by Frances Stanford

Created on: June 21, 2009

Montreal is one of the oldest cities in Canada, having been settled by French immigrants in 1534. The native peoples, fur traders, soldiers and settlers have all had an impact on this city during the past 475 years making it one of the best destinations in the province of Quebec to explore the history of the region and the country. All of these are represented in the many historic sites that you can visit when you choose Montreal, Quebec as your next travel destination.

Canadian Centre for Architecture

This center was established in 1977 in the downtown core of the city to increase the public's knowledge of the history of architecture in Canada and the role that it played in shaping Canadian society. Photo taking is not permitted inside the facility and backpacks have to be checked at the door. The permanent exhibitions include Speed Limits, which takes a look at the role of speed in the urban development and modern architecture and Total Environments, which displays architectural styles in Montreal during the decade between 1965 and 1975. There is a vast collection of photographs from the past and a selection of books on architecture in the bookstore.

Chateau Ramsey Museum

Located in the older part of the city, the Chateau Ramsey Museum gives you a chance to step backward in time to explore the history of the city and the province. Permanent exhibits include Hochelaga, Ville-Marie and Montreal, which will take you through the history of the city from the First Nations peoples who called it Hochelaga, to the French settlers and the establishment of the first hospital in Canada to the present-day sprawling metropolis that is Montreal. Learn what it was like to live in this city in the 18th century in another of the permanent exhibits.

You will have a true horticultural experience in the variety of gardens where you can stroll amidst blooming colors and fragrances that scent the air. Here you can relax in the peace and quiet of the gardens or take part in an educational program to learn more about the gardens of the early inhabitants of New France. There are activities for the children as well as the adults making this museum a venue for every member of the family.

Chateau Dufresne Museum

Take a look at the cemeteries of Quebec when you visit the Chateau Dufresne Museum. Learn about Quebec's funeral heritage from the founding of new France to the present day. You may think that this is a macabre theme for a museum, but the vast collection is a virtual

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