The Old Port of Montreal (French: Vieux-Port de Montréal) is the historic port of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Located adjacent to Old Montreal, it stretches for over 2 km (1.2 mi) along the Saint Lawrence River. It was used as early as 1611, when French fur traders used it as a trading post.
| Old Port of Montreal Vieux-Port de Montréal (French) | |
|---|---|
 The Old Port of Montreal | |
 Click on the map for a fullscreen view | |
| Location | |
| Country | Canada |
| Location | Montreal, Quebec |
| Details | |
| Opened | 1830 |
| Operated by | Old Port of Montreal Corporation, Canada Lands Company |
| Statistics | |
| Website https://www.oldportofmontreal.com/ | |
In 1976, Montreal's Port activities were moved east to the present Port of Montreal in the borough of Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.[1]
The Old Port was redeveloped in the early 1990s, under the direction of architects Aurèle Cardinal and Peter Rose.[2] It is today a recreational and historical area and draws six million tourists annually.[1]
Attractions
editThe historical Old Port offers Montrealers and visitors alike access to a wide variety of activities, including the Montréal Science Centre, with an IMAX Theatre, and the Montreal Clock Tower. It offers riverfront access for walking, cycling, roller-blading, quadricycle, pedalo and Segway rentals. It is also located at the eastern end of the Lachine Canal, which has itself been extensively refurbished as a popular destination for cycling, roller-blading and pleasure boating. Cultural events include the Festival Montréal en lumière, Igloofest and the Matsuri Japon festival.
In June 2012, an urban beach, called the Plage de l'Horloge (Clock Tower Beach), opened adjacent to the Clock Tower.[3][4]
The Old Port of Montreal changed its name to The Quays of the Old Port of Montreal in 2005. Approximately every two years the Cirque du Soleil launches a new show from the Jacques Cartier Quay.[5]
The Old Port was rejected as the site of a proposed aerial gondola.[6][7]
The Old Port was also known as one of the most famous fishing spots in the greater Montreal area. A popular shore fishing position is Parc de la Cité-du-Havre, which provides a fishing spot with a wide range of fish species. In the winter, ice fishing events were held on the ice inside the old port.
The Grande roue de Montréal Ferris Wheel opened in 2017 at the Old Port. It is the tallest ferris wheel in Canada.[8]
Management
editThe Old Port is managed by the Old Port of Montreal Corporation, a subsidiary of Canada Lands Company. The Old Port of Montreal reports directly to Canada Lands Company.[9]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "History of the Old Port". Old Port of Montreal Corporation inc. Retrieved 18 September 2012.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Affleck, Gavin. "IN FULL VIEW: PUBLIC SPACE IN MONTREAL". Canadian Architect..
- ^ {aMKOAKZM3EJ3DNF RJL3K4M2E1,.DEFMRReid, Evelyn (June 12, 2012). "The Old Port's Clock Tower Beach: Montreal's Other Urban Beach". About.com. Archived from the original on May 30, 2015. Retrieved May 29, 2015.
- ^ Riga, Andy (March 2, 2012). "Montreal's Old Port beach: sand, boardwalk, umbrellas – but no swimming and it won't be free". Montreal Gazette. Archived from the original on March 5, 2012. Retrieved March 2, 2012.
- ^ Fodor's (2013-02-26). Fodor's Montreal & Quebec City 2013. Travel Distribution. ISBN 9780891419402.
- ^ Brownstein, Bill (31 December 2008). "One family's dream would be our trippy view of the city, river and mountain". Canada.com. Retrieved 9 September 2015.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Burnett, Richard (11 December 2008). "Montreal Aerial Gondola: Up in the air". Hour. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
- ^ Castilloux, Charlotte. "La Grande roue du Vieux-Port enfin ouverte". Le Journal de Montréal (in French).
- ^ "Canada Lands to oversee Old Port of Montreal after expense scandal".