boulevard), is considered the central commercial artery and heart of this vibrant and creative neighbourhood.
Emblematic Cuisine: The street is renowned for its wood-fired bagel rivalry. The flagship bakery of St-Viateur Bagel (at 263 Rue St-Viateur O.) is one of Montreal's most famous culinary institutions.
Urban Character: Rue Saint-Viateur Ouest mixes traditional Montreal residential architecture with new and old commercial spaces, including galleries, specialized shops, and modern developments replacing old industrial buildings or garages.
Extension: The street transitions into Avenue Saint-Viateur as it crosses into the Outremont borough.
Montreal, CANADÀ 2024.
The address 1191 Crescent St is located in the heart of downtown Montreal, Quebec, and is known for its prime location in one of the city's most vibrant areas.
Location: The address is situated on Crescent Street, a highly coveted street within the Golden Square Mile district of downtown Montreal. Crescent Street is famous for its dynamic atmosphere, renowned for its nightlife, quality restaurants, bars, galleries, and boutiques.
Building Type: The specific building at 1191 Crescent Street appears to be a mixed-use residential/commercial building offering accommodations, including short-term rental apartments (like those found on rental platforms). Furthermore, the immediate area (1184-1190) features commercial condo units, underscoring the high real estate value of the location.
Accessibility: The address boasts an excellent Walk Score due to its proximity to virtually everything. It is within easy walking distance of:
Public Transit: Peel and Guy-Concordia metro stations (and Lucien L'Allier).
Key Destinations: The Bell Centre (home of the Montreal Canadiens), museums, and major shopping areas.
Other Occupants: At least one part of the building or nearby complex has also been used by businesses, such as the publishing company Grinning Man Press.
Montreal, CANADÀ 2024.
The Jacques Cartier Bridge is one of the most famous and emblematic bridges in Montreal, a key feature of the city's skyline and a vital link in Greater Montreal's transportation network.
History and Name: It was inaugurated in 1930, originally named the "Harbor Bridge" (Pont du Havre). It was renamed in 1934 to honor Jacques Cartier, the French explorer who charted the St. Lawrence River.
Structure: It is an iconic steel cantilever bridge. It features five traffic lanes that are managed using a reversible center lane to handle rush-hour traffic, as well as a sidewalk and a multipurpose path for pedestrians and cyclists. Its total length, including approaches, is over 3.4 kilometers.
Key Features: The bridge includes four large structural features on its main span, often colloquially referred to as the "Eiffel Towers." It also provides access to Saint Helen's Island (Île Sainte-Hélène) and Parc Jean-Drapeau.
Iconic Illumination: The bridge is renowned for its interactive lighting system, known as "Living Connections" (Connexions Vives), installed in 2017. This system changes color and tempo based on the city's seasons and energy, transforming the bridge into a nightly visual beacon.
Here is the last picture of this serie on butterflies that I have taken at the Montreal Botanical Gardens, Quebec, Canada. To close it, I share with you this picture of a LEUCONOE ,which I caught in a singular and unusual position. Thanks to all of you my friends for your kind visits.
Voici la dernière photographie de cette série sur les papillons que j'ai prise aux Jardins Botaniques de Montréal, Québec, Canada. Je termine avec une photo d'un LEUCONOE que j'ai capté dans une position assez singulière et inhabituelle. Merci à vous tous mes amis pour vos fidèles visites.
Montreal, CANADÀ 2024.
Rue Sainte-Catherine Est (Saint Catherine Street East) is the eastern segment of Montreal's longest commercial artery, famous for being the heart of the city's Gay Village.
The Montreal "Village": This section, particularly the strip from Rue Saint-Hubert to Avenue Papineau, is the central location of the Montreal Gay Village (or simply "The Village"), recognized as one of the largest 2SLGBTQ+ spaces in the world.
Atmosphere and Character: The area is known for being festive, welcoming, and inclusive, featuring a high concentration of restaurants, bars, unique boutiques, and lively terraces. Historically, while the West End was associated with department stores and the Anglophone elite, the East End developed with industry and Francophone workers.
Pedestrianization: During the summer, the Village segment is transformed into a pedestrian-only zone filled with outdoor art and installations, attracting millions of visitors.
