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The
Bears’ Day Out, When will the Bears Awaken from Hibernation? The Ecomuseum’s
prediction: Thursday,
March 4, 2010,
in the morning Time to
wake up! Hibernation for our three Black Bears is earlier again this year! The
mild temperatures of the past weeks seem to indicate an earlier than usual
spring for Mommy Suzie and her two descendants, Marge and Homer. They might
show up outside this week and we think it’s going to be this Thursday! Be the
first to see them as they return to their activities. Spring is here! Free Day
for Kids at the Ecomuseum Zoo Montreal, March 2nd, 2010 – Come discover more
than 115 species of live animals from Quebec in natural settings, the only zoo of its kind on the
island of Montreal! During March there will
be fantastic activities designed to bring smiles to the whole family. Free
admission for kids accompanied by an adult* Saturday,
March 13th, 2010, 9
am to 4 pm ·
Up-close
encounters with the animals ·
Observe
feedings for the eagles, wolves and ducks ·
Our
zoologists and volunteers will be present to answer all your questions ·
Learn
more about us, our programs and our activities ·
Discover
the meaning of regional biodiversity ·
Share
a unique experience with your family! *Some
conditions may apply. The Ecomuseum
Zoo is located at 21,125 chemin Ste-Marie in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue (Québec) 514
457-9449 info@ecomuseum.ca www.zooenville.ca
February 16, 2010 Discover and Manipulate DNA during the Spring Break Adapted from a MAF release The Armand Frappier Museum is taking advantage of the March
School break to launch a new special program in 2010. This program is on
the theme of “Let’s debate Genetically-modified organisms (GMOs)”. From
March 1 to 5 both children and parents can discover the science of how DNA (a molecule found in all living
creatures) is manipulated to created GMOs. The United Nations declared 2010 to be “
The International Year of Biodiversity” and visitors, helped by scientific
animators at the museum will look into questions of whether society should
consecrate resources to try and create new species or instead try to better
understand and protect existing species. From March 1 to 5, weekday mornings from 9:30 -- 11 a.m.
will welcome children aged 6—11 and their parents to special
laboratory sessions where the role of DNA will be explained and the molecule will be extracted from fruit. Afternoons
from 1:30 --3 p.m. will see
adolescents aged 12 and up being invited to “construct a bacteria” using
state-of-the-art scientific instruments. Montreal with Kids understands that narration and instruction will be in
French only. The cost is $4.35 per child and $6.65 for
an adult. Reservations must be made at 450 686-5641 # 4217 to participate in
these workshops. Other activities related to GMOs will take
place throughout the year, but not necessarily addressing school children. In an unrelated program, this museum also
offers Saturday workshops on various themes for children aged 5—8. Reservations
are also mandatory for the Saturday workshops. The Museum is located at 531 des Prairies Blvd. in Laval H7V 1B7
January 29, 2010 Hockey Museum Opens at the Bell Centre; by John Symon Saturday, January 16 was opening day for the Montreal’s newest museum, the Montreal
Canadiens Hall of Fame. Media, including Montreal with Kids, was invited to a sneak
preview of the museum on January 15 in the presence of former Canadiens Yvan Cournoyer, Réjean Houle, and
Serge Savard. This museum is dedicated to the Montreal Canadiens professional hockey
team that celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2009--and to the game of hockey.
An estimated 800 objects are on display here together with interactive
electronic displays. There is also a 15-minute introductory film to be seen at
a theatre off the main lobby. Soundtracks, plaques, and inscriptions here are
fully bilingual. Visitors can look up near the entrance at photos of 54 Canadiens players
on an overhead display. These players have been inducted into the hall of fame
over the years, among the photos you may recognize are: Howie Morenz (who
played for the Canadiens between 1923--1937); Maurice Richard (who played for
the Canadiens from 1942--1960); and Guy Lafleur (on the team from 1972 --1985)
among many other notables. There are life-size mannequins shown here celebrating
a goal and wearing authentic Canadiens-issued equipment such as jerseys,
skates, and sticks. This equipment can be touched and handled. There is also an
impressive collection of hockey cards--behind glass cases--dating back from
1909. One room of the museum recalls a bygone era before widespread airplane
travel. It is set up to look like a replica train car dating from the 1950s
when the Canadiens used trains to travel to games in Boston, Toronto, or Detroit. Two mannequins are playing cards
while another one sleeps on the way to an out of town game. Farther along,
another room replicates a locker room. The Montreal Canadiens Hall of Fame is open Tues.--Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 a.m. to 5 p.m. On game days, spectators with
tickets can visit the museum until the end of the second intermission. Tickets
for adults cost $10; tickets for children and seniors cost $7; and family
packages are offered for $30. On game days, a reduced price of $5 applies to
those with a valid ticket for the game. Group rates are also available and the
museum hopes to receive school groups. Situated in basement of the Bell Centre (formerly known as the Molson
Centre) where the Canadiens play their home games, the Montreal Canadiens Hall
of Fame is accessed from the east side of the building, behind the St. Hubert
restaurant. Arrangements can be made for wheelchair visits. The street address
is 1909
Canadiens de Montreal Ave. (formerly de la Gauchetière Street), Montreal (corner of Stanley St.) (514) 932-2582. http://canadiens.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=59997
-30-
August 25, 2009 by John Symon The great bike tour exhibit
at Montreal’s Chateau Ramezay Museum offers a fascinating glimpse at how
bicycles have evolved from 1817 to 2009, but perhaps more importantly shows the
utterly profound influence bicycles have had on contemporary Canadian society.
