The best way to learn about the history of this city is to start in Old Montréal. This is where the Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History, Montréal City Museum, and Château Ramezay Museum are.
Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History
350 Place Royale, (514) 872-9150
Pointe-à-Callière, where this museum stands, is the birthplace of Montréal. Also named a National Historic Site, this incredible space hosts some award winning archaeological finds. Start on the ground floor with an 18-minute multimedia show spanning the history of the city. Then go down to the basement to see Montréal’s first cemetery, and walk beside and above ancient digs that are displayed within touching distance. There are also a few exhibitions above ground to give different perspectives of the city.
Montréal City Museum
335 Place D’Youville, 514-872-3207
On the next block, walk to the Centre d’histoire de Montréal museum. Here is another take on the city’s past through its citizens. The permanent exhibit uses families and their situations to describe what life was like and how history changed their lives. Upstairs, there is a temporary exhibit that is currently “Who Set Fire to Montréal? 1734- The Trial of Angélique.” It’s a fun way to play detective and come up with a verdict. Running until November 30, 2008.
Château Ramezay Museum
280 Notre-Dame Street East, 514-861-3708
The oldest private history museum, this former residence was built in 1705 and has acted as a home that welcomed guests like General Richard Montgomery and Benjamin Franklin. For more than 110 years, though, it has been a historical museum, teaching visitors and residents about Montréal through 30,000 objects. The collection takes visitors from Amerindian prehistory up to the early 20th century, showing what it was like to live during these times.
Stewart Museum
20 chemin du Tour de l’Isle, 514-861-6701
Outside of the old city, a trip to the Stewart Museum is like stepping right back to the 18th century. Go during the summer when there are costumed interpreters to guide visitors along. This fort is located on St. Helen’s Island, which is a 15-minute car ride or a stop at the Jean-Drapeau metro line and a 10-minute walk (follow the signs). Note that extensive work is being done on the permanent collection and the museum is set to re-open in May 2010.
Musée McCord Museum
690 Sherbrooke Street West, 514-398-7100
Also outside the old city is this interesting museum of Canadian history. Started by the passionate David Ross McCord in 1878 and inaugurated into the present museum in 1921, there are now over 1,375,000 objects, images and manuscripts in the collection. One of the fascinating temporary exhibits is called “Reveal or Conceal?” and explores the styles and garments that women have worn over the last two centuries. The pieces of clothing on display are provocative, demure and sometimes unbelievable. Running until January 18, 2009.
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal
424 Saint-Sulpice Street, 514-842-2925
Although this basilica in downtown Montréal is beautiful during the day, stop by in the evening for the neat sound and light show (tickets, 1-800-361-4595). This simplified historical show ignites light into the glorious church. The colours and shadows are magnificent and the unique concept is definitely a hit for all ages.
Contact Tourism Montréal for more city ideas or the Ministry of Tourism (1-877-266-5687) to explore the rest of the province.
Lori Henry - A travel writer, Lori flits between exploring the world with incessant curiosity and huddling over her laptop writing.
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