The turn of the 20th century was a significant period in the history of leisure activities. The Victorian precepts based on respect for moral principles and rigid social conventions were questioned by society, in favour of a modern culture valuing greater freedom of customs and individuals. The advent of mass leisure activities and the increasing number of leisure-related opportunities gave rise to new popular recreational practices. Families discovered amusement parks, movies and strolls or rides outside the downtown area. The Verdun boardwalk was a very popular place among Montrealers for its view overlooking the river and its water sports activities.