Three rooms of this museum now house a temporary exhibit on bicycles. And the
museum itself has an incredible story, built in 1706 as the governor’s mansion The early ancestors of modern
bicycles are considered to be the German Draisienne of 1817 and the British
Dandy Horse of 1819, neither of which had pedals. These were essentially toys
with wheels that riders sat on and pushed themselves along with their feet. In
1861 the French Velocipede arrived on the scene with foot pedals attached to
the front wheel (much like a modern tricycle). As our readers know, the arrival
of pedals always makes a stir. The Velocipede was much faster and efficient
than its forerunners, but apparently was not very comfortable; its nickname was
“the bone shaker.” Speed increased even more
with the advent of the British Penny-Farthing about 1870, but comfort did not
come along for the ride. These bicycles were named after two British coins, one
very big and the other very small which epitomized how the front wheel was so
much larger than the small one. To mount and ride a Penny-Farthing—122cm above
the ground—required considerable balance and athletic prowess. Eventually these
bicycles evolved to have rubber tires and metal spokes. By 1884, the safety bicycle
had appeared on the scene in England with the same basic geometry as modern
bikes. They were equipped with wheels of about equal size and the pedals were
connected to the rear wheel by a chain. Inflatable rubber tires became the
norm. As their name implies, they were much safer than their predecessors—and more
comfortable. Bicycles arrived from Europe
to Montreal in the 1860s and became instantly popular, in part because they
were so much less expensive to maintain than horses. By 1869, there were 15
bike races held per year in Montreal with prizes of up to $200—a fortune in
those days! Bicycles were soon adapted for going on ice or on water (pedal
boats) and various vocational purposes. One undated illustration shows a
bicycle ambulance. And some bike accessories from the 19th century
were fairly sophisticated, such as the 1895 bike odometer. One museum display might
initially seem quite out of place: a woman’s corset from the late 19th
century. But the corset is there to demonstrate how “femininity was synonymous
with restricted mobility, restraint, and reserve. Women cyclists braved a
number of taboos and doing so were the vanguard of the movement to allow
women’s participation in sport.” Accompanying photos drive home the point,
contrasting some women in the encumbering dresses of that époque to other women
in “bloomers” (trousers made for bicycling). Bicycles thus had much to do with
the emancipation of women in Canada and elsewhere… Visitors might also be
astonished to learn about the 1899 world championship bike races in Montreal
that attracted some 30,000 spectators and where a certain “Major” Taylor
established a new world record of 1 minute and 22 seconds for the mile. This is
all the more astonishing because Taylor was black. Traditional dogma is that
blacks were not allowed to compete against whites in professional sports in
North America until Jackie Robinson broke that colour barrier in the 1940s
while playing baseball for the Royals (also in Montreal). but evidently the
colour barrier was broken in professional cycling a half century earlier. Bicycle clubs such as the
Canadian wheelmen abounded in Montreal and other cities. Five Canadian bicycle
manufacturers consolidated in 1899 to form the Canadian Cycle and Motor Co.
(CCM). The popularity of bicycling
peaked in the 1890s but why did it come to an end? Public opinion began to turn
against bicycling in the 1880s and governments found it convenient to charge
license fees for bicycles. To establish which bicyclists had paid their fees,
license plates were dispensed. government greed thus helped end the popularity
of bikes, but it was a new mechanical invention that was even more significant.
Visitors to the museum might not immediately recognize the French-built 1903
Dion Bouton on display here as a car (it looks more like a go-kart) but this
exhibit is the actual first car on the road in Montreal (and perhaps Canada?).
The owner, a Mr. Dandurand, was given a bureaucratic runaround and eventually
had to equip his car with a bicycle license plate because there was no
equivalent then for automobiles. The next few decades became
an increasingly dark period for bicycling. From only one car in 1903,
automobiles soon displaced bicycles as the main mode of private transportation.
