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Baggage Claim at Montreal-Trudeau
Airport1
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Dorval, located
on the southwest side of Montreal
Island, has been shaped by its history, environment, economy and citizens. These
elements have worked together to create a strong and diverse city. One of the
major attractions in the city is the Pierre
Elliott Trudeau International Airport, known today as Montreal-Trudeau.
It is the busiest airport in Quebec
and was featured on the reality television series, the Amazing Race and participated
in Operation Yellow Ribbon by taking diverted flights from the United
States during the September 11, 2001 attacks. The nickname “Airport
City” emphasizes Dorval's industry-driven economy, however, the city provides
a balance with a number of green spaces such as golf
courses and parks and also maintains a strong community spirit through
various programmes and recreational activities.
HISTORY
Sulpician priests established Fort Gentilly in the 1600s, which later became
known as Fort La Presentation. Jean-Baptiste Bouchard d'Orval, a voyageur and
fur trader, purchased land in Gentilly and is credited with providing the name
for the city.
The introduction of the Grand Trunk Railway in 1855 attracted wealthy, English
speaking families into the area. Dorval was established as a village in 1892,
as a town in 1903 and as a city in 1956.
At the beginning of the Second World War, Dorval was selected to be the base
for Ferry Command and would become a military airport. Ferry Command was responsible
for improving aircraft deliveries to Britain.
During the war, 9000 airplanes were shipped with a loss of only approximately
100. After the war, the airport continued to be used and gained popularity as
a transportation
hub.
DORVAL AIRPORT
Named after the 15th Canadian prime minister, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the airport
is a major source of business in the area. It is the third busiest airport in
Canada, accommodating
domestic and international flights. In 2005, the airport serviced 10 million
passengers.
Starting in the year 2000, major expansions and renovations were being executed
with the goal of increasing the terminal's capacity and improving the level
of service to passengers. These changes will enhance the design and efficiency
of the airport enabling it to keep up with its high demands.
Work that has already been completed includes an international and United States
jetty that allows direct access to the terminals as well as an increase in the
size of the boarding gates to accommodate larger airplanes. Expansion of the
central terminal building includes more check-in counters, boarding gates and
services such as restaurants
and shops.
The check-in area has also been improved to implement a smooth traffic-flow
of passengers and visitors and also the installation of more counters and self
check-in kiosks. The international arrivals area now has a massive customs hall
and baggage claim room.
Currently, work is being done on the multi-level parking facility, adding more
parking spaces. The public international and domestic arrivals halls are also
being renovated to improve design and features.
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Customs Hall at Montreal-Trudeau
Airport2
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Future plans include the construction of a trans-border departure building with
a hotel being built over top of it. Working with the City of Montreal, the Canadian
Government and other agencies, plans are being reviewed to improve the Dorval
interchange providing direct road access between the airport and highways 20 and
520. New rail stations and an express rail shuttle are also being implemented
to improve transportation networks with major cities.
Although the airport is the economy hub of the city, two industrial parks in
the city also generate economic growth and profit. One is located facing the
Trans-Canada highway and the other is on Cote de Liesse Road. A third industrial
area is being developed on Sources Road near Golf
Dorval. Companies with offices in the area include Bombardier, Air
Canada, Novartis, Innotech Aviation and many more.
GEOGRAPHY
Located at a latitude of 45° north, a longitude of 73° west and an altitude
of 31 m (102 ft), Dorval is situated on Montreal Island and has reached a population
of 19,706 according to the Canada census of 2004. Montreal Island is approximately
50 km (31 mi) long and 16 km (10 mi) wide. Dorval stretches along the shores
of Lake Saint Louis between Pointe-Claire in the west and Lachine
in the east. Many bridges have been built on the island to access the surrounding
areas. In 2002, Dorval was part of the city of Montreal but later in 2004, the
city voted to become an independent city, achieving this designation on January
1, 2006. One interesting community in the area is L'ile Dorval, located 1 km
(0.6 mi) off shore. This island is a summer cottage residence with only two
permanent residents.
ACCOMMODATION
A number of hotels and motels are conveniently located within easy access of
the Montreal-Trudeau airport and downtown Montreal, including the Hilton
Montreal Airport, Quality
Hotel Dorval Aeroport, Holiday
Inn and Best
Western. A number of the hotels provide conference and meeting rooms
to accommodate business travellers. Other services provided at some of the hotels
include free shuttle
bus service to the airport and business centres equipped with office
equipment and supplies.
CLIMATE
| |
|
Month |
Avg.
