Montreal Tower Observatory
TIME : 2016/2/22 10:05:36
Montreal Tower Observatory
Welcome to the tallest inclined tower in the world! At 165 meters high (575 feet) and at a 45-degree angle (Pisa Tower only has a five-degree angle, by comparison!), the iconic tower certainly knows how to catch the eye. It was built for the Montreal Summer Olympics back in 1976 and even though it is a notorious white elephant to Montrealers, it is also one of the city’s most popular attractions. Understandably so – no other place offer such sweeping views of Montreal, the Laurentians mountain range, the St. Lawrence River and plains as well as Mont-Royal Mountain. On clear days, visitors can see up to 50 miles! The outdoor, glass-encased funicular alone is worth the detour, since it is the only one in the world to operate on a curved structure, relying on a sophisticated hydraulic system to complete the ascent.
The tower is also popular for its distinct architecture and impressive light display at night. Indeed, year-long lighting is used to mark the start of festival season, national holidays, major events and other significant happenings using a dedicated color theme. Practical Info
The tower is located in eastern Montreal and is part of the Olympic Park (which now hosts the Biodome, the Insectarium, the Botanic Gardens and the Planetarium), the largest scientific complex in Canada. It is easily accessible by car (3200 Viau St) with parking readily available on-site at a cost of $15 per day, or alternatively, by public transit via metro (stop Viau on the green line). The tower is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 9AM and 6PM, and on Mondays between 1PM and 6PM. Entry costs $22.50 per adult and $11.25 per child for non-Quebec residents. Guided tours are available in French, English and several other languages.
