How difficult would it be to visit Parc Jean-Drapeau during a port stop at Montreal?

[OnTheJourney]

I was a solo performer representing the US at the Expo ’67, and always thought it’d be so interesting to go back to Montreal and revisit whatever remains of that event. I've never been back since, but I know that Parc des Îles was renamed to Parc Jean-Drapeau in 2000 based on info I received from this site: https://www.mtl.org/en/what-to-do/activities/parc-jean-drapeau

 

It'd be so cool to go back. I'd surely recognize the former US Pavilion, now the Biosphère. Viking offers this cruise that, by using a pre or post extension, would allow a few extra days to explore. Thanks for any suggestions. I specifically mention the Viking trip because I have to use vouchers anyway from a previous cruise.

Edited February 16 by OnTheJourney

[princeton123211]

On 2/16/2024 at 6:14 PM, OnTheJourney said:

I was a solo performer representing the US at the Expo ’67, and always thought it’d be so interesting to go back to Montreal and revisit whatever remains of that event. I've never been back since, but I know that Parc des Îles was renamed to Parc Jean-Drapeau in 2000 based on info I received from this site: https://www.mtl.org/en/what-to-do/activities/parc-jean-drapeau

 

It'd be so cool to go back. I'd surely recognize the former US Pavilion, now the Biosphère. Viking offers this cruise that, by using a pre or post extension, would allow a few extra days to explore. Thanks for any suggestions. I specifically mention the Viking trip because I have to use vouchers anyway from a previous cruise.

It's super easy-- quick Uber/taxi ride, you can take public transport, and I believe you can walk (although I never have there). The old Quebec Pavilion is now repurposed as the Casino Montreal and is quite popular. Most of the outline of Expo 67 is still there overlayed with some changes made for the 76 Olympics nearby (rowing basin). An amusement park occupies the North end of the island. 

[lx200gps]

It would be a very long and not very practical walk to get to the old Expo sites from the Old Port, a taxi or Uber would certainly be easier. There are two bridges on and off the islands, neither of which is particularly pedestrian friendly though people do walk or bike onto the islands. Keep in mind also that the old Expo site is actually two islands, Ile St Helene and Ile Notre Dame, so things are very spread out. The Parc is on Ile St Helene along with the Biodome and the amusement park La Ronde while Ile Notre Dame is where the huge Casino is located, along with the Formula One race track. Google Maps and Street View will show you a lot of details about what remains of the old original Expo 76 site.

[lx200gps]

There is also a Montreal subway station on Ile St Helene as well, near the big amusement park La Ronde. From the Old Port, where the cruise ships dock, it would be a relatively short walk to the nearest subway station and then a short ride, with a line transfer, to get to Ile St Helene and Parc Jean Drapeau. If you are in Montreal for a day or two, taking the the Metro would be a very easy way to get around, to downtown, Old Montreal etc. if you didn't want to bother with taxis or Ubers.

[OnTheJourney]

On 2/20/2024 at 7:45 AM, lx200gps said:

There are two bridges on and off the islands, neither of which is particularly pedestrian friendly

Thanks. I had come across this same information elsewhere. I don't think I'd attempt to walk it. Saw a really good walking tour on youtube of St. Helene. It would be interesting to visit the Biosphere.

[lx200gps]

11 hours ago, OnTheJourney said:

Thanks. I had come across this same information elsewhere. I don't think I'd attempt to walk it. Saw a really good walking tour on youtube of St. Helene. It would be interesting to visit the Biosphere.

Walking from the port to the Expo site would be arduous for sure, and the big Jacques Cartier bridge would be a huge challenge and a long walk. Taxi or Uber would be the fastest way to get to the island. Keep in mind that many areas on the two Expo islands are pretty "remote" and getting a taxi back to the ship could be challenging, calling an Uber would be easier. There would almost certainly be plenty of taxis waiting for fares at the Casino on Ile Notre Dame, and also at the La Ronde amusement park on Ile St Helene in season when it's open. If you are particularly mobile, the subway would be a 10 minute walk from the ship to the Champ De Mars subway station, then 2 or three stops with a transfer to the Parc Jean Drapeau station on Ile St Helene. The subway station is right next to the Biosphere

[OnTheJourney]

3 hours ago, lx200gps said:

Walking from the port to the Expo site would be arduous for sure,

That is all great info. Thanks so much! Maybe, if we get there - at least by cruise ship - I'll book a tour with Viator that at least includes a stop at the parc. It'd be interesting to see some of the city, since, at 11 years old the last time I was there, if we even saw much or any of it I have zero recollection! I suspect we spent most of our time in the Expo areas. I don't remember a thing about a hotel, etc.