2016 International Tournaments

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The first of the 2016 International WFTDA D1 Playoffs will be held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada at the Centre Pierre-Charbonneau, just a few metro stops on the Green Line from the beating heart of Montreal. The tournament will take place September 2-4. No matter what your plans for Montreal, keeping a metro map handy is key. If you plan to go out often, grab an OPUS card, a rechargeable transit card to use throughout the city. The card is $6, and you can put any amount on the card for travel during your trip.

Parc Olympic

The Centre Pierre-Charbonneau is part of Montreal’s Parc Olympique, and visitors can take advantage of the park’s many on-site activities, all within walking distance of the roller derby action. The Parc Olympique was originally built for the 1976 Olympics, and is celebrating its 40th anniversary. On site is the Montreal Tower, the world’s largest inclined tower, leaning at a staggering 45 degrees. Tours to the top of the Tower run regularly from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Also within walking distance to the venue is the “Big O”, originally built as the tunnel for athletes entering the stadium. The “O” is now a great place for skateboarders and skaters.

Montreal Botanical Gardens

Across the street from Centre Pierre-Charbonneau is the Montreal Botanical Gardens, featuring a biodome, insectarium, planetarium, and garden scapes galore. The 185-acre garden has colossal garden sculptures throughout its many walking paths, including medicinal gardens, peace gardens, and an arboretum that will take your breath away. The biodome and planetarium have various events planned through August, including a One Day on Mars exhibit and show. For explorers who want to see all that the Parc Olympmique has to offer, there are combo passes available here.

Chez Geeks

If nature walks aren’t on your short list of things to do in Montreal, never fear. Berri-UQAM, the university center of Montreal, near Old Montreal is a perfect metro stop, just off the Green Line, about 25 minutes from the venue. Rue St. Denis features quaint, locally-owned shops and restaurants, including Chez Geeks, a place for gamers to meet up across a deck of cards. The Berri-UQAM stop is also where you can transfer to the Yellow Line for a trip to the city’s island, home of Parc Jean-Drapeau. There, you can kayak, wakeboard, swim in the St. Lawrence River, or just relax on the beach at Jean-Dore Beach. The park also has bikes for rent to traverse the many bike and walking paths on the island. The park also features a food court where you grab a bite to eat, like the city’s well-known dish: poutine.

Old Town Montreal

For those looking to learn about Montreal’s history, stop in Old Montreal for a walking tour, or just stroll the brick-lined streets at your own pace. You can get to Old Montreal by taking the Green Line to Berri-UQAM and walking east, or by transferring to the Red Line and getting off at the Champs-de-Mars station. Old Montreal is home to Notre Dame Basilica, built in 1657. Tours of the historic church are $10, and include a brief guided walking tour of the grounds. You can also walk the Promenade du Vieux-Port, on the St. Lawrence River, with shops, ice cream stands and bike rental stations. If you’re a foodie who loves Chef Chuck Hughes, make reservations to dine at Grand Manger, also located in Old Montreal. You won’t find poutine at Grand Manger, but the river-side atmosphere in the underground restaurant is the perfect place to unwind, have a cocktail, and feast on unique cuisine.