CCM maintained a strong presence, but much of their marketing (as depicted by cartoons)
was aimed at youth. Schwinn developed the “whizzer” which was a gasoline engine
assisted bicycle for adults. By the 1970s, bicycle lobby groups such as Le
Monde a Bicyclette formed to protest the virtual monopoly local governments
were giving to automobiles when deciding on transportation policies. Plaques describe how the
first Tour de l’Ile mass bike ride began in 1984 and eventually attracted
45,000 participants by the 1990s. The attention this ride generated helped make
Montreal one of the most bicycle friendly cities in North America. The 25th
anniversary of this annual event is one of the reasons the museum hosts the
current bicycle display. A mystery remains, however, in that some of my friends
affirm to have taken part in annual Tour de l’Ile rides going back to the
1970s, recalling minute details of such rides… At the conclusion of the
exposition, we see the BIXI rental bicycle that Montreal installed 3,000 of
this year and that Time Magazine rated 18th among the best
inventions of 2008. Designed by Michel Dallaire and manufactured by
Quebec-based Devinci at a cost of $2,000 each, these bicycles and their
tracking system incorporate elegance, practicality and high tech. The museum is fairly small
and visitors will probably want to see the rest of the building that was once
described as “undoubtedly the finest residence in Canada.” This building was
the height of luxury in the 18th century. Nothing says this better
than the little cages beside the fireplaces on the ground floor. The cages were
for specially trained dogs which walked and--by aid of mechanisms--slowly
turned roasts over the fires. Governors and top
dignitaries stayed here under the French and British regimes. And when the
American Revolutionary Army briefly captured Montreal in 1776--1776, this
museum served as their military headquarters. American diplomat, politician and
scientist Benjamin Franklin (1706—1790) came to join them, trying and stir the
indifferent French Canadians to rise up against the British. That failed and
the Americans fled in early 1777. Franklin, a great inventor in his own right,
almost lived long enough to see the first bicycles. The display continues through
September 7. For more information, Château Ramezay Museum 280, rue
Notre-Dame Est www.chateauramezay.qc.ca/eng/musee/musee.htm -30-
August 4, 2009 There are Many Ways to Discover The Mille Îles River Park at Sunset The Mille Iles River Park offers many wonderful ways to get away
from it all on summer evenings. Both guided and self-guided boat trips are
offered, some for a family clientele and others mainly for adults. The On
the Track of Beavers trip will put show participants this aquatic mammal’s
lifestyle, teach them particularities about the beaver’s anatomy, and lead them
to a beaver hut. Although Canada’s national symbol is often difficult to see,
in all likelihood you will hear the sharp slap when a beaver strikes the water
with his tail—a sign of danger. Or you can take a guided tour in a rabaska
(10 person) canoe to see the Canada goose, another resident of the wetlands
along the Mille Iles River. You will see this waterfowl up close and
learn more about its lifestyle, particularly why it has chosen to nest along
the river for the past few summers. Watching insects can also be fascinating
with many species living along the river. Participate in a guided rabaska (10 person)
trip, On the Track of Insects, with stops on some of the many islands
here. The Sea Kayak at Sunset trips
allow participants to discover the basic techniques used with these sleek and
safe boats while admiring the evening scenery amid an archipelago of islands.
This is also the prime time for seeing wildlife come out… Or if you want to just sit back and watch
the scenery slip by, the motorized pontoon boat, The Blue Heron, will
take you on a cruise along the river. A guide will inform passengers about the
history and ecology of the river, complete with lively anecdotes, interesting
facts, and legends. Canoes, kayaks, (electric) motor boats,
rowboats, and pedal boats are all offered for rent here, along with lifejackets
and all necessary equipment. The slow moving current of the river makes it easy
to paddle through a maze of small islands. Boat rental services are offered
seven days a week, from 9 am to 6 pm
most days and until 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. These are great ways to get away from it
all and learn about the natural environment; all of this just a short way from
home. Animation is normally offered in French, but can sometimes also be
offered in English when this is specified while making a reservation. For more information, or for a
reservation: -30-
July 13, 2009 Maman Bebe et Café Closes Doors July 9, 2009 (Montreal, QC) – The
popular NDG café, Maman Bebe et Café, abruptly closed its doors late last
month after two and a half years of operation. The Sherbrooke Street West location offered a play area for kids, fitness studio,
mini spa, art and music classes and short-term child minding services all under
one roof. It was also a place where many mothers felt comfortable to breast
feed their infants. Owner Naomi Goldapple told Montreal
with Kids that her business was profitable, but that she had ongoing disputes
with the landlords. "Yes, there will be a reincarnation of Maman
Bebe Café. We are having discussions about that presently and the café should
reopen soon. We will announce the details on our website: http://php.mamanbebecafe.com/" Montreal with Kids is also seeking clarification about the situation with Kavaloo,
another family-friendly café located in Outremont. Unconfirmed reports say that Kavaloo has closed for
the summer and that the owners are looking for somebody else to take over the
enterprise. A recorded message simply says that the café is closed for summer
vacations. The website gives no further information. Kavaloo 1298, Van Horne Outremont 514 - 270 7715 Meanwhile, two similar cafes continue
to operate on Montreal Island: Belles Mamans Pregnancy and Parenting Center 173C Cartier Pointe Claire, Qc 514.783.3200; Enfant & Compagnie 4687 boul. Lavoisier Montreal, QC 514.327-8484 -30-
March 30, 2009 Indoor
Skydiving to Open In Laval
March 30, 2009 A new tourist attraction in the Montreal area is planning to open around April 15; it’s
SkyVenture Montreal, an indoor skydiving (simulated parachute jumping) centre.
Participants enter a 60 foot (18 metre) vertical wind tunnel where winds of 200
miles per hour (320 kmh) slowly push them upwards like an anti-gravity machine.
The experience is very similar to a real parachute jump, but is more like
flying than jumping. Although this is not exclusively a family-oriented site,
kids are welcome here if they are at least four years old. The maximum age
limit is 104. A “flight” lasts about one minute, but
expect some 75 minutes of training, briefing, and debriefing on your first
visit here that will incorporate two “flights.” All necessary equipment is
provided, but participants should come wearing comfortable clotting and running
shoes. Up to eight people can fly at once. “Girls and women generally have an easier
time with the ‘flights’ because of their greater hip flexibility,” explains
Alain Guerin, owner of the installation. Guerin is a chartered accountant by
training, but chanced upon a similar indoor skydiving centre in Florida once while on vacation. He fell in love with the
concept and then bought the franchise for Quebec. Skyventure Laval, which cost some $6
million to build and set up, is one of only sixteen such centres in the world.
