1. Biodôme de Montréal Originally designed as a velodrome (cycling stadium) by Frenchman Roger Taillibert, the same architect who designed the city’s Olympic stadium, this gigantic domelike structure was converted to an environmental museum after the 1976 Olympic summer games. The Biodôme showcases replicas of four ecosystems: the Laurentian Forest (a representation of the North American wilderness), the Tropical Forest, the Saint Lawrence Marine ecosystem and Polar World. Since Montréal (greater metro area population: 3.6 million) is one of the largest French-speaking cities in the world, you will find most tours available in both French and English. With exciting new exhibits, there is always something new to learn at the Biodôme. Fatal Attraction, through September 3, 2007, entertains and informs visitors about lovely and sometimes dangerous courtship rituals in the animal kingdom. www.biodome.qc.ca

The Just for Laughs festival is held each July, and this year celebrates 25 years of laughs.

2. Underground City The residents of Montréal, the second largest city in Canada and the largest metropolitan area in the province of Québec, can escape traffic congestion or harsh winter weather by ducking underground and taking advantage of all la ville souterraine has to offer — shopping malls, banks, hotels, subway and bus stations, even an event arena. With some 20 miles (32 km) of tunnels linking the various buildings, this city under the pavement is an impressive urban planning achievement that’s both convenient and efficient.

3. Festivals Montréal comes alive when the temperature rises, as the city hosts more than 100 festivals each year, many of them in the spring and summer. One of the most popular events is the Just for Laughs Festival, which has attracted such comedians as Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Cosby. The largest festival of its kind in the world, the Just for Laughs Festival is held each July, and features seasoned comedians as well as new faces. This year the festival (July 8–29) celebrates 25 years of laughs; more than 2 million people are expected to attend. The annual Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (June 28–July 8) features nonstop music, with more than 350 free concerts. www.justforlaughs.ca; www.Montrealjazzfest.com

4. The Montréal Insectarium If creepy-crawlies are your thing, then you’ll enjoy a trip to the Montréal Insectarium. This unique space has bugs galore; the more adventurous can even taste some of the critters. Through September 3, nature photographer Jean-Claude Teyssier presents Insects Exposed. The photos are raw nature at its best. The Insectarium has released hundreds of monarch butterflies raised in captivity each year since 1994, to study and track their migration. Monarch Odyssey takes place over three weekends in late August and early September. During the Odyssey, viewers can learn about monarch butterflies and watch them being tagged so they can be tracked from Quebec to Mexico; the monarch butterfly has a longer migration than that of any other insect. www2.ville.Montreal.qc.ca/insectarium

5. Marché Atwater This elegant two-story Art Deco building with an impressive clock tower houses a vibrant farmers market that’s been here since 1933. More than 50 vendors offer everything from mouth-watering pastries to fresh meats and cheeses, wine and, of course, maple syrup. In the summer, outdoor stands filled with fragrant flowers and fresh produce dazzle the eyes as well as the appetite. Inside, Boulangerie Première Moisson bakery makes more than 40 different kinds of bread. The intermingling of freshly brewed coffee and delectable pastries entice passersby to stop in and partake of the homemade goodies. www.marchespublics-mtl.com