The Olympic flame returned to Montreal on Sunday, bringing back memories of when the city hosted the Summer Games in 1976.

A 747 aircraft from New York, carrying the flame, landed at Pierre Trudeau Airport, and from there, 120 runners took turns carrying it along a 60-kilometre course lined with flag-waving, cheering crowds.

The torch is in the midst of a five-continent tour leading up to the opening of the Summer Olympics in Athens in August.

1992 Olympic backstroke gold medallist Mark Tewksbury along with official Olympic bearer Philippe Beaudry carry the torch and salute the crowd on Berri St. in Montreal (CP photo)

The Montreal leg of the run began at Olympic Stadium and made its way through the city.

"It is an historic moment," said Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay. "The Olympic flame will unite Canada's provinces with fraternity and democracy, and shows international goodwill." Tremblay said the torch's trip through Montreal would also showcase "the image of our city in the Olympic movement diversified and cosmopolitan."

Montreal is the only Canadian city to hold a torch relay for the Aug. 13-29 Athens Games. It is the 15th city on the tour, which began on March 25 when the torch was lit at the temple of Hera in Olympia.

The flame will arrive in Antwerp, Belgium on Monday to begin the tour's European leg.