The two closest similar centres are in Boston and Niagara Falls. Flaunting the latest technology of his
new centre, Guerin explains that “if the Niagara centre is like a Honda Civic, the Laval centre is like a Ferrari!” And because the air is re-circulated, this
might even be a “green” Ferrari that we are talking about. Personnel at Skyventure are highly
trained. They recently completed intensive training at the International
Bodyflight Association (I.B.A.) centre in San Francisco. A few health conditions preclude flying:
these include pregnancy, excessive weight (over 250 lbs/113 kg), and dislocated
shoulder problems. But because of the weightlessness of the experience, back
problems might not necessarily prevent participants from making the flight. Skyventure may seem pricy, with the first
two flights costing $58, but this includes training and all necessary
equipment. The cost can go down to about $18 for future flights. And even $58
is a bargain compared to a real parachute jump at about $300. “The experience
is almost identical to a real parachute jump,” adds Pierre-André Gauthier, VP
of corporate and touristic development, “but it’s much safer.” Gauthier should
know what he is talking about; he is also a parachute instructor. BOX: T 514.524.4000 Centropolis 2700, av. du Cosmodôme Laval -30-.
March 26, 2009 Family Outings with the STM Adapted from information on the website of the
Société de transport de Montréal (STM) www.stm.info/info/famille-0.htm 26 March 2009 Family
Outings The STM Family
Outings programme consists of a series of measures, including a fare privilege
for families, discounts on a wide range of activities, and a number of
initiatives aimed at making transit use with the little ones a little easier Privilège
familial (Family Advantage) In its Family
Outings program, the STM offers a fare advantage to parents who take the bus
and/or metro (subway) to reach their destination. An adult who pays for his or
her ticket has the right to bring along-- for free--up to five children aged 11
or under on weekends and holidays. Both the bus and
metro system are operated by the same agency (the STM) and tickets are
transferable from bus to metro and vice-versa. The regular cash fare for one
adult ticket is $2.75. Those taking advantage of the above offer would
presumably have to simply purchase two one-way tickets for a total of $5.50. Public
Transportation Can Give You Admission Discounts! The following
destinations offer admission discounts for those arriving by public transport. Coupons
are available for printing at the STM website and these can then be presented
when buying your ticket at the destinations below (with the discount indicated
on the right). 1.
Montreal’s
Nature Museums (Biodôme, Insectarium, Botanical gardens, Planetarium) · 15
%** 2.
Montréal
Contemporary Art Museum · $ 2** 3.
McCord
Museum · 10 %** 4.
Maison
Saint-Gabriel · $ 2** 5.
Marguerite-Bourgeoys
Museum · 10 %** 6.
Cité
Historia 7.
Château
Dufresne Museum · 10 %** 8.
Écomusée
du Fier Monde (museum) · $ 2** 9.
Montréal
Symphony Opera · 10 à 40 %** 10.
Maison
Théâtre (children’s theatre in French) · 10 %** 11.
La Ronde
(amusement park) 12.
Atrium
·(indoor skating rink in downtown skyscraper) 1 $** 13.
Société
québécoise de spéléologie (visits to the St-Leonard Cave) 14.
Ça
roule (bike rental, sale et repair at the Old Port) 15.
Le
Bateau Mouche (boat tour) 16.
Amphi-Bus
(amphibious bus) NOTE: Many of these and other local
tourist destinations already offer discounts to holders of the Acces Montreal
card (for Montreal residents) and/or holders of a Canadian Automobile
Association (CAA) card and/or an American Automobile Association (AAA) card.
For real bargain hunters, a list of free local destinations is featured in Exploring
Montreal with Kids New Initiatives Families
travelling by public transport in Montreal will be pleased to know that the STM
is working on the following issues: Earth Day Contest In
collaboration with Earth Day organisers, the STM invites Montreal Island youths
aged 14 to 17 to develop a public interest message to promote the use of public
transport. An educational kit is available for this purpose is available on the
website of Earth Day*. *Earth
Day 2009 takes place on April 22 -30- Putting Edge A new indoor “fun centre” has opened in
Laval. The slogan of this glow-in-the-dark mini putt centre could be “escape
from reality.” Putting Edge has an 18-hole (green) mini putt built on two
levels, an arcade, a snack bar and two rooms available for birthday parties.
Visitors are advised to wear white clothing that takes on an eerie glow in the
ultraviolet lighting. When you sign up for a round of golf, staff offer
glow-in-the-dark bracelets that not only add to the effect, but help you keep track
of which colour-coded ball is yours. Putting Edge’s has images of palm trees,
octopus, knights in armour, and monkeys in its surrealistic décor. Golf greens one through eight are found
downstairs, then visitors climb the stairs to the second level to play greens 9
through 16. At green 16, visitors shoot their ball into a tunnel, then watch
their ball slowly work its way down to the hole on the ground floor. Visitors
have the choice of either taking the stairs down to finishing playing this
green, or taking a spiral slide that empties onto a mattress. You’ll go faster
down the slide if you keep your legs up! Greens 17 and 18 are on the ground floor.
