Mont-Royal, Montréal

The Oratoire Saint-Joseph in Montreal, near the western exit from the park, is dedicated to Canada's patron saint, and is a mecca for pilgrims. A huge Renaissance-style domed basilica was built in 1924, at the instignation of Brother André of the Congrégation de Sainte-Croix who had already built a small chapel here in 1904, where he performed miraculous acts of healing for which he was canonized in 1982. His tomb is in one part of the sanctuary in the original chapel. Votive gifts are displayed in a second chapel. A cloister behind the church leads up to Mont-Royal. Brother André's monument is by Emile Brunnet and that for St Joseph by Alfred Laliberté. A small museum exhibits religious art. There is a good view from the observatory over north-west Montréal and Lac Saint-Louis.

The French-speaking University of Montréal was founded in 1876. The University buildings are chiefly by Ernest Cormier, and date from between 1924 and 1943.The University of Montreal is the largest university in Quebec and ranks as the second largest in all of Canada. It offers a wide range of studies from various disciplines.

Montréal's Anglo-Canadian Westmount district south-east of Mount Royal centers around the square of the same name (metro Atwater). Its steel and glass office buildings are by Mies van der Rohe and were completed in 1966, typifying the high-rise international architecture of the mid-20th century.It forms quite a contrast with the late 19th c. mansions and villas still very much a feature of the surrounding streets.The hills of Westmount are the location of some of the wealthier homes of Montreal.

Parc Maisonneuve (metro Pie IX), incorporates North America's leading botanical garden, the lay-out of which is wonderfully imaginative. At the Jardin Botanique, visitors are drawn in particular to the Japanese Garden. The glasshouses too are exceptional, especially the displays of orchids and bonsai. The gardens contain in all some 22,000 species of plant.The huge Arboretum covers 40 ha and includes approximately 7,000 trees and shrubs. Most of these bloom from May to July, with beautiful displays of rhododendrons and cherry trees. Visitors can learn about the trees and their roles at the "Tree House".The Botanical Gardens also have ponds which support a variety of birds. Also on site is an Insectarium with live and mounted insects.