The old town of Montréal was founded in 1642 by French explorer Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve and has been an integral part of Montreal ever since. The district is home to some of the oldest buildings in North America, including Notre-Dame Basilica, Bonsecours Market, and Place Jacques Cartier. Old Montréal also offers many museums such as Pointe-à-Callière Museum of Archaeology and History, McCord Museum of Canadian History, and Musée des Beaux Arts de Montréal.
The architecture in Old Montreal reflects its long history with cobblestone streets lined with old stone buildings that date back to the 18th century. Many landmarks have been preserved or restored over time like Place d’Armes which features a stunning fountain from 1745 or Château Ramezay from 1705 which now houses a museum dedicated to local history. Other attractions include Vieux Port (the old port) where you can take boat rides along the St Lawrence River or explore one of several nearby islands such as Ile Sainte Helene or Ile Notre Dame; both are accessible via ferry service from the port’s main terminal building at Clock Tower Quay.
In addition to sightseeing opportunities there are plenty of activities for visitors who want more than just looking around – there are numerous restaurants offering traditional French cuisine as well as cafés serving up delicious pastries and coffee while street performers entertain passersby throughout Old Montréal on any given day. There are also festivals held throughout the year celebrating different aspects of local culture such as music festivals during summer months or winter carnivals when temperatures drop below freezing point.
