MONTREAL — From boats to bikes, camping gear to home improvement, public exhibition and trade shows offer great ways to learn more about the latest product trends for your home, garden and garage.
Here are a few ways to enjoy Montreal's always busy winter and spring trade-show season.
The Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show splashes down at Place Bonaventure Feb. 9 through 12. Here, 150 exhibitors offer 400 of the latest pleasure-craft models including kayaks, sailboats and fishing boats. There will be dozens of accessory dealers on-site as well. In addition, provincial nautical tourism kiosks will offer info on marinas, waterways, lodging and campsites located near rivers and lakes. At 800 de la Gauchetiere W. Admission costs $13 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $5 for children 6 to 12. Call (450) 466-1777 or visit www.salondubateau.com.
Outdoor enthusiasts, avid hunters and dedicated fishermen will enjoy the National Outfitter's Hunting and Fishing Show, which is held Jan. 26 through 29. Here, professional outfitters can help you plan your next hunting or fishing trip. The show will also offer specialized workshops on a variety of topics geared toward the great outdoors. At Palais des Congres (the Montreal Convention Centre), 201 Viger Ave. W. Admission costs $12 for adults. Call (514) 334-7277 or visit www.pourvoirie.net.
The Bicycle Show Expodium will celebrate a milestone 10th anniversary when it rolls into Place Bonaventure Feb. 17 through 19. Geared toward bicycling enthusiasts, the Bicycle Expodium will showcase the latest bicycle models, accessories and bike-themed clothing. There will be plenty of cycling tourism information as well, as the show will offer hundreds of trip and expedition suggestions for cycling around the globe. The site will also feature a test track and acrobatic stunt demonstrations. Admission costs $11 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, and $5 for children 6 to 12. The show is free on Feb. 19 for children 12 years and younger when accompanied by a parent. Call (514) 397-2222 or visit www.expodium.ca.
If you prefer your two wheels a bit faster, the National Motorcycle Show comes to town Feb. 24 through 26 with 150 exhibitors offering the latest models in motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, custom and vintage cycles as well as specialized clothing and accessories. Motorcycle manufacturers include Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and, of course, Harley Davidson. Representatives from Quebec tourism regions will also be on hand to help you plan your next motorcycle adventure. At Palais des Congres. Adult admission costs $13.50. Visit www.salonmotomontreal.com.
Enjoy more of the great outdoors at the Hunting, Fishing and Camping Show Feb. 23 through 26. More than 250 exhibitors will be on hand including boat, ATV and RV dealers, outfitters, and camping gear manufacturers and retailers. There's family fun, too, with a duck decoy contest, archery and crossbow demos, a casting pond and a very popular trout pond where you can actually catch your dinner for the night ($5 for one trout or $12 for three). Admission costs $13 for adults, $11 for students and seniors, and $4 for children 6 to 11. At Place Bonaventure. Call (514) 866-5409.
Then it's time to hit the road in a really big way. The very popular Montreal RV Show will celebrate its 25th edition at Olympic Stadium March 8 through 11. The RV Show features the latest motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, camping trailers and tent-trailers — some 500 vehicles in all. Admission costs $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $6 for children 6 to 12. Call (514) 338-1471 or visit www.salonvr.com.
Next, if your house is in need of a makeover, get some decorating, renovating and design tips at the Montreal National Home and Landscaping Show March 16 through 25. Some 500 exhibitors will offer the latest trends and ideas on home construction, design, renovations, decorating and landscaping. Featured this year, Le Marquis Concept premieres its new signature house — the Eridan, a sleek, airy, contemporary factory-built modular home that will make you want to move. Admission costs $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. At Place Bonaventure. Call (514) 527-9222 or visit www.montrealnationalhomeshow.com.
Steven Howell is the author of Montreal Essential Guide, a Sutro Media iPhone travel app available at iTunes.com.
