LIVING TRAVEL

Montreal is the first city with a National Geographic Society Geotourism MapGuide

montreal geotourism mapguide

More and more tourists opt to visit an urban area for their vacation. When I visit a city, I like to eat, to shop and go at the places where the residents hang out. The MapGuide will make it easy for you the next time you come to Montreal.

Montreal appeals to Canadians and Americans because we carry an European feel within North America. It is a place where you eat well at any price range. During summer time, you can enjoy many festivals with tons of free activities on the streets. Our architecture mixes the charm of old with new.

The best local shops for fashion, gifts and home are not written on the map but you will find them in the cool neighbors highlighted on the MapGuide. Also plan a picnic on the top of Mont-Royal or on the Old-Port. The bike paths around the Canal Lachine are fun, especially during the less crowded period like weekdays.

What is about the Geotourism Concept?

In 2007, Montreal became the first urban center to sign the Geotourism Charter of National Geographic Society. This 13-principle Charter supports tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place. The Geotourism principles cover the conservation of a city’s environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, plus the well-being of its residents and the satisfaction of the tourists.

A one-year consultation period determined the sites and places that will appear on the city map. Tourism Montreal asked Montrealers to share their favorite places in Montreal. Projects were developed with two primary schools in Montreal to ask the children what they like the best about Montreal. Three kid artworks illustrating a place on the map won the privilege to be printed on the MapGuide.

Montreal is not only the first city, so far we are still the only city in the world to have signed the Geotourism Charter of National Geographic Society.

The MapGuide is available online in English and in French. The two-sided poster version that you can carry with you will be available by the end of the week. Tourists can find them at the two Infotourism centres. Residents can will find copies at their Maison de la culture.

In Downtown : Infotouriste Centre
1255 Peel Street  – at Peel subway (metro) station
1 877 Bonjour (266-5687)
www.bonjourquebec.com

In Old Montréal : Tourist Welcome Office in Old Montréal
174 Notre-Dame Street East – at Champ-de-Mars subway (metro) station
www.tourisme-montreal.org

MORE:
+ Montreal as a geo-friendly city
+ Download the MapGuide as a pdf

  • Montreal - Geotourism Map Guide | Vector One
    June 17, 2009 at 07:36

    […] Kim Vallee writes about the City of Montreal and the Geotourism Map Guide that exists for that city.  The city was the first to sign for National Geographic Society Center for Sustainable Destinations website. I spent some time reading through the site and it is excellent. There is an abundance of historical information. […]

  • Jenifer
    June 17, 2009 at 09:03

    Thanks for posting this. My husband and I are visiting Quebec in July, and we are so excited. If you have any more great tips for visiting Montreal and Quebec City, I would love it.

    P.S. I really love your blog. Thank you for so many inspiring ideas.

  • April~Living The Sweet Life
    June 18, 2009 at 15:09

    I haven’t been to Montreal in years. What a great guide map. I need to head up there when I am in Vermont in August.