Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex

Pointe-à-Callière stands on the spot where Montreal began, at the edge of Old Montreal near the Old Port. The museum opened in 1992 as part of the celebrations for the city's 350th birthday and has since grown into a complex of linked buildings above and below ground. It looks after one of Canada's largest archaeological collections, with more than a million objects.

The main entrance is the modern Éperon building, and from there the route leads underground through remains uncovered on the site. Above ground, the complex takes in the Old Custom House of 1836 and the Mariners' House. The complex also takes in the William collector sewer, and the Fort Ville-Marie pavilion protects the remains of the first settlement and serves as an archaeological field school.

The permanent exhibitions tell the city's story in several ways. Where Montréal Began walks through the remains themselves, Building Montréal and Crossroads Montréal look at how the city grew, and 1701, The Great Peace of Montréal covers the treaty signed with First Nations that year. Memory Collector draws on the collection, while Pirates or privateers? and Archaeo-Adventure take a more playful approach that can help hold children's attention. The multimedia show Yours Truly, Montréal is a good introduction before you go downstairs.

It suits history lovers, families with school-age children and anyone who wants context for the old streets outside. Allow around two hours, more if you watch the show and see the temporary exhibition. The museum opens from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday and from 11am to 5pm at weekends, and tickets are sold until an hour before closing, so do not arrive late in the afternoon. A single ticket covers both the permanent and temporary exhibitions, children up to four go free and there is a family rate. It closes on 25 December and 1 January. The museum's own bistro, L'Arrivage, is useful for lunch, and the guided tours and activities give a deeper explanation of the digs.

The museum is at 350 Place Royale. Place-d'Armes metro station is the closest, and the walk down through Old Montreal passes Notre-Dame Basilica. The Old Port's quays are steps away, so it fits easily into a day of walking in the old town.