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Montreal is the largest francophone city in North America and the cultural capital of Quebec. With its fine dining, copious beaches, and beautiful natural scenery, it’s also one of the top tourist destinations in all of Canada. For those looking some save money, Montreal has options galore: several free, outdoor festivals, 14 municipal parks, free museums, and other cultural attractions. If you’re looking to experience a truly foreign city without spending a fortune or traveling too far, Montreal is la ville pour vous!
1. Parc Jean Drapeau
One of the city’s many public parks, Jean Drapeau is located on the islands of Sainte-Hélène and Notre-Dame. As such, it is the site of a number of great beaches. It is also the site of some displayed artwork, a public pool, the magnificent Biosphere from 1967’s World Expo, and a number of other attractions. It’s easy to make a day out of a visit to this beautiful, multifaceted park!
2. Festival International de Jazz de Montreal
This annual festival brings some of the best names in jazz from around the world to play for free in Montreal’s streets. Music ranges in genre, so non-jazz-fans can enjoy the show too. If you missed this year’s event, check out the city’s other festivals, including FrancoFollies and the Just for Laughs Festival.
3. Redpath Museum
McGill’s natural history museum is open to the public free of charge. Marvel at its permanent collection which includes dinosaur remains, mineral exhibits, and Egyptian mummies. Temporary exhibits analyze Charles Darwin’s relationship with McGill and the anatomically accurate glass-sculptures by the Blaschka family.
4. Parc du Mont-Royal
The short hike up 760-foot Mont-Royal affords visitors one of the best views Montreal has to offer, as well as a great way to get some outdoor exercise without leaving the city. The layout of the park was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead and perfectly complements the natural landscape. Right beside the mountain is Mont-Royal cemetery, where many famous Montrealers are buried. Visit both and take in Canada’s history and nature at the same time!
5. Centre Canadien du Architecture
If you have an interest in architecture, the Centre Canadien du Architecture is a must-visit. Current exhibits focus on urban agriculture, Martin Kemp, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s photography. Admission is free on Thursdays from 5:30 to 9 PM.
6. Musée des maîtres et artisans du Québec
If you’re interested in the artistic history of Quebec, be sure to visit this great museum! Its holdings, over 6,000 strong, chronicle the province’s French-Canadian heritage through its art, ranging from woodwork and paintings to sculpture and dress. Special exhibitions throughout 2010 focus on the history of glass art. Admission to the museum is free on Wednesdays. If you visit on a weekend or holiday instead, use public transportation and your ticket will bring you a 10% discount.
7. Musée des beaux-arts de Montreal
The main gallery of this fantastic art museum is open with free admission every day. Its permanent collection includes European artwork since the Middle Ages, archaeological pieces from the Mediterranean, Inuit art, and a comprehensive collection of Canadian artwork.
8. Musée de Lachine
The outdoor exhibit of this art museum, conveniently located along the walking and biking trail near Louis Lake and Lachine Canal, is open for free every day! Its holdings include over 50 sculptural works by artists from Quebec and around the world. In September and October the museum also hosts outdoor archaeological workshops.
9. Basilique Notre-Dame
Canada’s first Gothic-revival style cathedral is also one of Montreal’s greatest architectural attractions. It contains a 100-year-old organ with just under 7,000 pipes, its walls are lined with incredible religious sculpture, and its windows are ordained with brilliant stain glass artwork. There’s an entrance fee to simply enter the building, but attending a service is free. If you want to attend mass during your visit, stop at this cathedral and marvel at its stunning interior.
10. Centre Bouddhiste Kankala
If you want to improve your meditation or let your mind relax after the stresses of vacation, visit this Buddhist center. Free guided meditation sessions occur in both French and English throughout the summer; check their website for details.
11. Sunday-@-the-Segal
Every Sunday at 11 AM, Centre Segal, one of Montreal’s premier theaters, hosts a free lecture on the performing arts. Previous subjects have included jazz, Yiddish theatre, and Harry Houdini.
12. Musée McCord
This museum chronicles the social and material history of Quebec and Canada. McCord holds over 1 million historic photographs and thousands of other artifacts. A current exhibit focuses on the Irish immigrant experience in Quebec. Starting June 30, admission will be free from 5 to 9 PM on Wednesdays.
13. Tango Libre
This dance school and studio offers free beginner lessons in tango at multiple locations. St. Viateur Park hosts lessons Sunday evenings in July and August, while the Verdun bureau offers lessons on Wednesdays throughout the summer.
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