Sustainable travel reaches new heights in Montreal

The French-speaking city of Montreal in Quebec hasn't let the pandemic slow its progress towards more sustainable attractions and travel offerings. In fact, thanks to a spate of creative new projects, the city is poised to become a powerhouse of Canadian tourism. Here are a few reasons to consider a visit.

Montreal has its very own Sustainable Destination Strategy in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Its destination marketing organisation, Tourisme Montreal, is one of the first DMOs in the world to offer visitors the ability to calculate their own carbon footprint during their stay and offer ways to offset it.

Newly opened after a large renovation in 2020, the Biodome de Montreal is part of the largest natural sciences museum complex in the nation and is home to 2500 animal species and more than 800 plant species, making it a blend between a botanical garden and a zoo, with a focus on promoting environmental conservation.

The Parc Jean-Drapeau - the third-largest park in Montreal - is undergoing an eco-friendly renovation, with a riverside promenade, a space dedicated to the wetlands environment and more.

The Royalmount is a larger sustainable development project opening in 2023. The neighbourhood is expected to have accommodation, green spaces, and shops and restaurants, and to be completely carbon neutral.

Montreal is a creative city, full of the vibrancy of a university city and a major economic hub. As such, it's home to several annual festivals celebrating diversity, from Nuits d'Afrique to Italian Week and more. Tourisme Montreal and Indigenous Tourism Quebec have recently partnered to promote Indigenous history and contemporary culture. Its art culture is also booming, with several exhibits being held in the city. A must-see is AURA at the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, a stunning light-mapping display that makes the historic attraction even more beautiful.

The Homewood Suites by Hilton Montreal Downtown is within historic Chinatown, offering modern suites and rooms with two restaurants, including a rooftop terrace. Another great option is the newly opened Hyatt Place Montreal Downtown.

For a more historic stay, the Hyatt Centric Ville-Marie Montreal is a perfect option. Opened last month, it is located between Old Montreal and its newer Quartier des Spectacles, offering a great location from which to explore the city.

A luxurious stay can be found at the Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown. A five-star Curio Collection by Hilton property, it's located in the Golden Square Mile, an elegant area of the city famous for its luxe boutiques.

An update on Montreal's offerings is never complete without mentioning its food. The city offers more than 1000 restaurants and bars, and its cultural diversity plays into its eating options. Considered the culinary capital of Canada, it has its very own Montreal Gastronomy Office to promote and support local restaurants.

The city loves its outdoor patios, and whether they be on the street or on top of a skyscraper, travellers can enjoy getting a breath of fresh air with their drinks and food. There are always new restaurant openings, and one of those is the exclusive Yoko Luna, a deluxe supper club experience celebrating innovative Asian cuisine. mtl.org