Just because you're traveling, you don't have to abandon your usual exercise routine. Swimmers will be pleased with the Aquadôme, which has two big indoor pools. You can do laps, but if you're just looking for some splashy family fun, there are several waterslides as well.

Montréal's Biodôme is the only one of its kind in the world. It features four distinct ecosystems recreated in the former Olympic Games Velodrome. Created to represent the four most beautiful habitats found in North, Central and South America. Mammals, birds and plant life thrive in mini-habitats. Visitors, especially children, will enjoy all four environments.

The St. Lawrence Valley Natural History Society zoo focuses on native flora and fauna in educational and entertaining exhibits. Enjoy a stroll through the songbird aviary or along boardwalks through habitats for turtles and other reptiles. The "Light to Dark" exhibit, which compares and contrasts all sorts of diurnal and nocturnal animals, is fascinating.

Begun with two donated collections of insects from more than 100 countries, the Montréal Insectarium today maintains about 144,000 specimens. Along with an amazing variety of mounted insects the museum has 75 vivariums, displays of live critters such as honeybees, leafcutter ants, water beetles, scorpions, walkingsticks and spiders. A fascinating place to spend a couple of hours, especially if you're a kid!

La Ronde opened originally for the 1967 Montréal World's Fair. Today, it's a Six Flags park and has been improved quite a bit over the past few years. There's a full range of rides, from massive coasters to the tamest of teacups. Goliath is the newest coaster standing 175 at its highest, with an initial drop of 171 feet. There are eight other coasters as well (standing, steel, wooden, suspended, looping ­ you name it), each with its own charms. Other highlights include several water rides, a carousel, a SpongeBob Squarepants simulator ride and a train ride. Of course, there are also shows galore and plenty of theme park food and games.