PRE-TRIP IN MONTREAL

Tuesday, August 31st to Thursday, September 2nd

Before heading north to this year's Mosaic Camp in the Laurentians of Quebec, Canada, join us for a couple of days of sightseeing in Montreal. This centuries old city with a modern skyline has a European flair that makes it unique in North America. Like most major cities, there is too much to see in only two days, but our wonderful hosts are looking forward to sharing some of the highlights of their wonderful city.

We will be staying at the Holiday Inn Select near Chinatown and Old Montreal. It is a perfect starting point to wander the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal. We will pass charming historic buildings featuring variety shops and restaurants that appeal to all visitors. One evening we can dine here on fine French cuisine. We can ride around the area on a horse drawn caleches or find a club for music and dance. It is only a short subway ride to the downtown core of Montreal. For the shopper among us, look at the latest fashions at the high end designer stores in the bustling downtown retail district along Rue Ste-Catherine. Alternatively, shop in a more traditional fashion at the Marche Jean-Talon Market. We will get the best view of Montreal when we climb up Mont Royal, within walking distance of the hotel. Then we will hike down the back side of the mountain to visit the old Jewish neighbourhood. Here, while enjoying the world's best bagels fresh out of a wood burning stove, we can explore the world some of our grandparents grew up in.

Walking is the best way to get around the core of Montreal. To cover more territory we can rent bikes and peddle along the St. Lawrence River and the Lachine Canal. Or we can purchase an inexpensive transit fare and explore a little further afield on the rubber tired Metro (subway). A highlight here is a visit to the Biodome and the adjacent Olympic Stadium. Along side of this suburban station, hundreds of plants and animals from around the Americas will entertain you. In specially controlled environments, a flock of Arctic penguins, dozens of diverse plant species, and a wide variety of other living beings recreate four diverse ecosystems that are found in the Americas.

If you are multilingual don't hesitate to use your French. The rest of us should have no problem using English in the shops, restaurants and attractions.

Our itinerary will include a variety of options. We can go singly or in groups to the various venues. Participants in this pre-tour will have much more flexibility than at last year's LA pre tour. This is because there is a superb mass transit system, and so much is within walking distance. World class museums and stunning classic cathedrals await us. We will meet and get to know each other at a group dinner at the hotel on Tuesday evening. Wednesday evening we will choose from a list of options that our hosts have selected. Evening options include the opportunity to visit music and dance clubs, schmooze with old and new friends, gamble or simply play at the lavish Casino de Montreal (Montreal Casino) located at the site of the old EXPO 67 World's Fair.

Thursday afternoon we will head on up to camp to join everyone for a fun filled weekend.

AT A GLANCE (prices in AMERICAN not CANADIAN DOLLARS)

TRANSPORTATION

You will need to make your own transportation plans to the Holiday Inn Select. There is an Express Bus available from the airport that services all downtown hotels - Express bus 747. Price is $7 CDN for a "One Day Pass." This is good on the Airport route and can also be used on buses and subways for the rest of the day at no additional cost. Here's a link to the bus route map. Tickets are sold at the currency exchange (ICE) location on the international arrivals level at YUL airport. Or if you elect to take a cab, expect to pay $38 CDN. We are meeting in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Select at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31st.

If you do not have your own car, you will need to register and pay for shuttle transportation to camp on Thursday in advance when you register($55 USD). Additional details will be provided, but your pre-trip leader will ensure that you get to camp. After the International Event, you will be returned to the airport for your flight home.

For more information or if you have questions about this year's pre-trip, contact Marsha.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations will only be refunded after the event. Mosaic limits the refund to the actual reservation payment.



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