Winnipeg Free Press

Winnipeg Free Press (Newspaper) - August 30, 2008, Winnipeg, Manitoba C m y k Page e3 a s we made our Way through the congested streets leading to the Lovely Marriot chateau Champlain hotel in Mont realms striking downtown i help but get excited by the vibrant Joie de Livre i Felt. Before my trip i knew virtually nothing about la Belle province. What i did know or assume was that everyone spoke French and id have difficulty making myself understood. I can Tell you now thatus a myth. In fact although most Qutb Cois speak to you first in French its the worlds second largest French speaking Cit they quickly switch to English once they realize you Arentt bilingual. They Are genuinely warm kind hearted people. And they want you to enjoy Montreal the Way they do. This cosmopolitan Centre pulses with activity combining historical Charm and Nouveau Energy which flow together naturally. The downtown seems to be largely identified with Sainte Catherine Street at 15 Kilometres the longest commercial shopping Street in Canada. I get Over the hectic daytime Pace of this Street where weaving and dodging is expected in order to move easily through the crowds. This slows somewhat after the workday ends but by no Means does this area turn into a ghost town. Instead youll find the after five crowd gathering for their Happy hour which actually starts at 4 p. M., especially on thursdays which in Montreal is the real Start of the weekend. As the fashion Mecca of Canada you can find anything from High end fashion boutiques to name Brand retailers like banana Republic and Zara. Shopping is almost considered a sport in this town and there is a reason that Montreal has earned the reputation of being the fashion capital of Canada. You can Tell the native Mon Trealer from the tourist just from what they re wearing. The term fashion plate must surely have originated in this City. And when it comes to food lets just say its a bit of a provincial obsession. Whether its dining out or cooking at Home food is a major part of everyday life. Our Lovely tour guide Ruby who blew me away with her unbelievable knowledge told us that 18 per cent of a Montre alerts yearly expenses goes to food purchases. The rest of Canada averages 11 per cent. Its not really surprising then to note that Montreal has the largest number of restaurants per resident in North America with Over 80 types of National and regional cuisines. The Island of Montreal in the st. Lawrence River has 12 tourist districts. If you have enough time try to get to All of them. If not do not miss going to old Montreal old port. When you walk through the picturesque streets of old Montreal you feel As if youve stepped Back in time. The historic architecture of 18th and 19th Century buildings line the Cobblestone streets reminiscent of the ancient buildings you see in movies. Its truly fascinating knowing a magnificent Structure like the Bank of Montreal building on st Jacques Street has been standing in the same spot for More than 150 years. At any Given time summer through to Winter you can find some kind of festival going on. The just for laughs comedy festival is one i had the privilege to attend. With dozens of venues and acts from around the Globe this 10 Day festival is a must for comedy lovers. Always held in mid july its something to keep in mind if you Are planning a trip to visit this gorgeous City. Winnipeg repress. Com travel Winnipeg free press saturday August 30, 2008 e 3 maritime All Canadian includes Beautiful Gaspe Bay sept. 6 23d Branson nov. 8 9d Nashville Branson & Pigeon forge nov. 9 15d groups & singles Welcome. Group Leader incentives. 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We guarantee the lowest rates Calgary 258 Edmonton 258 Montreal 338 Toronto 298 Vancouver 358 Kelowna 338 Halifax 458 Book by sept. 3 August openings still available phone 1 866 892 2929 email info . Com Dakota magic sept. 24 26, oct. 28 30 sky dancer sept. 9 11, oct. 8 10 spirit Lake oct. 19 21, nov. 16 18 Northern lights sept. 16 18, oct. 15 17 Sunrise Tours Margaret 339 3609 exc. Pkg. Sky dancer free meals sept. 2 4, sept. 8 10, sept. 10 12, sept. 22 24, sept. 24 26, sept. 29 oct. 1, oct. 1 3, oct. 6 8, oct. 8 10, oct. 11 13, oct. 14 16, oct. 15 17, oct. 22 24, oct. 27 29, nov. 3 5 $ 139 thief River new package free meals sept. 9 11, sept. 23 25, sept. 28 30 sky dancer sept. 4,11,18, 25, oct. 2, 9, 16 sky dancer weekends $ 139 sept. 19 21, oct. 3 5, oct. 11 13, oct. 17 