If you manage a hole-in-one on green 18, a light turns on and the lucky golfer
gets to try his or her hand at a wheel of fortune. Winnings vary from a free
bracelet to a season’s pass. No special shoes are required and all
equipment (putters, balls) is loaned on site. Count on about 45 minutes per
game. The arcade features basketball games, a
dance machine, air hockey, video poker, etc. and machines are operated with $1
coins. The snack bar features soft drinks, pizza, and candy bars. Kids make up a large part of the clientele
at Putting Edge, especially on weekends and the place can get noisy. After 8
p.m. it’s the 17 to 25 age group that dominates. Tuesdays see a ladies night
with discounted entrance fees while Thursdays are student nights. For those planning to hold birthday parties
here, brochures advise that you only need to bring the kids and a cake; staff
will take care of the rest. People in wheelchairs will find the ground
floor difficult to play and the upstairs impossible. In winter the centre opens at 12 noon
weekdays 10 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday. It closes at 10 p.m. most evenings
except for Friday and Saturday when it closes at 12 midnight and Sundays when
it closes at 9 p.m. Adult admission: $9.39; Youth (7-12yrs) -
$8.40, Child/Senior 5-6 yrs/55+ - $6.90 105 Promenade du Centropolis
March 9, 2009 LE CHAT SE DÉNUDE POUR LA 3e ÉDITION DU
SALON FÉLIN DE LAVAL LES 28 & 29 MARS Laval – Le 12 février 2009
– La troisième édition du Salon et Exposition féline de Laval, présenté
par le Club félin Occidental, un organisme sans but lucratif,
affilié à l’Association Féline Canadienne, aura lieu les 28 et 29 mars
prochains, entre 9 et 17 heures, au Collège Laval (275,
rue Laval, Saint-Vincent de Paul). Les amateurs pourront y
admirer environ 150 spécimens de plus de 25 races sans oublier de magnifiques
chats sans pedigree de toutes les couleurs. Les félins seront évalués
par 10 juges, en provenance du Québec, de l’Ontario, des États-Unis et de la France.
Le clou du week-end sera sans contredit la présentation le
dimanche des meilleurs chats de la
compétition. Différents kiosques de vente et
d’information proposeront aliments, bijoux, jouets et autres accessoires. À pedigree ou domestiques,
les chats attendent grands et petits les 28 et 29 mars au Collège Laval. Le
prix d’entrée est de 7 $ pour les adultes, de 5 $ pour les enfants de
6 à 12 ans et les gens de l’âge d'or. L’entrée est gratuite pour les
enfants de 6 ans et moins. Plus de détails au www.clubfelinoccidental.com. –
30 – Source : Roger Boissellle Exploring Montreal with Kids; Top Winter Attractions -
Sledding (tobogganing) is a great family outing, especially
with younger children. It is healthy, affordable and generally close by. Dress yourself
and kids warmly under a windproof layer; the snow tends to infiltrate into the
tiniest gaps under clothing. While there are many sledding hills around
Montreal, the ones below generally have a heated building, telephone, washrooms,
and a snack bar nearby. Some of them also offer sled rentals: 1)
Beaver Lake (Mount Royal Park) Camillien
Houde Way, Montreal, (514) 872-8240 www.lemontroyal.qc.ca (Also
features snow tubing and artificial snowmaking.) 2)
Bois-de-Liesse Nature
Park; 3555 Douglas B. Floreani, Ville-St-Laurent, (514) 280-6678 •
www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/parcs 3)
Laval Nature Centre, 901
Park Ave., Laval (450) 662-4942 4)
Longueuil Regional
Park, 1895 Adoncour St., Longueuil, (450) 468-7617 • www.sogep.ca 5)
Mont St. Hilaire Centre, for Nature Conservation, 422 des Moulins
Rd., St-Hilaire, (450) 467-1755 • www.mcgill.ca/Biology/research/msh 6)
Murray Hill Park, (officially
known as King George Park), Westmount Ave. and Murray Hill Ave., Westmount, (514)
989-5353 7)
P. E. Trudeau Park, (formerly
known as Centennial Park), Mackle Rd. and Stephen Leacock Ave., Côte St. Luc, (514) 485-6806 8)
Pointe-aux-Prairies
Nature Park, 12980 Gouin Blvd. E., Montreal, (514) 280-6691 • www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/parcs 9)
Oka Park, 2200 Paul-Sauvé,
Oka, (450) 479-8337 10)
Rivière du Nord
Regional Park, 1051 International Blvd., St-Jérôme, (450) 431-1676 -
A visit to the Biodome is not
only a fun way to spend a few hours, but can also feel like a miniature
tropical vacation. The TV cartoon character "Caillou" is featured in
activities there this holiday season for younger children. New at the Biodome
are 11 hummingbirds that were released into the “Amazon Jungle” in early December.
This indoor centre is generally open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
except for Dec. 24 and 25 when it is closed. 514 868-3000 -
The Ecomuseum remains a favourite
for families with young kids and photographers of all ages. This small zoo features
some 80 hardy, native species, most of which are kept outdoors. Special
activities over the holidays include an Elves’ Workshop and Animal Care
Apprentice programs for which reservations and special fees apply. Closed only
on Christmas Day. 514457-9449 -
Kids tend to delight in choosing their
own Christmas tree to cut at Quinn Farm on Ile Perrot from Thursday
through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Dec. 24. This is an outdoor centre. (514) 453-1510. -
Apart from warmth, flowers, and the
smell of fresh earth, Montreal’s Botanical Gardens offers special
concerts, Christmas ornament workshops and a Christmas tree made of ferns.
Outdoors there is a cross-country ski trail set up for bird watching. This
indoor centre is generally open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except
for Dec. 24 and 25 when it is closed. 514 872-1400 -
Come to Pointe-a-Calliere Museum
and find out Who Is the Real Santa Claus? This special weekend
afternoon tour introduces children to different Christmas characters and to
holiday traditions from around the world. Included in regular admission fees. This
activity is probably suitable for an age range of 4-9 years. The other
temporary exhibit focuses on Pre-Columbian art from Costa Rica. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and is
closed only on December 25 and January 1. 514-872-9150 -
St Joseph’s Oratory continues its tradition of “Crèches (nativity
scenes) from around the world,” featuring 264 such scenes from 111 countries.
