Canadian Museum of Civilization
Discover the wealth of Canada’s culture as you travel across 1,000 years of history through life-size reconstructions. Get acquainted with some of the remarkable individuals who have shaped our nation, and explore the traditions and achievements of its First Peoples. The history of this land and other lands is vividly brought to life in our many exhibitions.
Never has culture been so fascinating!
With more than one million visitors each year, the Canadian Museum of Civilization is a destination of choice in the National Capital Region. An architectural jewel designed by Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal, the Museum is less than five minutes from downtown Ottawa and Parliament Hill.
When you visit, be sure to include the Canadian Children’s Museum, our international exhibitions, the Canadian Postal Museum and the IMAX® Theatre as part of your tour.
Old Montreal (Vieux-Montreal)
In 1535, explorer Jacques Cartier visited the site of modern Montreal. At the time, it was an Amerindian village. The peoples living in the area were the Algonquin, Huron, and Iroquois. One hundred years later, in 1642, the first settlers established the city of Ville-Marie (later Montreal). Under French rule, the city was fortified with wooden palisade as its location made it a critical military stronghold with the constant warring with the Iroquois and the British. A Peace treaty with the Amerindians led to a period of peace and the wooden fortifications were replaced with stone. In 1760, Montreal surrendered to British rule. During the American Revolutionary War against England, American forces occupied Montreal. A hub in the early days of the birth of Canada, the Industrial Revolution, and the Victorian era were good to the city and many of the structures reflect the wealth of the era. The 20th century brought both decline and revival, and the old city of Montreal, Vieux-Montreal, is a revitalised historic treasure.
One of the oldest urban areas in North America, many of Old Montreal’s structures date back to the 1600s. Tours of the old city may be taken on foot (guided or self-guided) or via horse-drawn carriage (caleche). Maps of the old city are available in display booths throughout the old city. The guided tours departing from the Notre-Dame Basilica charge a fee and last about 90 minutes. Themed tours include “The Old Montreal Ghost Trail” among others. The more expensive option, a horse-drawn carriage tour, is a 30-minute tour, with departures from several locations in the old city.
Highlights of any tour of Old Montreal, starting on the east end near Place Jacques-Cartier, include the Montreal City Hall, Bonsecours Market, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel (not to be confused with the basilica), and colonial mansions Chateau Ramezay and the Sir George-Etienne Cartier National Historic Site of Canada. North of City Hall lies the remaining foundation of the city wall. To the west, Place d‘Armes is home to Notre-Dame de Montreal Basilica (Montreal’s first parish church), the 1684 Sulpician seminary (the oldest existing building in Montreal), the Bank of Montreal, and the New York Life building (built in 1888, it is the oldest skyscraper in the city). To the southwest, are Place d’Youville and Place Royale as well as the archaeological evidence of the first townsite. The Pointe-a-Calliere Museum is located in this section. At the final edge of the city (the riverbank), is the Old Port (Vieux-Port), a place where maritime facilities co-mingle with recreational space, museums, and other attractions.
Though it is only about one square km (0.4 sq. mile) in size, Old Montreal is a revitalised, thriving commercial district. Nearly 200 restaurants, art galleries, spas, and speciality shops and boutiques, make up the more than 500 businesses in the district.
Quebec Winter Carnival (Le Carnaval de Quebec)
For more than 100 years, the Quebec Winter Carnival (Le Carnaval de Quebec) has attracted visitors to Quebec City to celebrate winter right in the middle of the winter season. First celebrated in 1894, the Quebec Winter Carnival is now a 17-day event that takes place at the end of January through the first weeks of February. It is an international attraction that features parades, snow and ice sculptures, sporting events, live entertainment and concerts, and much more.
Bonhomme Carnaval, the ambassador of the carnival, is the incarnation and representative of snowmen that have long been part of the folklore for Quebec children. Since 1955, a palace made of ice (or snow, from 1979-1992) has been constructed for Bonhomme Carnaval. Coloured lights shimmering at night through the ice at the palace is a delight to see and is a top attraction at the carnival.
The Quebec Winter Carnival features all sorts of games and activities for children and families. Other events include dogsled races, and canoe races across the frozen St. Lawrence River. There is a golf tournament on perfectly groomed snow; dancing, live entertainment and evening lighted parades. Sculpture contests include the International Snow Sculpture Competition and the Ice Sculpture Festival. The ice sculpting competition lasts for approximately three weeks and hosts ice sculpting teams from throughout the world. The intricate and detailed creations make a centrepiece for the festival events.
The biggest winter carnival in the world attracts nearly one million visitors each year. The majority of the events at the Quebec Winter Carnival are held on the Plains of Abraham and the Place du Palais, though the entire city of Quebec bustles with activity during the festivities.
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