Clock Tower Beach opens Saturday, June 16 - The new destination where Montrealers and tourists can relax all summer long

MONTREAL, June 14, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Clock Tower Beach is finally open! White sand, brightly coloured chairs and parasols, refreshing water misters and breathtaking vistas: all that's missing is you!

To mark the official opening, admission to the Clock Tower Beach will be free for all visitors on Saturday, and Sunday, June 16 and 17.

The Clock Tower Beach, a veritable window on the river, is the result of the Old Port of Montréal Corporation's vision of restoring public access to the shores of the St. Lawrence by creating a unique, magnificent physical link with the river, where people can relax in an urban setting, just steps from downtown.

"The development of this urban beach adds to what Montréal can offer to tourists by creating a unique new centre of attraction just a stone's throw from the excitement of the downtown core, a place where people can congregate and relax. We're especially proud since this is one of the first milestones in the implementation of our development vision," said Claude Benoit, president and chief executive officer of the Old Port of Montréal Corporation. "Our only regret is that we can't allow swimming at the new beach because the current is very strong at this location," she added.

Mission accomplished, thanks in large part to the design work and creativity of the team from Claude Cormier et associés, landscape architects, who developed this major project with great taste and simplicity, creating a peaceful yet convivial atmosphere that respects the tranquility of the site.

"The Clock Tower Beach," explained Claude Cormier," is inspired by urban beaches, including the flagship Paris-Plages project in France, dating back to 2000. This concept was subsequently adopted by cities such as Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels, Budapest and Toronto. We wanted this to be a signature location for Montréal, with a unique, festive atmosphere. The Clock Tower Beach recreates a vacation mood in an urban setting."

Buvette par Apollo
The Clock Tower Beach will also be a culinary destination, with acclaimed chef Giovanni Apollo's concept adapted to the beach experience. Families and friends can gather near the Buvette par Apollo to sip a cool drink and enjoy creative, relaxed cuisine inspired by summer. The Buvette will offer a simple, affordable, healthy menu with a variety of refreshing dishes that will appeal to both a daytime and an evening clientele. The Buvette par Apollo was designed to maximize the visitor experience at the Clock Tower Beach.

There are also many artistic and cultural activities in store, in collaboration with our sponsors, to enhance visitors' enjoyment and take full advantage of the warm summer days.

Vins de Provence Rosé Moments
On Wednesday, June 27, and Wednesday, August 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. Happy hours inspired by nights on Miami Beach! With your feet buried in the sand, groove to the beat of a guest DJ while you indulge in Mediterranean tapas and Provencal wines.

Art in the Sand
From Saturday, June 23 to Monday, July 2, Coppertone is presenting Art in the Sand at the Clock Tower Beach. A team of sand sculptors will be working all weekend to create amazing, ephemeral works on the Beach. Members of the public are invited to vote for their favourite sculpture, on site or via the Web.

Red Bull Solstice at the Old Port
On Thursday, June 21, from 5 to 11 p.m., we're celebrating the longest day of the year with drinks and dancing up till the sun goes down … and that's when the big surprises begin, with the Red Bull Solstice. If you're 18 or over, you won't want to miss this event. Tickets are on sale at www.redbull.ca, the Clock Tower Beach box office and the information booth on Jacques-Cartier Quay.

So join us at the Clock Tower Beach for R&R, vino, warm sand and Buvette par Apollo and shake up your daily routine, starting June 16.

Clock Tower Beach hours
June 16 to September 2

• Every day from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Evenings with fireworks or events: late closing at 11 p.m.

September 3 to 23

• Open weekends only

Admission
Season's pass			Daily admission
Individual (for all)  Family	$27 $58		Age 5 and under Ages 6 to 12  Ages 13 to 59 Age 60 and over  Family	free $3 $6 $5 $15
			Taxes extra

For more information: 
http://www.oldportofmontreal.com/clock-tower-beach.html

The Old Port thanks Vins de Provence and ESKA, official sponsors of the Clock Tower Beach, as well as Coppertone and acknowledges the support of its main partner, the Government of Canada, of TELUS, Sleeman and Coca-Cola, and of the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

About the Old Port of Montréal Corporation

The Old Port of Montréal Corporation is a business corporation created by the Government of Canada in November 1981. As the manager of the Old Port of Montréal and the Montréal Science Centre, the Old Port of Montréal Corporation participates actively in Montréal's economic development by creating high-quality culture, tourism and recreation products.

Photos: http://www.Vieuxportdemontreal.com/media/PlagedeHorlogeClockTowerBeach

Source:   Old Port of Montréal Corporation

Information:
Julie Mailhot Public relations officer
514.283.8085
Cell: 514.838.4524
[email protected]