Six must-do activities in Montreal

This summer, get a taste of Montréal’s unique cultural vibe. Discover new museum exhibits, trendy boutiques, great free concerts and local flavors.

Here are half a dozen things to put on your list to make the most of your stay:

1.Attend a festival

Sunny skies combined with world-famous festivals means summer months are packed with must-see free events. And there’s virtually an event for every taste — music, comedy, arts, circus, fashion and food. Montreal parties all summer long! Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth’s Sweet Deal Package is perfect for a fun-filled long weekend in Montreal offering the third night at 50% off!  It includes accommodation for a minimum three-night stay and $500-worth of discount coupons for activities and attractions from $249 per night.

2. Live like a rock star

Beatlemania swept across North America and Montréal in the early 60s. On September 8, 1964, they gave two concerts at the Montreal Forum during their only visit to the city. Fifty years later, Pointe-à-Callière Museum is revisiting history with an exhibition about the mythical band. The Queen Elizabeth, also famous for Lennon’s Bed-in for peace, offers the Beatles in Montréal Package including one night accommodation, admission for two persons at the exhibition and souvenirs from $239 per night.

3.   Enjoy nature in the city

Montréal is a real breath of fresh air thanks to the abundance of green space. With everything from vast urban parks to an amazing Botanical garden with unique horticultural art exhibits, rooftop gardens and “green” alleys, visitors can enjoy the bounty of nature without leaving the city. Uncover the breathtaking beauty of Montréal’s flora and fauna. Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth’s Beauty and the Bees Package includes accommodation, a tour of the hotel’s rooftop garden and bee apiary, a jar of the hotel’s honey, a shopping bag and refillable water bottles, a welcome amenity and a $10 donation to the Ecomuseum zoo. It is available from July 15 to September 15, 2013, from $299 per night.

4. Check out local museums and galleries.

Montréal’s museum culture is thriving, with new museums making their debut such as the Grévin where you can see wax replicas of over 120 celebrities from Brad Pitt, Céline Dion, Guy Lafleur to Jacques Cartier. Art buffs can choose from numerous art galleries, the Musée d’Art Contemporain de Montréal, the Musée des Beaux Arts and many more part of the city’s Museum Pass grouping 38 institutions.

5. Explore Montreal on two wheels.

Ranked 5th in the list of North America’s best bike cities by Outside Magazine (2012), Montréal offers cyclists over 500 km of dedicated bike paths. Visitors can explore the Old town, ride along Lachine canal or discover quaint neighborhood with Montréal’s self-serve bike rental service, BIXI with 450 stations located conveniently across the island. Visitors who prefer walking or jogging can book their stay at the Fairmont and join their free cultural active tour featuring some of the city’s well-known monuments and attractions or borrow their complimentary BMW bicycles.

6. Enjoy market-fresh local cuisine

In Montreal, food is serious business! As the city with the largest number of restaurants per capita in North America, from local poutine or bagel shops to gourmet establishments, visitors are sure to be wowed! Local chefs are really passionate about their art. Not only do they showcase fresh, seasonal local produce – some even grow their own – they liberally season their dishes with the same creativity that is synonymous with the city.

For more details on hotel packages, visit Fairmont.com/queen-elizabeth-montreal