/R E P E A T -- May 21-23 long weekend - A preview of summer at Parc Jean-Drapeau/

/R E P E A T -- May 21-23 long weekend - A preview of summer at Parc Jean-Drapeau/

MONTRÉAL, May 11, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The long holiday weekend in May is a great opportunity to spend some time at Parc Jean-Drapeau with your family or friends! The extended weekend of May 21-23 marks the opening of many of the Parc's recreational sites, including the three pools at the Aquatic Complex, the rides at La Ronde, Piknic Électronik music events and the new Curiosities exhibition at the Stewart Museum and its guided tours. And then there are the popular activities such as biking and in-line skating on Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, hiking on the walking trails of Mont Boullé, a picnic in the Floralies Gardens or visiting the Biosphère, Environment Museum (closed on Monday).

Aquatic Complex
The arrival of the nice weather coincides with the opening of the Aquatic Complex's recreational, training and diving pools, which will be in operation from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every weekend until June 18. A bit early to start swimming in May? Not at all, since the water temperature of the pools in the Aquatic Complex is heated to about 27 degrees Celsius so you can enjoy the fine spring days. And the gradual slope of the recreational pool is specially designed to allow easier access for tiny tots, since it has a cushioned rubber mat and is close to all the water games, which will also be operational. The Aquatic Complex also has a range of services, including access to lockers (it is recommended that you bring a padlock), a baby changing station and the lending of flotation vests.

Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve and bike paths
Parc Jean-Drapeau's symbolic site, Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is a favourite spot for cycling, in-line skating and running activities. As an added bonus, this part of the Parc provides some truly unique and spectacular views of downtown Montréal and the Saint Lawrence River! Biking and hiking enthusiasts can also take advantage of the 21 kilometres of cycling trails on Parc Jean-Drapeau's two islands, a special place that is just minutes from downtown Montréal.

Opening of La Ronde
Are you a thrill-seeker? The amusement park, La Ronde, opens on Saturday, May 21, and will be in operation throughout the long weekend. An exciting new feature this year is: The New Revolution Virtual Reality Roller Coaster aboard Goliath, and the Avenue Aventure zone which will include two new rides, Phoenix and Gravitor. These thrilling new features complement some 40 rides and attractions at La Ronde, a one-of-a-kind amusement park in the province of Québec.

Two Piknic Électronik presentations on the long week-end
To mark the imminent arrival of the summer season, Piknic Électronik will have two presentations on Île Sainte-Hélène over the holiday weekend - on Sunday, May 22(nd), and Monday, the 23(rd), from 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This means you'll be able to double your pleasure dancing to the beat of electro music under Alexander Calder's L'Homme sculpture, featuring among others, Bulgarian artist KiNK with a live performance (May 22) and England's Four Tet, remodeler expert of British dance music (May 23).

Guided tour In the Patriots' Footsteps
In honour of National Patriots' Day, the Stewart Museum is offering a thematic guided tour exposing the Museum's outstanding collection relating to the period of the 1837 and 1838 Rebellions in Lower Canada. Guided tours, included in the price of admission, are at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in French and 11 a.m. in English, by reservation only (514 861-6701, extension 2233).

Curiosities exhibition at the Stewart Museum
As of May 5, the Stewart Museum invites you to discover more than 370 rare and unusual items that are part of this original and exciting exhibition, designed in collaboration with Québec artist Jérôme Fortin. Inspired by the 16(th) and 17(th) century curiosity cabinets, the exhibition invites you to make your way through mysterious areas concealing all kinds of fascinating items.

Discover the history of Expo 67 or the Parc's public art works
To learn more about the rich historical past and discover 15 works of art housed on the majestic site that is Parc Jean-Drapeau, download the Portrait sonore self-guided tour app that is available for free on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and then take the tour on foot or on your bike!

For schedules, rates and to find out more about the activities, please go to www.parcjeandrapeau.com.



SOURCE PARC JEAN-DRAPEAU

PARC JEAN-DRAPEAU

CONTACT: Martine Venne, Media Relations and Social Media Consultant, Société du parc Jean-Drapeau, 514 872-6679 (office) or 514 977-3330 (cell), mvenne@parcjeandrapeau.com


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