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Montreal is sure to be one of the places you want to travel to during Canada holidays, thanks to its combination of history, culture, green parks and natural attractions. There is so much to enjoy in Quebec's capital that it can be difficult to decide where exactly you want to visit. But there is a simple answer to that problem involving one of the city's real passions - cycling. Montreal has more than 450 km of bike paths, many of them running right through the centre of the city and past its main tourist attractions. The local authority also runs a large-scale public cycle hire scheme - similar to London's Boris bikes - so you will find it easy to get hold of a bike to explore the city. You could choose to see Montreal on two wheels independently, taking in sights you wouldn't see from a car or public transport and enjoying the unusual atmosphere in this largely French-speaking city. However, you may find it more rewarding to take part in a guided cycle tour and allow the group leader to give you some background about the sights on the way round. These tours are hugely popular with holidaymakers who want to ensure they get a little exercise while they enjoy the city's attractions. They can be booked well in advance and it is a good idea to do that when you finalise the details of your holiday to Canada. You will find there are a number of detailed tours on offer, which will allow you to focus your sightseeing on a particular area, such as Jean Drapeau Park, the banks of the St Lawrence River or Mount Royal Park. However, if it is your first time in Montreal, you may prefer a cycling tour that will take you to all the major attractions. One place you will not want to miss is Place d'Armes in the Old Montreal district. The city is famous for its mish-mash of architectural styles, which reflect its history of being ruled by both the French and British - and nowhere is that more obvious than in this beautiful square. The gothic revival design of the Notre-Dame Basilica is sure to be one of the most memorable sights of your Canada holiday, and in most settings it would dominate its surroundings. However, Place d'Armes has a number of other fascinating buildings, including a 19th century skyscraper, the New York Life Building, and the art deco Aldred Building. Old Montreal - which, as the name suggests, is the original part of the city – is home to the 19th century City Hall and a number of luxurious hotels dating back to the same time. You will also find the Pointe a Calliere archaeology museum and Bonsecours Market in this district of the city. You will want to make time to visit Mount Royal Park during your Canada holidays. The wide open green space in the downtown area of Montreal is towered over by Mount Royal. It is perhaps most famous for the illuminated cross at the peak of the mountain, but the park is also home to a lake, a man-made ski slope, a sculpture garden, tens of acres of woodland and two large cemeteries. Many of the best places to cycle in Montreal are next to water - with paths running alongside the St Lawrence River and the Lachine Canal. Any bike tour of the city's major attractions is bound to travel along the canal path at some point and perhaps go as far as Jean Drapeau Park. This spectacular park is situated on two islands, one of them man-made, in the St Lawrence River. It was created for a major exhibition in 1967, but is now the site of a number of attractions, including an amusement park, casino, beach, biosphere and the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve Formula 1 track. After spending the day exploring Montreal by bike, you will find plenty to enjoy in the evening. You could head to the Place des Arts, which with its five theatres and concert halls is regarded as the city's cultural hub. Alternatively, you could chose to experience a night out in the lively bars and clubs of Crescent Street. A bike tour of Montreal is likely to be the highlight of any Canada holiday. For more information about booking a holiday to Canada in Montreal and other Canada holidays get in touch with Bon Voyage.
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