Daily Temperature |
Average
Rainfall |
|
Min |
Max |
| Jan
|
-14°C
(7°F) |
-5°C
(23°F) |
21
mm |
| Feb |
-13°C
(9°F) |
-3°C
(27°F) |
19
mm |
| Mar
|
-6°C
(21°F) |
2°C
(36°F) |
34
mm |
| Apr |
1°C
(34°F) |
11°C
(52°F) |
63
mm |
| May
|
7°C
(45°F) |
19°C
(66°F) |
67
mm |
| Jun
|
13°C
(55°F) |
23°C
(73°F) |
83
mm |
| Jul |
15°C
(59°F) |
26°C
(79°F) |
86
mm |
|
Aug |
14°C
(57°F) |
25°C
(77°F) |
100
mm |
|
Sep |
9°C
(48°F) |
20°C
(68°F) |
87
mm |
|
Oct |
4°C
(39°F) |
13°C
(55°F) |
73
mm |
|
Nov |
-1°C
(30°F) |
5°C
(41°F) |
70
mm |
|
Dec |
-10°C
(14°F) |
-2°C
(28°F) |
35
mm |
|
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Climate
Data from the
Weather Network |
In winter, temperatures can range from -10°C (14°F) to -14°C (7°F) with the
most snow accumulating between the months of December and March. During the
summer, averages are found in the high teens and mid to high 20s. The high humidity
levels can also make the summers quite hot. Autumn is beautiful with the onset
of leaves changing their colours, highlighting the skies with shades of red
and orange.
In the spring and fall, a raincoat and windbreaker would be useful. For summer,
light fabrics such as cotton are recommended with a jacket for the evenings
which can get cooler. In the winter, visitors should be prepared for the cold
by having such items as waterproof boots, hats, gloves, scarves and other winter
apparel.
TRANSPORTATION
In the city
Public transportation is regulated and serviced by the Societe de Transport
de Montreal. A number of bus routes are available linking all sectors of the
city together. Two commuter train stations are also stationed in Dorval. For
cyclists, all bicycles must be registered and licenses can be purchased at the
city hall.
To and from the airport
Visitors can travel by car, bus and metro to and from downtown Montreal. L'Aerobus,
the shuttle service, runs daily from 7-2am with departures every 20 minutes
from the airport to the Montreal Bus Central Station. Stops on the route include
the 36-floor Marriott
Chateau Champlain and the Fairmont
Queen Elizabeth, with Central Station located below it. Located
on site at the Montreal-Trudeau airport, passengers can hire limousines,
taxis
and rental cars. Rental
car agencies available include Avis,
Budget,
Hertz
and Thrifty.
It normally takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes by car to travel from the airport
to downtown Montreal, however, travel time increases to about one hour during
peak times. VIA
Rail Train Stations offers Air Connect trail service that provides free
shuttle bus service to Montreal-Trudeau. The price is already included in the
cost of the train ticket to Dorval Station.
ATTRACTIONS
Dorval is the gateway to Montreal, a city famous for its arts and culture scene.
While downtown Montreal offers numerous hotels,
fashion boutiques, restaurants, night clubs and so much more, Dorval itself
also offers a number of activities
and attractions
to enjoy.
Golf Dorval, located 20 minutes from downtown Montreal is enjoyed by visitors
and residents of Dorval. Two 18-hole courses, the Oakville and Gentilly, were
designed by Graham Cooke. Golfers can practice on the two putting greens and
driving range. At 193 m (211 yards) with a par 3, hole 16 on the Oakville course
offers quite the challenge with a design featuring sand traps and a pond. Golf
Dorval supports Future Links, a program for children aged seven to 13 years
old that teaches them the basics of golf and encourages the love of the sport.
Two reception rooms are also available for weddings
and special functions.
Another golf course in the city is the Dorval
Municipal Golf Club, a semi-private 18-hole course located minutes from
the airport. Non-members are invited to play during the weekdays at scheduled
times and the club hosts tournaments and events during the golf season.
For cyclists, La
Route Verte provides an extensive bicycle network covering close to
4000 km (2486 mi) of territory and linking the regions of Quebec. Some of the
areas that the paths cross are the Parcours des Anses in Levis,
Berri Street bicycle path in Montreal and Veloroute des Bleuets in Lac-Saint-Jean.
Take in the scenery of lakes, rivers and forests as the route passes through
the province. Bike-friendly accommodations can be found in regions such as the
Laurentians,
Monteregie and Saguenay,
with many offering storage and laundry facilities and even high carbohydrate
meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables for enthusiastic cyclists.
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Cycling Along theTrails 4
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History and culture are preserved at the Dorval
Museum of Local History and Heritage and the Dorval
Cultural Centre. The museum is housed in the old stables of the
forest and stream club that was renovated and officially opened in 2002. Visitors
can view articles, artifacts and photos
of landmarks and the first founders of Dorval. The Cultural Centre showcases
artwork from local, regional and national artists and brings the community together
for concerts. Art courses such as painting, drawing, pottery and wood sculpture
are also available.
Dorval, the transportation hub of Quebec, provides a link to the province's
main cities and offers its visitors an opportunity to enjoy its parks, culture
and recreational activities.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- Aeroports de Montreal; Baggage Claim; Dorval, QC, Canada
- Aeroports de Montreal; Customs Hall; Dorval, QC, Canada
- WorldWeb Travel Guide;A Ball on the Green
- WorldWeb Travel Guide; Cycling Along the Trails
