Île Notre-Dame, artificial island in St. Lawrence River near Montreal
Île Notre-Dame is an artificial island in the Saint Lawrence River near Montreal. The island consists of materials built up from dredging the river and nearby quarries and is structured with wide pathways, large buildings, and well-maintained green spaces.
The island was built in 1965 in just 10 months to host Expo 67, a major international exposition. After the exposition ended, the island was repurposed to serve various functions including sporting events and recreational activities.
The island's name comes from the Société Notre-Dame de Montréal, a society founded in 1639 that originally aimed to establish a colony in the region. Today, visitors use the island to relax in its expansive gardens, which span more than 25 hectares and shelter plants that would not normally grow in Montreal's cold climate.
The island is easily reached by metro from downtown Montreal and entry is free. Well-maintained pathways allow you to walk, cycle, or jog, with plenty of spaces to rest and landscapes to explore.
The grounds feature several lakes and lagoons that create their own microclimate, allowing rare plants to grow that would not normally thrive in this region. During international florals events, colorful gardens from different countries are displayed, showcasing the botanical variety of the place.
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