Montreal looks to boost tourism

MONTREAL, Canada -- A new roller coaster, a garden show and the annual Jazz Festival are among the noteworthy attractions in Montreal this spring and summer.

A one-time event for garden-lovers, Flora Montreal -- www.floramontreal.ca -- takes place at the Old Port, June 16-Oct. 9, with more than 30 displays, from water gardens and contemporary designs to show gardens and urban oases. While you're at the Old Port, rent a quadricycle (a bicycle built for four) or a pedal boat, or make your way through the Labyrinth, a maze at Hangar 16.

The Goliath, a new roller coaster at La Ronde, features a three-minute ride at 70 mph and a drop of more than 171 feet. La Ronde is a Six Flags park located on Ile Saint Helene.

For music-lovers, the Montreal Chamber Music Festival takes place June 8-30, and the 27th annual International Jazz Festival unfolds June 29-July 9. The city's international fireworks competitions explodes nightly, June 17-July 29, and the only Formula 1 auto race in Canada takes place June 23-25 on the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit.

"Just For Laughs" bills itself as the world's biggest comedy festival, with 1,500 shows, July 13-23.