Major Redevelopment Project: The city of Montreal has announced plans for a complete transformation of the Village stretch (between Rue Berri and Avenue De Lorimier). The project aims to make the street permanently pedestrian year-round and will include more greenery, new street furniture, and a large-scale illuminated ceiling that evolves with the seasons. Work is expected to take place between 2026 and late 2030.
Montreal, CANADÀ 2024.
Congregation Shaar Hashomayim (Hebrew for "Gate of the Heavens") is one of the oldest and most prominent religious institutions in the Jewish community of Montreal and all of Canada.
History and Significance
Founding: The congregation was incorporated in 1846, making it the oldest Ashkenazi synagogue in Canada and the country's largest traditional synagogue. It was founded by Jewish immigrants of English, German, and Polish descent.
Current Building: The congregation moved into its current, impressive building, known for its Eclectic and Rundbogenstil architecture, on Kensington Avenue, Westmount, in 1922. In 2022, it celebrated its centennial at this location.
Tradition: It identifies as a Traditional Judaism synagogue following the Ashkenazi rite. It notably maintains the rare tradition of European Choral Synagogues, with its clergy wearing robes for Shabbat and High Holy Day services.
Community and Facilities
Grandeur: The Main Sanctuary has a capacity for 1,800 seats and is recognized as one of the most magnificent spaces in Montreal, featuring stained-glass windows, stately stone pillars, and a 40-foot-high ceiling.
Activities: Beyond daily and Shabbat services, "The Shaar" (as it's commonly known) is an active community hub, hosting weddings, B'nei Mitzvah celebrations, tribute dinners, concerts, and extensive programming for youth and families.
Inclusivity: Although guided by Orthodox tradition, the congregation strives for a spirit of openness and inclusiveness, welcoming everyone regardless of their level of knowledge or observance.
Montreal, CANADÀ 2024.
The Old Port of Montreal (Vieux-Port de Montréal) is the historic port of the city, which has been successfully redeveloped into an extensive recreational, cultural, and tourist area that attracts millions of visitors annually.
History: The area was used as a trading post as early as 1611 and flourished as Montreal's main port during the Industrial Revolution (18th and 19th centuries). In 1976, port operations were moved further east, and the area was redeveloped into a recreational space in the early 1990s.
Main Attractions: The Old Port is a major destination offering year-round activities for all ages:
La Grande Roue de Montréal: Canada's tallest Ferris wheel, opened in 2017.
Montreal Science Centre (Centre des sciences de Montréal): A science center featuring an IMAX cinema.
Clock Tower (Tour de l'Horloge): A 45-meter historic monument that once marked the entrance to the port.
Clock Tower Beach (Plage de l'Horloge): An urban beach open in the summer with stunning river views.
Adventure Activities: Including a zipline (MTL Zipline) and bungee jumping.
Atmosphere and Events: The site is a large, car-free linear park that hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, such as the winter festival Igloofest and cultural events like the International Reggae Festival and fireworks displays. It also includes a marina (Port d'escale) for recreational boats.
Montreal, CANADÀ 2024.
Rue Saint-Urbain (Saint Urbain Street) is a long, historic street running south-to-north through Montreal, known for its rich immigration history and its prominent place in literature.
Origin of the Name: The street is named after Urbain Tessier, a farmer and carpenter who settled in the area and built the original southernmost stretch in the 17th century. The name also references Saint Urbain. The street was officially designated before 1817.
Cultural and Demographic Significance: Saint Urbain is particularly famous for being a hub and the heart of Montreal's Historic Jewish Quarter in the early 20th century. Although much of the community moved to Outremont by the 1970s, the history and legacy remain central. Later, the street also became home to Greek, Portuguese, and Caribbean immigrants.
Popular Culture: The street was famously immortalized by Montreal author Mordecai Richler, who grew up in the area and used Rue Saint-Urbain as both a title and a central setting in many of his novels, chronicling the life of the neighbourhood's Jewish community.
Recent Urban Development: Montreal has recently implemented projects to transform a section of Rue Saint-Urbain (between Avenue Bernard and Rue Milton) into a sustainable mobility corridor, adding a protected bike path and a reserved bus lane during peak hours to improve active and public transportation connectivity between the Plateau and Downtown.
Montreal, CANADÀ 2024.
Dorchester Square is a historic urban square and a green oasis in the heart of Downtown Montreal. It is intrinsically linked to the adjacent Place du Canada.
