Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal

That huge geodesic dome / Montreal tourism postcard superstar is the Montreal Biosphere, a U.S.A. World Fair pavilion turned environmental museum with entertaining, interactive hands-on exhibits that are particularly useful in explaining environmental issues to kids. Explored topics include climate change, sustainable development and responsible consumption.

The site of the Formula 1 Canada Grand Prix and Nascar races, the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve slows itself down for the rest of the year, opening the track to cyclists, joggers, cross country skiers, rollerbladers as well as everyday strollers and drivers, including high-performance vehicle owners aching to try out the track, provided they're willing to stay within the 30 km/hr limit.

The Montreal Snow Village, a Montreal winter attraction which debuted January 18, 2012, is a Canadian and North American first, the only snow village of its kind to be built in a major metropolitan area worldwide. As one of the city’s most important winter draws, activity options are anything but in short supply, with opportunities to play, eat, drink, sleep and even get married. On ice.

It's loud, it's flashy, it's the Casino de Montréal! Don't expect Vegas but do anticipate a cross between laid back and upscale spread out on several floors. And according to insiders, the Casino de Montréal has high betting limits, possibly the highest in Canada. Open 24/7.

Eastern Canada's largest amusement park, La Ronde offers around 40 different rides, from high-adrenaline thrill rides to family-friendly teacups. Roller coaster features include the Cobra's 360° vertical loops, Le Vampire's suspended coasters and The Monster's altitude appeal: it's the highest double wooden roller coaster in the world.

Plage Doré is what it is, a man made pond, a large one at that. It does the trick on a typically hot and muggy Montreal summer's day, no doubt, but if you're more accustomed to the black sands of Maui, be forewarned: Plage Doré's waves might reach your ankle. If you're lucky.

This weekly outdoor electronic event featuring top local and international DJs, from May through October, attracts a bigger crowd every year. From clubbers to families, it's one of the most unique daytime raves in the world and it's an absolute must-attend.

California has Coachella, Glastonbury has, well, Glastonbury and Montreal? We've got Osheaga, a smaller-scale answer to its mega-fest cousins, a music festival held in Parc Jean-Drapeau every summer, one featuring dozens of the hottest acts in the music industry, from headlining household names to up-and-comers poised to take their place.

Think Osheaga is the only major festival on Jean-Drapeau park soil? Springtime features the popular Montreal Outdoor Festival, a weekend of adventure sports with freebie opportunities to attempt rock-climbing and Tyrolean traverse. Come summer, notwithstanding Osheaga is MEG and Heavy MTL, two notable music fest draws, and in the winter, it's all about snow at La Fête des Neiges.

Learn the steps to popular ballroom dancing styles, at your own pace, without a partner, in a gorgeous outdoor setting ... for free! Each session covers several dance styles.

My favorite place in the city. The Floralies Gardens are remnants of an international horticultural fair from back in 1980, a superb assortment of English style gardens, weeping willows and trees with flower blooms.