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July 2, 2006
Hello from Montreal: Exploring the Casino
de Montreal, a Gourmet Dinner and Some Fireworks
After my lovely cheerful encounter in the Square
St. Louis I briefly went back to the hotel and then took the
subway to the exit at Jean Drapeau Park. There are two large islands
in the St. Lawrence River: Ile Notre-Dame and Ile Sainte-Helene.
The latter more than doubled in size in preparation for Expo 1967.
From the Park Jean Drapeau metro station I took local bus 167 to
get to La Ronde,
an amusement park originally set up for Expo 67. I had a ticket
for tonight’s international fireworks competition which was
going to be held at La Ronde, so I had to go and pick it up at the
information counter.
Entrance to La Ronde
With ticket in hand I made my way back on two buses to reach the
Casino
de Montreal, the largest of Quebec’s three casinos, run
by the Société des casinos du Quebec, a government
agency whose primary objectives are to create employment, equip
the province with world-class tourism infrastructures and generate
additional income for the province. Although I am not much of a
gambler I wanted to check out this complex since it is one of the
major attractions in Park Jean Drapeau.
I arrived by bus in the basement of the Casino, entered and dropped
off my backpack at the coatcheck. Through a maze of escalators and
walkways I navigated my way upstairs to the front entrance where
Alexandre, one of the customer service specialists at the Casino,
was already waiting for me. He was going to provide me with a personalized
tour of this expansive complex and provide me with additional information
about the Casino’s operations.
Alexandre (right) and Benoit (left) from de Casino de Montreal
We went outside and Alexandre informed me that the Casino complex
consists of three buildings: the former France Pavilion, the former
Quebec Pavilion, both built for Expo 1967, as well as the Annex,
connecting the two buildings. The Quebec Pavilion features top-to-bottom
24 karat gold windows. The gardens surrounding the Casino are available
to Casino patrons and the entire complex is surrounded by the tracks
for the Montreal Grand Prix.
Alexandre started to take me through the buildings and explained
that the Casino has about 3500 employees, working in three shifts,
24 hours a day. He first took me to the Cabaret du Casino, a prime
entertainment venue offering spectacular variety shows and colourful
musical reviews. Patrons can purchase a package that includes dinner
or enjoy the show by itself.
The former France Pavilion of Expo 67, now part of the Casino
He then took me through the entire multi-storey complex and introduced
me to the various games of chance on offer. The Casino de Montreal
featues more than 3200 slot machines of different kinds, 115 gaming
tables for Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette, Keno and a variety of
tournaments. Alexandre explained that many of the slot machines
no longer have a mechanical barrel, but that they are video slot
machines with an electronic display. The Casino also offers a Royal
Ascot electronic horse racing track as well as a high-limits gaming
area and lounge.
Alexandre explained that the Quebec government has a monopoly on
gaming in the province and the funds go back into provincial infrastructure
and public services. When we walked through the various buildings
he informed me that the Old France Pavilion building has a European
design, reminiscent of casinos such as Monte Carlo, that let in
daylight generously. The former Quebec Pavilion on the other hand
has a North American design with absolutely no daylight. Alexandre
indicated that the clientele in the two different buildings is very
different and that people have a preference for one or the other
type of design.
My expert guide also educated me that the incidence of gambling
addiction is actually going down and that the Casino de Montreal
has specific programs to prevent and deal with gambling addiction.
Problem gamblers can join a self-exclusion program that bars them
from playing at any Quebec Casino. The Casino’s 285 investigators
not only monitor and investigate fraud, they also ensure that individuals
that are part of the self-exclusion database do not get access to
the Casino.
The former Quebec Pavilion of Expo 67
On our walk through his extensive complex Alexandre pointed out
an on-site branch of the Banque Nationale, the only bank in Canada
that is open for 24 hours. Here patrons can exchange money in 16
currencies. A free shuttle bus provides transportation to the Casino
from four pickup locations in downtown Montreal and makes it easy
for out-of-town guests to enjoy a night of gambling excitement.
But of course, a high-intensity activity like gambling will make
you hungry and the Casino features five bars and restaurants: the
Italian Bistro Via Fortuna with amazingly reasonably prices,
the Buffet La Bonne Carte, L’entre-mise Deli,
and the Nuances Gourmet Restaurant. Four bars, La rotonde,
Le carré, Le jardin d’hiver and Le
cheval round out the hospitality offerings.
The highlight of the evening was yet to come: as it was getting
close to 9 pm and I had not eaten dinner yet, I would have an opportunity
to sample a gourmet meal at the Nuances
Restaurant, enhanced by a perfect sunset and a magnificent view
of downtown Montreal across the St. Lawrence River. An outstanding
dining experience was awaiting me...
Nuances, the Casino's gourment restaurant, with all its prizes and
awards
Useful books about travel to Montreal:
Related articles:
Hello from Montreal 2006 - My 4-day
explorations of Montreal
Hello from Montreal: An interesting
train ride and first impressions
Hello from Montreal: Getting
the lay of the land in a driving tour
Hello from Montreal: Dinner and a
little jazz at Modavie
Hello from Montreal: Reliving
history with the Old Montreal Ghost Tour
Hello from Montreal: Architectural
discoveries in the Old Montreal Walking Tour
Hello from Montreal: Exploring
the Chateau Ramezay during a torrential downpour
Hello from Montreal:
Mexican delights at La Iguana & a peak at the Jazz Festival
Hello from Montreal: A guided bicycle
tour to explore Montreal's neighbourhoods
Hello from Montreal:
Biking on the Lachine Canal - Industrial history turned into a recreational
opportunity
Hello from Montreal: A chat with
André Giroux about Bicycling in Montreal
Hello from Montreal: Savouring Italian
cuisine at Galiano's and Canada Day Celebrations
Hello from Montreal:
Exploring the Olympic Stadium, the Botanical Garden & Insectarium
and outdoor action at the Jean Talon Market
Hello from Montreal: A Peruvian immigrant
success story at Restaurant Mañana
Hello from Montreal: Friendly
neighbourhood encounters on Square St. Louis
Hello from Montreal: Exploring
the Casino de Montreal
Hello from Montreal: Gourmet
dining at Nuances and amazing fireworks at La Ronde
Hello from Montreal: A final walk
to discover amazing architectural beauties
Helpful links for travel to Montreal:
Tourisme
Montreal - Montreal's official tourism information office
Quebec Tourism
- Official tourism website for Quebec
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