History and Location
Former Cemetery: The square was established on the site of the former Saint-Antoine Catholic Cemetery. Its conversion to a public park began in the 1870s and it was inaugurated in 1878.
Division and Naming: Until 1967, the entire area was known as Dominion Square. When the adjacent boulevard (formerly Dorchester Boulevard) was renamed Boulevard René-Lévesque in 1987, the northern section became Dorchester Square (in honour of Guy Carleton, 1st Baron Dorchester), while the southern section was named Place du Canada.
Significance: The square and the buildings surrounding it (like the Sun Life Building and Central Station) commemorate Montreal's Victorian era and its industrial and railway-related growth.
Features and Highlights
Urban Oasis: It is known as a beautiful and serene spot for strolling and relaxing, featuring manicured lawns and a harmonious Victorian-inspired design. It's a popular lunchtime spot.
Monuments: The square is home to several important historic monuments, including:
The Boer War Memorial.
The statue of Sir Wilfrid Laurier (former Prime Minister).
The statue of Scottish poet Robert Burns.
The Lion of Belfort.
Architecture: It is surrounded by impressive historic and modern buildings and sits over a series of railway lines, including the Canadian National Rail tunnel leading to Central Station. The square is a key stop on many downtown walking and bus tours.
Montreal, CANADÀ 2024.
Boulevard René-Lévesque Ouest (René-Lévesque Boulevard West) is one of Montreal's most important thoroughfares, serving as the central axis of its main business district.
Historical and Current Name: The street was originally known as Dorchester Boulevard. It was renamed in 1987 in honour of René Lévesque (1922-1987), the twenty-third Premier of Quebec and founder of the Parti Québécois. The name change is a significant event in modern Montreal history.
Financial and Office Core: The West section of the boulevard is Montreal's business and financial district. It is lined with numerous skyscrapers and prominent office buildings, including the CIBC Tower, 1250 René-Lévesque, and the Hydro-Québec Building.
Landmarks: The boulevard features several urban and architectural landmarks, such as Place Ville-Marie, St. Patrick's Basilica, Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral, and the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA). It also separates Place du Canada from Dorchester Square.
Transportation: As a central artery, it is extremely well-connected. The west section offers excellent access to the transit network, including metro stations (Green and Orange Lines), the Gare Centrale (Central Train Station), and, more recently, direct access to the new REM light rail system.
Montreal, CANADÀ 2024.
Jack Le Coq is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain in Montreal and its greater metropolitan area, specializing in fried chicken and sandwiches.
Specialty: The restaurant is well-known for its fried chicken (both pieces and tenders), often described as "ultra-crispy" and prepared with a signature breading. They also offer poutine (topped with chicken tenders) and a variety of chicken sandwiches.
Signature Dishes: The menu features items like the Jack Classic (chicken sandwich with mayo and pickles), the spicy Jack Nashville (with honey mustard and a touch of fiery honey), and the Jack Buffalo.
Locations: Jack Le Coq has multiple locations across Montreal, including in the Mile-End neighbourhood (on Rue St-Viateur O.) and in Verdun (on Rue Wellington), along with other branches in the surrounding areas.
Reputation: It has been recognized as having some of the best fried chicken in Montreal (winning "Best Fried Chicken in Montreal" in local polls). Customers generally praise the quality of the meat and the texture of the breading, although some reviews suggest the prices can be slightly high.
Service: It offers Quebec-style and American comfort food, with options for takeout and popular delivery services (Uber Eats, DoorDash). Some locations operate late into the night (until 4 AM).
Montreal, CANADÀ 2024.
Café Saigon is a popular Montreal restaurant known for its affordable Asian cuisine.
Key Features
Cuisine Type: The restaurant focuses on Vietnamese and Thai-inspired cooking, often describing itself as inventive Asian fusion cuisine.
Offerings and Specialties: It is known for serving flavourful dishes at fair prices, making it popular among students (due to its proximity to the Université du Québec à Montréal - UQAM) and local residents. Specialties often include General Tso chicken (General Teo), Satay Soup, Pad Thai, and Tonkinese soups (Phở).
Bring Your Own Wine (BYOW): Café Saigon is an "Apportez votre vin" (Bring Your Own Wine) establishment, which is an appreciated bonus for guests.
Atmosphere: It offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with friendly service.