Visiting Montreal's East End
Stops include the Biodome, Botanical Garden, and Olympic Stadium
Sep 4, 2009
When visiting Montreal, Canada, save a day — or two — for the Hochelaga/Maisonneuve part of town. Here you’ll find some long-standing favorites that include the Montreal Biodome, the Montreal Botanical Garden, Chateau Dufresne, Olympic Stadium, and the newest tenants in the area, the Montreal Impact soccer club. The Montreal Planetarium is slated for a new home in the vicinity in the near future as well. All are accessible within a short walk from the Pie-IX or Viau Metro stations. Here’s how to have some sightseeing fun — HoMa-style.
Nature Calls at the Montreal Biodome and Montreal Botanical Garden
The Montreal Biodome, one of Montreal’s busiest attractions, is a family-friendly place for birds, bats, flora, and fauna. The space includes four re-created ecosystems: a tropical forest, a Laurentian Forest, the Saint Lawrence Seaway, and a polar world inhabited by lots of penguins. Along the way you’ll pass through a bat cave home to 400 bats, and practically swim with the fishes near the 660,000-gallon water tank. Within each environment, temperatures and lighting are adjusted to mimic the changing of the seasons. For example, in the Laurentian Forest, the leaves fall in autumn and come back in spring.
- At 4777 Ave. Pierre De Coubertin.
- Metro station Viau.
- $16 for adults; $12 for students and seniors.
- 514-868-3000.
Montreal Botanical Garden and Insectarium was established by teacher and botanist Brother Marie Victorin in 1931. It has since blossomed into one of the world’s premier botanical gardens. A visit is highly recommended any time of year. A winter tour includes a stroll through the 10 exhibition greenhouses that duplicate the likes of a Spanish hacienda or a trip to tropics. From February to April some 15,000 butterflies take flight in the main exhibition greenhouse with the annual Butterflies Go Free rite of spring. In summer, tea tastings in the Japanese pavilion makes for a moment of Zen. And in September and October, the Magic of Lanterns — the garden’s most popular event — promises an illuminating experience as some 800 imported colorful silk lanterns light up the Chinese Garden during Montreal’s crisp autumn nights. Admission includes access to the Montreal Insectarium, a museum devoted to the world of bugs.
- At 4101 Sherbrooke St. E.
- Metro station Pie IX or Viau.
- High season rates cost $16 for adults; $12 for seniors; $8 for children 5 to 17; $2.50 for children 2 to 4.
- Call 514-872-1400.
The Big O is Still Open for Business
Montreal’s Olympic Stadium — The Big O — has enjoyed (or endured) a memorable career in its 30-odd year history. Built for the 1976 summer Olympic Games, the building was plagued with problems — specifically its retractable roof — from the very beginning. The most recent blow to the Big O saw the departure of the Montreal Expos at the end of the 2004 baseball season. That said, the venue is still used for large rock concerts, gay circuit parties, and special sporting events. Visitors can still enjoy a funicular ride to the observatory for spectacular views of the area — the tower ranks as the tallest inclined tower in the world. You can also enjoy a year-round dip in the same swimming pool used during the Olympics. Bring the camera, too — the stadium ranks as one of Montreal’s most recognizable landmarks.
- At Pie IX Boulevard and Sherbrooke Street.
- Metro station Pie-IX.
- Observatory access costs $15 for adults; $11.255 for students and seniors; and $7.50 for children.
- Call 514-252-4737 or 877-997-0919.
The Montreal Impact Shoots! Scores!
The Montreal Impact soccer club is the newest tenant in the neighborhood and a popular draw. They are members of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) First Division. The season runs April through September.
- At the Saputo Stadium 4750 Sherbrooke St. E.
- Adult ticket prices range from $10 to $50.
- Metro station Viau.
- Call 514-328-3668.
Beaux-Art Beauties at Chateau Dufresne and Maisonneuve Market
Chateau Dufresne, the lesser known tourist spot just across the street from Olympic Stadium and the Botanical Garden, is one of Montreal finest examples of 1920s Beaux-Arts style architecture. The grand mansion, built for wealthy bourgeoisie brothers Marius and Oscar Dufresne, consists of 22 rooms, but the household was split in two — one half for each brother. The ornate ceiling frescos impress with meticulous craftsmanship and are a feast for the eyes.
- At 2929 Jeanne d’Arc Ave.
- Metro station Pie-IX.
- $7 for adults; $6 for students and seniors; $3.50 for children.
- Call 514-259-9201.
Less than a mile walk or a short cab ride away, you’ll find the Maisonneuve Market. The building dates to 1915 and now serves as a community center. The actual market, home to some 40 outdoor seasonal vendors and another 10 year-round vendors, is just next door. Architect Marius Dufresne designed the Beaux Arts-style building in 1912. His former residence, Chateau Dufresne, is mentioned above.
- At 4445 Ontario St. E.
- Metro station Viau.
- Call 514-937-7754.
Enjoy a Discount
- Nature Package visit for the Biodome plus Insectarium and Botanical Garden costs $27 for adults, $20.25 for students and seniors; $13.50 for children.
- Olympic Tower Package visit for the Biodome and adjacent Olympic Tower costs $25.50 for adults; $19.25 for students and seniors; and $12.75 for children.
- Discounts given for Quebec residents.
- All prices Canadian dollars.
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