The crèches are exhibited through the end of March and the Oratory is open from
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 365 days a year. No longer free, the visit remains very
affordable at $9.50 for families. 514 733-8211 -
At the downtown McCord Museum, word
puzzles, building blocks, and even a poetry garden await those visiting the “Much
More Munsch” exhibit. Celebrated Canadian author, Robert Munsch invites kids 12
and under on a whimsical tour of his imaginary house, where creativity and fun
abound! This is activity is free after paying the regular admission fee and the
self-guided tour might take 90 minutes. The museum is open Tuesday through
Sunday and is closed only on December 25 and January 1. 514-398-7100 -
Make a splash at the Aquadome,
LaSalle’s family aquatic centre! The leisure pool is open from 9 a.m. to 3:55
p.m. on Monday - Wednesday - Thursday – Friday and 1:00 to 4:55 p.m. on
weekends. The slides here is a big hit with youngsters, but not always open
when the leisure pool is. Extended hours from Dec 24 to January 4. Don’t forget
your bathing caps! The pool is closed on Dec. 24, 25, 26, 31, and January 1. 514-367-6460. -
-
What’s New The Centre de
l’Interprétation de l’Eau (CIEAU) recently opened in Laval under the same roof as the Ste-Rose drinking
water filtration plant. This educational centre unique in Quebec includes a
multi-media centre, permanent exhibition and laboratory (generally reserved for
school groups) where visitors can learn how municipal drinking water is made
safe to drink. At present, all of the display material here is in French only.
This winter, the centre is open Wednesdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
on. Family admission is $15. 12, rue Hotte (beside the Ste Rose Church) Laval, Québec, H7L 2R3 Tel. 450-963-6463 By coincidence, this
centre is adjacent to the winter entrance for the Parc de la
Rivière-des-Mille-Îles. Once the slow-moving river ices over, visitors can
enjoy outdoor skating on a large oval, cross-country skiing over an
archipelago, snow shoeing, a small sledding hill and ice fishing. Park
activities are generally free. 450 622-1020 For more information,
procure yourself a copy of Exploring Montreal with Kids / Découvrir
Montréal avec les enfants available at www.montrealwithkids.com and in fine
book stores for $19.95. -30- Top Ten List of
Summer Family-Friendly Activities Around Montreal Thanks to Annika Melancon, author of Parents, Babies and
Children, for her contribution in helping to prepare this list. Annika’s websote
link is:
July 9, 2008 Kids book revisions/ corrections 2008 SOME REVISIONS AND/OR ADDITIONS TO EXPORING MONTREAL WITH
KIDS / DECOUVRIR MONTREAL AVEC LES ENFANTS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE NEXT
PRINTING OF THESE BOOKS. IN THE MEANTIME WE LIST THEM HERE ON THE WEBSITE: * REVISED PRICING:* PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ENTRANCE FEES HERE HAVE GREATLY CHANGED
SINCE THE LAST PRINTING OF EXPORING MONTREAL WITH KIDS / DECOUVRIR MONTREAL
AVEC LES ENFANTS Chapter 1 - Local Attractions: Musee pour enfants p
16 NEW TARIFS: Kids $12.40 + tax Adults $7.10 + tax Toddlers (under 18 months) free * further new pricing expected in September 2008; check www.museepourenfants.com
for that* p.
29 St
Lambert Locks. Please note that the observation
tower is no longer accessible to the general public. Chapter 2 – Old Montréal / The Quays of the Old Port ADDITION: P 41 Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum 400 Saint Paul Street East, Montreal (514).282.8670 www.marguerite-bourgeoys.com/en/musee/musee.asp Chapter 4 – in Your Neighbourhood Kid-friendly restaurants ADD: Maman, Bebe & Café p.
68 5814 Sherbrooke St. W – (514) 509-7494 (a great spot that’s not in some earlier printings of the guidebooks) REMOVE: Enfants du Quartier p.
68 (no longer in business) IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD Hair cutting salons p. 71 * ADDITIONAL LISTING * Kiddyland 15761 Pierrefonds Blvd, Pierrefonds (514) 624-5437 www.kiddyland.net/EHome.html Chapter 5 -- Places To Play Indoor Gyms p. 90 * ADDITIONAL LISTINGS * Funtropolis Centre D'Amusements 3925 Blvd Curé Labelle (Highway 117), Chomedey (450) 688-9222 Kidzburree Elm Plaza 275 Elm Avenue Beaconsfield, Quebec (514) 426-8000 www.kidzburree.com/ Children's Party, program and play center Kinder Motion Play Center 13115 Gouin West Pierrefonds, Quebec (514) 696-2229 Indoor Play and Party Center including internet access,
snacks and coffee La Boîte aux Mille-Pattes centre d'amusement
familial 120, des Entreprises, Notre Dame des Prairies,
Joliette, Qc (450) 759 - 9222 /: 1 - 888 - 759 – 9222 Chapter 6 -- Places to Learn p. 112 CAPTAIN CATALYST is still in business despite the recent
closing of the FRASER HICKSON LIBRARY which served as one of his bases of
operation. Upon last word, the library is looking to relocate to new premises. Chapter 8 -- Animals Farms & Zoos Quinn Farm p 141 UNDER “SIMILAR ATTRACTION’ THERE SHOULD BE MENTION OF: Ferme Anse au Sable 2565 Perrot Blvd, (514) 453-1396 AND Verger Labonté (Orchard) 2291 Perrot Blvd Notre-Dame-de-l'Île-Perrot (Québec) (514) 453-5379 Ecological Farm p 145 UNDER ‘SIMILAR ATTRACTION,’TEXT SHOULD READ: Ferme L’Auteuilloise, Laval (450) 625-8826. Offering horseback riding and pony luge rides. Chapter 13 -- Getting There is Half the Fun Commuter Trains p. 196 AT END OF FRIST PARAGRAPH, ADD: A fifth train line runs from Montreal to Mont St. Hilaire. (earlier
