It is a city in which style appears to count above all else, celebrating the religious roots of the city by the building of literally dozens of beautiful churches, and hosting a ragbag of festival events each spring and autumn.
Tours are free, but a donation is appreciated.
It contains a great many works by Canadian artists, including a large section devoted to native work by Inuit and Amerindian reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the regions many ethnic groups. There is an insectarium, poisonous plant garden and a Japanese garden containing one of the best collections of bonsai outside Japan. Access is restricted to over 18s with a dress code that excludes tracksuits, shorts and denim trousers or jackets. Now the city's financial district, the area is one of the oldest parts of Montreal and contains many beautifully restored nineteenth century buildings. Outside, the 'Governor's Garden' has recently been sympathetically restored.