Montreal’s International District is both a financial hub and a global meeting place for contemporary urban culture. A sleek transition between the busy downtown and charming Old Montreal, business people and residents alike find the exclusive, cosmopolitan flair they seek while indulging in the signature laid-back charm Montreal is known for. Chinatown, modern skyscrapers and exceptional monuments make this sophisticated area truly unique. Designated in 2004, the International District is a large urban landscape designed to promote the international development of Montreal. It includes most of the major financial institutions in Quebec and major international organizations including:
Because of its ideal location, the International District allows you to combine work, sightseeing and unwinding seamlessly. With early-morning conferences, fine dining in the evening and leisurely strolls through Old Montreal, the International District is a highly coveted address in the city.
One of the most interesting aspects of the International District is the prominent role urban designers have given to art and architecture in the area. Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle features the famous sculpture “The Joust” by great Quebec-born artist J-P. Riopelle. This fountain attracts visitors with its nightly fire-light-and-steam display on the surface of the water. The revitalized and tree-lined Square Victoria features Hector Guimard’s Art Nouveau outdoor entrance to the Square-Victoria Metro station, a statue of Queen Victoria and the “Taichi Single Whip” sculpture by Ju Ming. Palais des congrès de Montréal is the city’s colourful convention centre and links to 4,000 hotel rooms by indoor walkways, features 200,000 sq ft of exhibition surface area, 65 meeting rooms and 18 loading docks with direct access to Montreal’s underground City.