printings do not include this) INSIDE P. 11 INTRO CHANGE NUMBER OF FREE OUTINGS TO COINCIDE
WITH WHAT’S IN INDEX NOW… Thank you to those readers who have provided feedback on
kid-friendly sites around Montreal. Communiqué de presse Pour diffusion
immédiate 5 février 2008 Lancement du Livre : Découvrir
Montréal avec les enfants au Renaud-Bray Le lancement du
livre, Découvrir Montréal avec les enfants, aura lieu dimanche, le 2
mars 2008 au Renaud-Bray de la Plaza Saint-Hubert. Le livre répond à la
question «Qu’est-ce
qu’on pourrait bien faire avec les enfants cette fin de semaine?» et tombe pile en début de la semaine de relâche scolaire. Quelques
500 sorties possibles avec les enfants, toutes à proximité de Montréal, sont
décrites dans le livre. On y trouve du plein air, des musées, du théâtre, des
zoos, des jeux de laser, et de la musique, et tout cela pour tous les budgets. Le livre, mis à
jour en 2007, est la version française du bestseller, Exploring Montreal
with Kids (2006/7). L’auteur est John Symon, qui écrit sur le tourisme
local dans des revues tel Montréal pour enfants et journaux tel The
Gazette. Symon a également écrit le guide touristique populaire, Guide
le Petit Fouineur, publié en 2000 et il est père de trois enfants. Lors du lancement,
des collations seront servies et Symon sera sur place pour une séance d’autographes.
Il sera heureux de répondre aux questions à propos des sorties avec les enfants
âgés d’un an à 12. Quoi : Découvrir
Montreal avec les enfants (ISBN : 978-1-897336137) Où : Au
Renaud-Bray de la Plaza Saint-Hubert, 6255, rue Saint-Hubert, Montréal (Qc) (métro : Beaubien) Quand :
Le dimanche 2 mars 2008, de 14h à 16h Découvrir Montréal avec les enfants contient 222 pages et se vend pour 19,95 $. Le livre est publié par
Vivva Cité, la même maison d’édition qui nous donne Le bottin des bambins,
un répertoire des ressources disponibles pour le nouveau maman ou papa à Montréal. http://montrealaveclesenfants.com Contact : Annika Melanson Tel : (514) 223-3567 -30- Communiqué de presse juillet 2007 Pour diffusion immédiate Lancement du Livre Découvrir Montréal
avec les Enfants Ce livre répond à la question : «Qu’allons-nous faire avec nos enfants
pendant la fin de semaine?» Vous trouverez ici quelques 500 suggestions
de sorties divertissantes pour les familles, la plupart à moins d’une heure de
route de Montréal, telles que : • zoos et parcs d’attractions • musées accueillants envers les enfants • parcs aquatiques • lieux de glissade • théâtres pour enfants • plages et lieux de baignade • visites à la ferme • festivals destinés aux enfants • séances de contes • douzaines de suggestions d’endroits où
organiser une fête d’anniversaire Et plus encore… Ce livre présente une centaine d’endroits décrits
de façon très détaillée indiquant des coordonnées diverses incluant : heures
d’ouverture, itinéraires et tarifs. Vous saurez également si on peut y trouver des
aires de piquenique, quels sont les attraits avoisinants et plusieurs autres détails
précieux pour les parents. Vous y trouverez aussi des listes énumérant
environ 400 destinations locales, indiquant quelques renseignements de base,
dont le numéro de téléphone, adresse, etc. Le livre est conçu pour des sorties s’adressant
à des enfants âgés d’un an à 12 ans. On y indique également plusieurs
destinations gratuites. John Symon est l’auteur des best-sellers
«Guide du petit fouineur» et «Lobster Kids’ Guide to Exploring Ottawa-Hull».
Ses articles, où il mêle l’art d’être parent avec des idées de sorties locales,
sont publiés dans les journaux comme «The Gazette» et «The Ottawa Citizen» ou
des revues comme «Montréal pour enfants». John écrit également beaucoup sur des
activités de plein air qu’il adore faire avec ses trois enfants. Ses articles
sur le cyclisme apparaissent souvent dans «Pedal Magazine.» Prix: 19,95 $ / 222 pages avec index / ISBN:
1-897336-13-6 Publié par Vivva Cité / Price Patterson (juillet
2007) (version française du livre: Exploring Montreal with Kids) (July
2006) (French version of Exploring Montreal with Kids) (July 2006) Plus d’informations: David Price (éditeur) / 310 Victoria Ave. #
105 / Westmount, Québec / Tel: (514) 935-4537 / Fax: (514)
935-9241 / davidprice@pricepatterson.com -30- Press Release For immediate release
July 16, 2007 What: Book Launch of Exploring Montreal
with Bikes When: Saturday, August 4th, 2007 from
1 to 3 p.m. Where: Coles in Cavendish Mall, (5800 Cavendish
Blvd) What : Book Signing of Exploring Montreal
with Bikes When : Sunday, August 5th, 2007 from 1 to 3 p.m. Where: 1251 Rachel Street East, (514) 521-8356 Exploring Montreal with Bikes (EMWB) is
a new guidebook for local bicyclists whether they are looking for fun places to
ride, ways to get to work, or where to watch bike races. The book details some
20 recommended recreational rides around Montreal, listing attractions along
the way and distances traveled. It also gives extensive information about how
to reduce your carbon footprint by commuting to work on a bike. More
explicitly, EMWB lists 11 bridges to Montreal Island and four bridges between
Laval and the north shore, all of which can be crossed by bicycle, as well as
giving information about eight local ferries that take cyclists across the St.
