Île Sainte-Hélène / Île Notre-Dame, Montréal

There are two islands in the St Lawrence: Sainte-Hélène, which is named after the wife of Samuel Champlain, and Notre-Dame which is artificial. Both have several features worth seeing.

The two islands were the site of Expo '67, the theme of which was "Terre des Hommes" (Man and his World). Many of the national pavilions, in varying states of repair, still remain to give a flavor of the 1967 world fair, its architecture and the progressive spirit that marked the Sixties.

The Geodesic dome designed by Buckminster Fuller which was once the American pavilion is now open to the elements and serving as an eco-center.

Picture - Overhead of Biosphere and surroundings, Montreal, QU.

Picture - Fireworks at La Ronde in Montreal.

View a slideshow of Ile Sainte-Helene (Ile Notre-Dame) Pictures

Related Attractions

Biosphere

The Biosphere, a remnant of the 1967 World Expo, held in Montreal, is now a museum dedicated to ecological issues. The building is designed in the shape of a sphere and is the largest such structure in the world.

The Biosphere features regularly changing exhibitions, as well as programs and other activities.

Picture - Night view of Biosphere, Montreal, QU.

Picture - Biosphere after a snowfall, Montreal, QU.

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L'Homme

L'Homme is a monumental work by Alexander Calder, created for Expo, is 22 m (72 ft) high and weighs 60 tons. It symbolizes Man's vigor, strength and progress.

Stewart Museum

Of historical interest is a visit to the Stewart Museum, housed in an arsenal built by the British in 1820 on the Ile Sainte-Hélène. A collection of firearms, maps, navigational instruments, etc are exhibited. In the summer uniformed soldiers recreate the military drill of the 18th c.

The model displaying the fortifications of Montreal has been fully restored and features interactive technology combined with historical analysis and illustrations from the Stewart Museum collection.

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