Single Use Technologies VIII
Montréal, Canada
A striking union of European charm and North American attitude, Montréal seduces visitors with a harmonious pairing of the historic and the new and from exquisite architecture to fine dining.
Because of its position in the St. Lawrence River, the island of Montréal was originally a diplomatic trading area for regional First Nations: Atikamekw, Algonquin, Mohawk, and Iroquois. This strategic location and fertile soil made Montréal desirable. Before it became a bustling port city, travelers from all over arrived on its shores. The French colonists were the first to arrive, followed by the English, the Scottish and the Irish. Today, 120 distinct ethnic communities are represented in its population of more than 3.6 million, making Montréal a veritable mosaic of cultures and traditions. The world’s second largest francophone city after Paris, it is truly an international city. A world leader in such industries as aeronautics, information technology and biotechnology, the city has also made significant innovations in medicine, multimedia, the arts and urban planning. UNESCO has designated it as a City of Design. Well known for its superior cuisine, it is not only a gourmet destination but a city of art galleries and boutiques.
It is easy to navigate the city’s streets, vast parks, metro and underground pedestrian network.
Popular Activities in Montréal
The following is a list of a few of the most popular things that visitors to Montréal enjoy:
Climbing Mount Royal (the lookout)
Designed by Frederick Law Omsted (who also designed Central Park in New York), the “mountain” park at the heart of the city is the city’s most iconic landmark. The viewpoint is reached by a set of stairs.
Old Montréal
A visit to Montréal is not complete without meandering through the cobblestone streets of the city’s old district. With juxtaposed architecture dating back as far as 1685, visitors have the opportunity to see how the city first began developing. A must-see stop is the Notre-=Dame Basilica for a glimpse at the incredible stained-glass art. Place Jacques-Cartier is a perfect spot to watch street performers and portrait artists from one of the many terraces.
The Underground
Montréal contains a vast network of pedestrian walkways – 32 kilometers – of connecting passageways beneath street level. During the winter months Montréalers and visitors circulate this network to connect with offices, trains, shops and restaurants. It is referred to as RESO (“network” in French), it connects with the convention center, some hotels, and the main shopping center, Centre Eaton de Montréal.
Montréal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA)
One of the most important art institutions in North America is the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA). The multiple rooms contain paintings, sculpture, graphic art, photography and decorative art objects. For a more modern approach, visit Canada’s leading museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. The Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (MAC) features a permanent collection but features numerous spectacular multimedia events.
Saint Joseph’s Oratory
This stunning church is one of the most popular catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. It is home to a magnificent Rudolf von Beckerath organ, which is ranked among the ten most prestigious in the world. The huge dome reaches 97 meters making it equal in height to Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Hotel Omni Mont-Royal
The conference will take place at the Omni Mont-Royal Hotel (Address: 1050 Sherbrooke St W, Montréal, Quebec H3A 2R6, Canada; Phone: +1 514-284-1110).
Offering a timeless escape in Montréal at the foot of Mount Royal, this hotel epitomizes sophisticated comfort. Abundant natural light streams in to illuminate the elegantly appointed loft-style guest rooms, enhanced by magnificent views of the city skyline. You will be steps from McGill University and half a kilometer from both the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts and the Eaton Center. The rooms feature iPod docking stations and LCD televisions, complimentary wireless internet, and premium bedding. There is a 24-hour fitness center, concierge services, a gift shop, and laundry/dry cleaning services. The hotel’s restaurant, Le Petit Opus, is open for lunch and dinner. There is a coffee shop, room service and the Alice Bar with its large selection of champagnes, wines, beers and cocktails. Breakfast is served daily from 6:30 am – 11:00 am. There are bicycle rental stations nearby as well as hiking and biking trails. Valet parking is available. The check-in time is 3:00 pm and check-out is at noon.