Tourists love this area, and it’s hard to blame them.
By Guilhem Vellut
It’s the oldest part of Montréal, dating to the 1600s, with the kinds of small cobblestone streets and stone buildings that you can’t easily find in North America. The Old Port is full of high-priced lofts and upscale restaurants, but there are plenty of casually fun activities as well.
The Old Port skating rink is a winter wonderland now more than ever. Enjoy the impeccable refrigerated outdoor rink featuring the very best views of the city—then warm up and refuel at Bistro Bonsecours.
Located in the heart of the Old Port of Montreal, the Montreal Science Center is a choice destination for families. Entirely devoted to science and technology, the center is notable for the excellent quality of its exhibitions and the use of interactive devices in an innovative environment which is both educational and entertaining. Let science surprise you with a visit of five permanent exhibition rooms and a featured temporary exhibition. Astonishing, fun and surprising, exhibitions at the Montréal Science Centre provide a way to explore, learn and understand different subjects about science and technology. Avoid the wait in line by purchasing your tickets online.
Located on a ship anchored in the Old Port, Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau offers its passengers the healing benefits of a spa while being lulled by the natural movements of the St. Lawrence River. With its enchanting ambiance, and Old Montréal as a magical backdrop, this mysterious and innovative floating spa offers all who come aboard privileged access to the river while enjoying the relaxing and energizing properties of the water circuit.
Bota Bota consists of five decks, a floating terrasse and restaurant, and a modern garden area, which house the various spa installations. For saunas with incredible views of the river and the Old Port, two eucalyptus steam baths, three outdoor whirlpool baths, one pool, numerous cold showers, relaxation areas, and terraces. Over and above its breathtaking Montréal location, this unique spa offers prolonged well-being through massage therapy, body treatments, facial treatments, manicures and pedicures.
Elsewhere, the Montreal observation wheel is a spectacular aerial adventure. Come try the very first urban zipline circuit in Canada and explore Montréal from a bird’s eye view. Experience a thrill like no other thanks to an impressive circuit stretched over the famous île Bonsecours in Montréal’s Old Port, one of the city’s busiest tourist areas. Fly over the city like a superhero and share in this unique, safe, and exciting adventure with the whole family.
At the Café-bistro Van Haoutte and Arsenik Snack Food enjoy pastries and muffins of the day, fresh salads, a wide selection of generously filled sandwiches prepared daily, hot meals and irresistible desserts. Take a moment to savor specialty drinks or coffee prepared by a Café-bistro Van Houtte barista. Meanwhile, adjacent to Café-bistro Van Houtte, Arsenik grignotines offers a variety of appetizers to satisfy your munchies; prepackaged nuts, frozen desserts, soft drinks and bottled water. Take a break, have a seat and replenish yourself at the coffee shop’s friendly terrace on the square and along the quay.
Finally, Scena is a bistro-terrace to delight the senses. Located in the heart of Old Montréal, it offers stunning views of the city from a number of vantage points via its three splendid terraces.
