The City of a Hundred Spires, with its Frenchinfluences, slew of festivals, and pristinely preserved historic city centrehas to be one of the most charming in North America, if not the world.
Montreal is a proudFrench city, which began as a fur trading outpost in the early 17thCentury. The official language is French, and many of the city’s inhabitantsrefuse to speak any other language. Even the way the city looks and feels isoften compared to Paris the colourful mansions, bohemian lifestyle and love offood and art all reflect the French capital. Visit the cafés and bookstores of PlateauMont Royal in the northeast of the city and you’ll soon get a tasteof the Parisian atmosphere in Montreal.
Montreal has alwaysbeen a rich trading city, which has meant the city can fund the ornatehistorical architecture and large scale high-rises you see today. Step into thevast churches like the Notre-DameBasilica and the SaintJoseph's Oratory, the latter being the largest church in Canada. Seethe shimmering silver dome of Bonsecours Market, which was built to showimpress upon visitors the city’s grandeur. Explore and shop in the extensiveUnderground City, the largest underground complex in the world.
Montreal loves itsfestivals the city holds a number throughout the year, but most happen in thesummer months. Festivals devoted to jazz, fireworks and stand-up comedyannually attract millions of visitors from around the world. Many are held inthe Quartierdes Spectacles between the skyscrapers of the city centre. Thanks to Montreal'sconcert halls and great outdoor spaces, these festivals are widely regarded assome of the best in the world.
Montreal is located inthe extreme south of the Canadian province of Quebec,only 72 kilometres from the US border. The town lies on an island between theSt. Lawrence River and the Rivière des Prairies with a hill in the centre,called Mount Royal.
The city has an excellent public transport system,making it easy to explore the city without a car. With 68 stations in the cityand discounted offers for visitors, the subway is the most convenient traveloption.
What are you waiting for? Book yourself a holidayto Montreal today.
