BMO Harris Bank Encourages Canadians to Skip the "Staycation" and Go South of the Border to Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE, July 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a survey released by BMO, almost 80 per cent of Canadians will take a summer vacation this year, with nearly one in five planning to visit the U.S.

If you are still looking for a cool and hip vacation destination – then consider this hot choice just south of the border, Milwaukee. The U.K.'s Guardian newspaper has identified Milwaukee as the "perfect place for a hip city break."

Just around the corner, the Wisconsin State Fair will take place August 4 – 14 and don't miss the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds at the Milwaukee Air and Water Show taking place August 6 – 7.

Only 600 kilometers from Windsor or a quick flight from Toronto, Milwaukee offers something for everyone from great restaurants and the beautiful and relaxing Riverwalk, to the Harley-Davidson Museum, to the Milwaukee Public Museum which will soon host Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt, to the Milwaukee Art Museum, designed in part by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, where works by Miro, Picasso and Warhol grace the walls.

"The combination of a strong Canadian dollar and a location that offers more than any city of comparable size, guarantees a memorable and fun getaway," said Brad Chapin, Executive Vice President, Personal Banking, BMO Harris Bank N.A. "Millions of visitors every year come to Milwaukee and we would love to see more of our Canadian neighbors visit and enjoy our beautiful city this summer."

"Milwaukee offers the best of all worlds - we've got the attractions, nightlife and restaurants of a large city combined with the genuine hospitality and friendly attitude of a smaller town. There's so much to do here, from enjoying our miles of Lake Michigan coastline to walking our historic neighborhoods to having a great time at our world-renowned festivals. We've figured out how to evolve into a thoroughly modern city that remains true to its character and we do it well. From the 21st-century architecture of Santiago Calatrava to the vintage charm of the oldest bowling alley in the United States, there's nowhere like Milwaukee," Paul Upchurch, President and CEO, VISIT Milwaukee. "Furthermore, we are excited to have BMO Harris Bank involved in our community," added Upchurch.

There's plenty more to see and do. If beer is your adult beverage of choice, then "Brew City" is the place to be, and tip back a cold one at one of the nation's top-rated brewery tours. Tired of the designated hitter? Come out to Miller Park, where the Brewers are playing some very exciting ball and challenging for the National League title.

Interested in learning about wildlife? Then Milwaukee County Zoo is your place. In the mood for some great ethnic food and music? Our summer ethnic festivals will keep you happy. Ready for your fun? Milwaukee is waiting for you.

BMO Harris Bank has branches throughout Milwaukee and BMO customers do not pay fees for ATM withdrawals.

About BMO Harris Bank

Based in Chicago, BMO Harris Bank has approximately 700 branches and approximately 1,350 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial institution with 1,600 branches, a retail deposit base of approximately $180 billion, and combined U.S. businesses that rank as the 12th largest commercial bank, by assets, in the United States.

SOURCE BMO Harris Bank