Montreal and Canada celebrate milestone birthdays this week in grand style. Canada Day is July 1st, and this year is very special, as the nation celebrates its 150th birthday.
As Canada turns 150, the city of Montreal is celebrating a big birthday as well, its 375th. The city grew out of Fort Ville-Marie, a colony built by French settlers in 1642. The 375th is being celebrated all year long with festivals and special events that are expected to draw millions of visitors to the city. One of the biggest events was the lighting of the Jacques Cartier Bridge this past weekend. Thousands of spectators filled Old Montreal and lined the St. Lawrence River to watch a spectacular lights and fireworks show. This historic bridge will stay lit for the next decade. For schedule of events celebrating Montreal’s 375th anniversary: www.375mtl.com
You can also read more from our Mountain Lake PBS blogger, Genevieve Roy, whose Gen’s Delights blog covers events, concerts, restaurants, festivals, and the lifestyle of Montreal.