I cannot believe I have not written anything in almost a month! I have lots of catching up to do but will start with today and move backwards in time.
Today was the underground race / walk. It was indeed a 5 km walk through the underground without ever having to set foot outside. I had been to most of these shopping promenades and office buildings before but never managed to get from one to the next without coming up to cross a street of two. When we got to the starting line we were given a goodie bag that contained a number to wear over your clothing, a pedometer, a flashlight and along the way we were offered water, snacks and baloons.
Here are some of the places we walked through: it started in les Cours Mont Royal, that still boast the huge crystal chandelier from the former hotel that was located here, then on to le Carrefour Industrielle Alliance ( I am very familiar with that one as I often have lunch there so I did not think of taking photos), next door is Place Montréal Trust a bright atrium style mall with a fountain in the center.
From there it is a short walk to the Centre Eaton, which boasts 190 shops and the busiest subway station in the city. Then on to the Promenades de la Cathédrale that were built directly below the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral thus representing a major technical feat. The last of the bunch along Ste Catherine street is Le Complexe les Ailes which is located in the old Eaton store.
Next we head south towards Place Ville Marie which was the very first section of underground shopping to be built in 1962. Up above is the landmark cross shaped high rise. From there it is an easy walk to the gare centrale (the train station I go through every morning). Up above is the Queen Elizabeth hotel, which is the largest (or second largest I am not sure) hotel in the city with its 1039 rooms. We continue southward to Place Bonaventure, where a lot of exhibits and shows still take place. Up above that one, is the Bonaventure hotel with its roof top gardens and outdoor pool that stays open year round…
We then moved on to another area known as the Quartier International. This is newest sections and, to me, the most interesting architecturally speaking.
Here are some views from la Caisse de Dépôts.
The Centre de Commerce Mondial, has a totally different style as it resembles a street with a plazza, a fountain, shops, cafés, restaurants and hotels. There is even a piece of the Berlin wall displayed there. I enjoy that area and the fact that you can exit right in the middle of Old Montréal.
We then walked through the Palais des Congrès and its Lipstick Forest, through Chinatown and back downtown to the Complexe Guy Favreau where all the government offices are to finally reach the finish line at the Complexe Desjardins!!!
We were even given a certificate, commemorating our achievement!!!