"I particularly remember visiting the Old Port in Montreal on so many occasions. Born and raised in Montreal, I have visited this site for decades. But it has been about 3 decades, since its redevelopment in the 1990s, that I experienced the most enjoyment. In the 1990s, my children were very young, and the Old Port already offered a variety of activities for the whole family. It was a place where each of us found moments of pleasure and escape. Then, it already offered a plethora of activities for all kinds of people, whether in groups or individuals. The diversity of activities has been an attraction for me and my growing family over the years and continues till this day.
Decades ago, when my kids were very young, the Montreal Science Centre, the SOS Labrynthe, and the IMAX theatre, offered amusing activities for all of us, where every member of our family can find enjoyment. In the summers, the Segway, quadricycle, and pedalo rentals offered active enjoyment. We cannot underestimate the health benefits, both physically and mentally, of these active activities. Since the Old Port attracts so many tourists, even when I visit the site on my own, I always feel connected to the others enjoying the site too. This sense of connectivity contributes to a sense of belonging and makes you feel ‘at home’ – a very positive experience. I have continued to visit the Old Port, even after my kids have grown up. Its proximity and connectivity to the Lachine Canal, makes Montreal’s Old Port even more vibrant for me now, as I can cycle or walk long paths while taking time along the path to enjoy moments of rest and beauty. It offers a healthy option full of possibilities. The changes in greenery, seating areas, park installations, cafes, and even the market, enable this walking and cycling path to provide a different experience at every visit, and this is rare.
The diversity of amenities and services, with the careful design that separates the walking and cycling paths makes it accessible to most people. And the path has been designed with meticulous attention to detail, making it a complete sensorial experience: the sounds and smells of nature, the waterway, and the cafes; the views across the river on the old port, along the canal, and of the heritage buildings, are just a few examples. I do believe that most people find their sense of place on this site and can be why it has become such a popular getaway within the city." (Booklet Positive Lived Experiences of Quality in the Built Environment 2023, p.158).
Figure 1: Montreal Silos Summer Sunset © Cucuzzella 2018
Figure 2: Lachine Canal Connectivity © Cucuzzella 2020
Figure 3: Montreal Old Port walking path, winter, © Cucuzzella 2023
Figure 4: View of Habitat 67 and Bota Bota Spa on the water, © Cucuzzella 2023
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Publication:10 September 2025
