Tourisme Montreal prepares for busy fall and winter

With autumn in full swing, the Montreal tourism industry is hard at work drawing travellers to the city in time for the winter season.

Representatives from a selection of the city’s top attractions took part in the Tourisme Montreal brunch in Toronto this week, showcasing what Montreal has to offer visitors in the colder months of the year. The city's food scene was also in the spotlight, as three guest chefs presented attendees with their culinary creations.

While summer is the city’s busiest time for tourism, fall and winter are far from quiet, said Tourisme Montreal spokesperson Patrizia Dri, adding that the season provides a chance for tourists to take in a number of upcoming museum exhibits and festivals while enjoying the reduced room rates.

“Montreal’s fall and winter season is very rich in offerings,” said Dri, “which is something that is often forgotten. We always think of Montreal for its summer festivals, but for families and culinary fans, this is probably the best time to come.”

Beginning next month, Tourisme Montreal will offer a special pass for families that will give two children under the age of 12 free admission to eight attractions throughout the city (with the purchase of one adult pass), including the Olympic Park Tower and Botanical Garden (more information is available at tourismemontreal.org).

Dri also highlighted Montreal’s presence as a portal to cruises along the New England coastline of the U.S., with options for pre- and post-cruise stays in the city.

Travel agents can visit www.tourismemontreal.org or www.cruisesalamontreal.com for more information on what the city can offer clients.

Upcoming events

- The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts hosts ‘From Van Gogh to Kandinsky’ until Jan. 25, 2015.

- The Phi Centre hosts ‘In The Mouth,’ an interactive food event, until Oct. 31.

- McCord Museum presents its interactive Toys exhibit for children, running from Nov. 16 to April 19, 2015.

- Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History brings the international exhibit ‘The Greeks – Agamemnon to Alexander The Great’ from Dec. 12 to April 26, 2015.

- Quartier des Spectacles: Luminotherapie runs Dec. 10 to Feb. 1, 2015.

- The Igloofest electronic music festival returns for its ninth year from Jan. 16 to Feb. 8, 2015.

- The Montreal En Lumiere festival runs Feb. 19 to March 1, 2015.

- Grevin Montreal museum brings the stars to life in wax reproductions.