Parc Jean-Drapeau is situated on two small islands in the middle of the St. Lawrence River, Sainte-Hélène and Notre-Dame, and is home to some of Montreal's main leisure pursuits.
Ile Sainte-Hélène is a natural island, but Ile Notre-Dame is a man made structure that was created in 1965 from millions of tons of rock excavated for the Montreal Metro system.
Ile Sainte-Hélène is the site for many cultural events, such as Montreal's firework competition. It is home to the La Ronde amusement park, and the Aquatic Complex - which has three outdoor swimming pools. The island is also where one will find the Biodome - originally built as part of the 1967 World Exhibition Expo 67, it is now a museum about the ecology of the St Lawrence river, and the Stewart Museum, dedicated to the history of Canada, specifically the country's historic links with Europe.
Ile Notre-Dame is home to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, where the Canadian Formula 1 race is held. When no racing events are held the track is open to the public and is very popular with joggers, cyclists and skaters. The park also contains an artificial beach (The only beach in Montreal) which is open in the summer - there is a charge to enter. Montreal Casino is also situated on the island and draws crowds throughout the year.
The park is very popular in summer with many events: water skiing, ball room dancing, canoeing etc; in the winter the crowds are not so large, but there are still many events, with the park transformed into a winter playground for the Fête des Neiges de Montréal festival, with tube sliding, ice skating, ice scultures and may other activities.
Opening Hours
Daily: 6am to Midnight.
Prices:
Admission is free.
Address
Parc Jean-Drapeau
Montreal Quebec
Tel: 514 872-6120
How to Get There
Metro:Jean-Drapeau
From here you enter Isle Sainte-Hélène, it is a 15 minute walk to Ile Notre-Dame
External Links
Parc Jean-Drapeau
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| | A view of the city from Ile Sainte-Hélène |
 | | The Biodome on Ile Sainte-Hélène |
 | View of the city from Alexander Calder's
sculpture on Ile Sainte-Hélène |
 | Stewart Museum on Ile Sainte-Hélène
with the Jacques-Cartier bridge in distance |
 | | The artificial beach on Ile Notre-Dame |
 | | The aquatic complex on Ile Sainte-Hélène |
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