Parc Jean-Drapeau

Parc Jean-Drapeau (also known as Parc des Iles) is considered one of the most precious assets belonging to the city of Montreal. This urban park, spread across Notre Dame and Sainte Helene islands, provides Montreal’s citizens and visitors with a delightful oasis in the middle of the bustle of the city. The park was named for the respected mayor of Montreal, Jean Drapeau, who initiated the “Man and his World” Expo 67 exposition.

History

Some of the most important events in Montreal's history have occurred on the two islands, which make up Parc Jean-Drapeau. To meet the demands for the Expo 67 event, Sainte Helene Island was expanded, and Notre Dame Island was created from scratch. Fifty million people went on to visit the islands between April and October 1967, making it one of the largest attended exhibitions in history. In 1976, in honor of the Olympics held in Montreal, an Olympic basis was created for water sports such as kayaking and rowing. Since then, the park has gone on to host countless events and displays, including the 2005 FINA World Aquatic Championships and the Montreal International Floralies flower exhibition.

Things to do at the Parc Jean Drapeau

There are countless things to see and do at the Parc Jean Drapeau, especially taking into account its incredible size. These include:

• The Cultural Circuit: While the Expo 67 event has long passed, the islands still hold magnificent public art works from the period – creating a delightful open air art gallery. Access to this circuit is free of charge.
• Running Circuits: Because of the flat open spaces and delightful lakeside nature, the park is the perfect place to run or jog. The Gilles Villeneuve Circuit takes runners across the two islands, while smaller paths abound throughout the park.
• The Gardens: The stunning, lovingly cultured gardens span 25 hectares of land in the heart of Parc Jean-Drapeau. These gardens are a heritage from the Montreal International Floralies and were created by some of the most famous landscapists of all times in 1980 for the show. The park incorporates 100,000 annuals and 5,000 rose bushes that bloom in season to provide an incredible sensory experience for visitors.
• Water Sports: Situated on the St. Lawrence River, the park offers an array of water sports for visitors to enjoy. These include rowing lessons at the Olympic Basin, offered by the Montreal Rowing Club; Dragon Boat racing following an introductory lesson; water skiing and wake board lessons and even aquatic lifesaving courses.
• Aquatic Complex: One of Canada’s finest outdoor pool complexes is situated in the park and is open during the summer months.
• Cycling and In-Line Skating: The cycling paths, open from April to November each year, allow bikers and skaters to enjoy miles of uninterrupted space from morning till night.

Parc Jean-Drapeau

It comes as no surprise that Montreal is incredibly proud of Parc Jean-Drapeau – a park created to house one of the most well-attended exhibitions in history, and which now serves the citizens of the city as a retreat to pamper their bodies and souls throughout the year.

Location:
Parc Jean-Drapeau
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Phone: (514) 872-6120
Email: clientele@parcjeandrapeau.com

Click here to visit Parc Jean-Drapeau official website.