Montreal Science Centre, Montreal, Ghid vizitatori și ce de văzut în apropiere

The Montreal Science Centre is a hands-on science and technology museum on King Edward Pier in the Old Port of Montreal, right on the St Lawrence River. It is aimed at families and curious visitors, and it sits on a working-harbour pier that has been turned into public waterfront.

The story behind it

The building stands on King Edward Pier, built between 1901 and 1903. Like the neighbouring Jacques Cartier Pier, finished a few years earlier, it was commissioned because more and more ships were docking in Montreal's old port. Piers like these pushed out into the St Lawrence so that the harbour could handle the growing maritime traffic.

As shipping changed, the pier lost its original purpose and passed into the hands of the Société du Vieux-Port de Montréal, the organisation that looks after the Old Port. The pier later became home to a science centre that favours learning by doing, with an emphasis on technology, innovation and interactive exhibits for children. The centre also has an IMAX theatre, which gives adults a good reason to visit too.

What to look for

• Notice how long and straight the pier is as it juts out into the river; its shape tells you it was built for ships, not for visitors.
• Look back from the water's edge to see the skyline of Old Montreal rising behind the Old Port.
• Find the entrance to the IMAX theatre, one of the centre's best-known attractions.
• Watch the waterfront promenade, where walkers, runners, skaters and cyclists share the space that was once a busy harbour.

Tips for your visit

• Plan on a short stop to see the pier and the river views, or a couple of hours if you want to go inside and try the exhibits.
• Check current opening hours and ticket details before you go, as they change through the year.
• Go on a clear day or toward evening for the best light over the river and the city.
• The Old Port, Place Jacques-Cartier and the streets of Old Montreal are all within easy walking distance, so pair the visit with a stroll.

See it on a quest

Montreal - Old Port Highlights brings you to the waterfront on foot as one stop on a longer route through the Old Port. The app tells you about each place when you arrive and sets a puzzle based on what is in front of you. It is a paid quest, and one ticket covers the whole group.

Old Town Montreal: The Culture Tsunami is a self-guided walk through the old streets near the river. You play it on your phone, start whenever you like and need no guide. It is a paid quest, and one ticket covers the whole group.