19, oct. 24 26 Janet 757 2144 Judy 334 3248 out of town Call 1 866 278 8468 Jackpot Junction $ 169 sept. 14 17 4 Days / 3 nights limited seats new shooting Star 3 Days / 2 its. Sept. 29 oct. 1, oct. 12 14, oct. 27 29, nov. 9 11 Northern lights sept. 24 26, oct. 6 8 Prairies Edge oct. 1 3 $ 159 South Beach Day trip sept. 8 All Road Tours 339 1500 Dakota magic sept. 9 11 & 28 30, oct. 21 23 Only $ 79 p. P. Dbl Mille lacs oct. 13 16 $ 139 p. P. Dbl shopping Albertville factory mall groups Welcome organizer travels free plus Black Bear All new hotel huge new Casino oct. 20 23 Only $ 179 p. P. Dbl very Good rebate limited seats Branson nov. 4 10, 6 nights 7 Days Only $ 854 p. P. Dbl 6 shows inc., fantastic afternoon & evening shows plus Branson Landing & much More thief River $ 109 p. P. Dbl oct. 6 8 fantastic rebate too Good to be True South Beach $ 18 free Buffet lunch sept. 3, 17, oct. 8, 10. 15, 29 shooting Star $ 35 october 16 sky dancer $ 25 sept. 4, 18, 25, oct. 2, 9, 30 Warroad $ 25 $ 20 rebate sept. 1, 15, oct. 13, 27 spirit Lake dec. 15 17 Nashville & Branson nov. 18 28, 3 night stay in Oryland resort inc. Show & supper rockette at grand of opry 6 shows in Branson st Louis Arch plus much More $ 1695 p. P. Dbl Prairie knights nov. 3 6 great rebate free breakfasts wow. Alloa Tours. Ca shooting Star dec. 2 4 Palace nov. 23 25 $ 86 rebate River East travel & cruise Centre has an opening for a travel sales consultant experience with corporate and Leisure a definite asset. Please Forward your application by email to Philip Riveras travel. Com All applications remain confidential one Day shopping trip to grand Forks and. Sept. 27, oct. 25, nov. 22 & dec. 20 $ 37 00 per person Beaver Tours 989 7024 embassy Tours 757 9383 1 800 723 8051 Deadwood historic West sept. 28, 6 Days incl it. Rushmore crazy horse badlands 2nd departure Moose jaw spa oct. 14 17 Royal River sept. 23 26, oct. 19 22 rebate $ 75, meal cons & exc. Shopping Northern lights sept. 7 9. Oct. 19 21 Black Bear Casino oct. 7 10 fabulous shopping sightseeing nov. 9 12 grand Casino Hinckley sept. 15 18 Milles lacs oct. 19 22 Casino Regina sept. 19 21 treasure Island sept. 16 19 Minneapolis shopping getaway oct. 23 26, nov. 20 23, nov. 27 30 Wisconsin dells sept. 28 6 Days Branson Nashville Pigeon forge oct 26, 14 Days Branson 7 shows & More nov 16, 9 Day tour Hawaii cruise & stay Jan. 28 feb. 10 join us for an exploration of the hawaiian islands maritime new England fall foliage discover the spectacular scenery historic landmarks quaint fishing villages and Friendly people of Eastern Canada & new England states. Sept. 20 drive 21 Days sept. 22 Fly drive 16 Days sept. 21 2 seats Only old meets Nouveau Montreal a delicious blend of history and cutting Edge culture by Viv Duaward author Duaward above found Montre Alers Friendly and engaging and entirely devoid of linguistic elitism. Left the shopping District of rue Ste catherines and below the ancient old Montreal contrast against each other. Vive be Montreal its. The Home of Cirque Dusoleil. Montreal has Over 450 bicycle paths with another 200 being constructed during Rush hour traffic you will. F ind More bicycles on the streets than cars. Montreal is Home to the weatherproof underground City with 30 Kilometres Worth of pedestrian walkways stores restaurants buildings and bus and metro stations. Over 500,000 people use this underground network daily. Over 85 per cent of downtown Montreal is connected by the underground City. There Are 3 women for every Man in Montreal. Outside of Argentina Montreal has the largest population of tango dancers. You can bring your own bottle of wine As you Dine al Fresco on Prince Arthur streets pedestrian mall. Montre Alers live for their terraces. Once the weather hits above 0 degrees celsius you will find people sitting on the decks and patios of restaurants or at Home. According to a Mon Trealer the three things that the City is famous for Are apples cheese and Maple syrup. You will not see any kind of food Vendor on the streets of Montreal. A former mayor outlawed food vending hotdogs Etc on streets because he thought it was disgusting to sell food this Way. Sixty five per cent of Montre Alers rent rather than own. Make sure you indulge in two things Montreal while there routine French Fries with Gravy topped with cheese and an authentic Montreal Bagel they Are to die for. Montreal is Home to More festivals than there Are weeks in a year a 03_ aug 30 08. Ind e3 8 / 28/ 08 7 21 57 pm ;