The Olympic experience continued across the island on Thursday with the relay running through municipalities including Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Kirkland, Pointe Claire and Hampstead, before swinging north of the mountain and finishing in Old Montreal.

The torch was carried to Place Jacques Cartier in the evening, where there was a celebration featuring Quebec entertainer Gregory Charles.

In every part of the city, excited onlookers expressed how thrilled they were to be taking part in Olympic history.

"We just want to show our support for our Olympic athletes, and hope they do well in Vancouver," said one high school student as the torch made its way through Pointe Claire.

Todd van der Heyden carries the torch

CTV Montreal anchor Todd van der Heyden ran through St. Marthe sur le Lac with the Olympic flame on Thursday morning.

He received the flame from Maxime Remillard, gave him a high-five, then slowly jogged along Des Promenades Blvd.

"I'm really in the spirit this morning," said van der Heyden. "It doesn't hit you until you've got the torch in your hand.

"I really found myself welling up with emotion."

Van der Heyden was surrounded by dozens of screaming fans as he carried the torch in front of a high school, before passing it along to Marina Hartl.

"The other thing is that a bunch of my friends showed up as well," said the CTV anchor.

His family, spread out from B.C. to France, watched him run with the torch online, and sent in congratulatory messages afterwards (read them in the comments section below).

"To be part of this was just an awesome experience," said van der Heyden.

Another inspirational torch bearer was Dollard's Greg Shulkin.

He contracted meningitis when he was 18, and has spent much of the past 15 years in a wheelchair.

With the help of his brothers, he walked the last few steps of his 300 metre journey with the Olympic flame.

"It's a once in a lifetime thing Rob," Shulkin told CTV reporter Rob Lurie. "What a rush, what an inspiration. I can't wait to watch this on TV when I get home."

Check out more photos on CTV Montreal's Facebook page.

Look at photos of the torch run in Laval (and submit your own pictures) on our MyNews page.

Watch the run live online!