Montreal
Ile Sainte Helene
A large island in the St. Lawrence River, in 1611 Samuel de Champlain named the island after his wife, Helene. It's a lovely oasis of trees and grass in summer, and a great place for kids watch the boats go by in the river. The island is easily accessible by the metro (Jean-Drapeau stop) or boat shuttle from Cartier Pier on the waterfront.
Biosphere - Situated in a large geodesic dome from Expo 67, Biosphere is a museum about the environment. Galleries have changing exhibits about life in the Arctic, or clothes made out of trash (swim suit made out of batteries, dress from car air bags, ball gowns from computer cords and mice, were fabulous). In a circular theater, short movies (in English and French) focus on Canadian wildlife, water, and ecology. Take the elevator to the 4th floor for fabulous views in all directions.
Rent bikes - Close to the Metro stop, rent Bixi bikes to easily explore Ile St. Helene, as well as the island next door, Ile Notre-Dame.
Tram ride - In summer, take the tram that runs around the island. Pick up the tram at the Jean Drapeau metro station.
Public swimming pool (Aquatic complex) - June to August, bring your swim suits and spend the afternoon at this large public pool. Open daily, bring towels.
Children's playground (Plaine des jeux) - Large play area with climbing structures, bouncy things, picnic tables. Also, good views of big ships in the river.
Stewart Museum (Musee Stewart) - Ile Ste Helene is strategically located, and in 1820, the British built an arsenal to store weapons and gunpowder. Cannons are still out front in the courtyard (along with picnic tables), the museum is situated in the old stone buildings.
Artifacts in the museum encompass the long history of Montreal, from First Nations, to explorers, a French colony in the 18th century with a super scale model of the city, daily life, clothing (love those shoes and embroidered waistcoats), plus weapons, uniforms, hands-on play battleship and tie naval knots.
La Ronde amusement park - Everyone in the family will enjoy twirling and spinning in rides for kids of all ages, along with panoramic views of Montreal from Grande Roue ferris wheel, and 19th century carousel for little ones. Thrill seeking teens will want to go on Monstre, the highest wooden roller coaster in the world, and Goliath, 171 feet high and speeds of 110 mph.