Lawrence River, the Ottawa River, or the Riviere des Prairies. Also listed are
ways to cross Highways 20 and 40 by bicycle and how to get to Pierre Trudeau Airport
with your bike without doing anything illegal or dangerous. As well, EMWB lists
local bike races, beginning with February’s Coupe des Glaces and
including the Montreal Women’s World (Road) Cup and the Mardis Cyclistes
Saputo, all of which are exciting—and free—to watch. EMWB also makes many
references to Quebec’s 4,300-km Route verte--the longest biking network in North
America—that will be inaugurated this August. The book is written by John Symon, together with Robert
Silverman. Symon is the author of several popular local guidebooks (Exploring
Montreal with Kids, Guide le Petit Fouineur, and Lobster
Kids’ Guide to Exploring Montreal) and is the Quebec correspondent for Pedal
Magazine, Canada’s premiere cycling publication. Silverman is the
co-founder and president of the bicycle lobby group, Le Monde à Bicyclette
and a local champion for bicycle facilities. The book launch will take place at Coles Bookstore in
Cavendish Mall at 5800 Cavendish Blvd on Saturday, August 4, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. A book signing for EMWB will take place in the café and
boutique of la Maison des cyclistes—Montreal’s premiere destination for
information about bicycling—on Sunday, August 5, 2007 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. La Maison des cyclistes, at 1251 Rachel Street E, is operated by Velo Quebec, the
group that oversees the Route verte. Exploring Montreal with Bikes has 95 pages, retails
for $10.95, and is published by Vivva City/Price Patterson. It will also be
available in all fine book stores. For information, contact: David Price / 310 Victoria Ave.,
Suite 105 / Westmount, Quebec, Canada / Tel: (514) 935-4537 / Fax: (514)
935-9241 / Email: davidprice@pricepatterson.com -30- Robert (Bicycle Bob) Silverman and John Symon at book signing. Photo: M Lussier Price-Patterson
Ltd./Ltée – Canadian Publishers 310 Victoria Avenue, Suite 105
Westmount, QC H3Z 2M9 Contact: David Price Tel: (514)
935-4537 Fax: (514) 935-9241 davidprice@pricepatterson.com www.pricepatterson.com PRESS RELEASE June 29, 2006 Re: The Montreal Lobster Guide is back! In 2000, Montreal
writer John Symon published The Lobster Kids’ Guide to Exploring
Montréal and Guide Petit Fouineur Six years later, John
and “Exploring Montreal” are back, this time under the Vivva City banner
(a division of local Montreal publisher Price-Patterson Ltd.). The fully revised
and updated edition of this Gazette #1 bestseller is called: Exploring Montreal with Kids by John Symon 1-896881-89-0 · 222 pages · Retail price: $19.95 The book will be launched on: Saturday July 22, 2006 from 3 pm to 4 pm Babar
en ville, Montreal’s specialist in children’s books 1235A
Greene Ave, Westmount, QC (514) 931-0606 This book is made for
parents, educators and grandparents, whether they be Montreal
residents, visitors or tourists. There are some 500 ideas for local,
family-friendly outings. Most of the destinations described are within a
one-hour drive of downtown, including a few attractions in northern New York State,
Vermont, and in eastern Ontario. These range from the obvious (e.g. La Ronde) to the
overlooked (e.g. St. Lambert locks) to the unexpected (e.g. an amusement park
with 50 life-size dinosaur replicas). With the chapters organized by theme and
a helpful index, it’s easy to find out about: There are also plenty of
tips and information about each activity or site: is there a place to eat? Is
there a playground? Cost. Directions. The best time to go. Suggested activities
when you do get there. What’s nearby? -30-
March 4, 2010
The Montreal Canadiens Hall of Fame.jpg)
From left, former Canadien players Réjean Houle, Serge Savard, and Yvan Cournoyer at the Temple inauguration on January 15.
The Great Bike Tour at
Montreal’s Chateau Ramezay Museum;
From Boneshakers to BIXIs
Montréal (Québec)
CANADA, H2Y 1C5
Telephone : 514 861-3708 |
telephone, (450) 622-1020
or visit, www.parc-mille-iles.qc.ca
345 Sainte-Rose Bld, Laval, H7L 1M7.jpg)
.jpg)
The popular Maman Bebe et Cafe closed in late June. The owner cited a major recent hike in propery taxes and other expenses as reasons for closing, but promises to reopen soon elsewhere. More news to follow... .jpg)
These type of cafes offer many extended services, especially for pregnant women and new parents such as the music/exercise class shown above at Belles Mamans in Pointe Claire. This establishment plans to further expand services offered in the near future.
Laval, QC H7T 0B3
(450) 681-3334
Club félin Occidental
Version de pdf|
Last updated: March 4, 2010 This website best viewed in 1024x768 or higher. Entire contents © 2006-2010 by John Symon. Website created by Marc Proulx. |
How to Contact Us Tel: (514) 935-4537
Email: john@montrealwithkids.com