Montreal or Montréal (French prononciation: Mawn-ray-al)
Montreal is unique among cities in North America, comparable perhaps only to New Orleans in the depth and the pervasiveness of its European history. Visitors can enjoy a modern city with all its conveniences, outstanding shopping and dining, but also get a taste of Europe and a glimpse back into Canada's rich French heritage in Old Montreal.
Montreal is unique among cities in North America, comparable perhaps only to New Orleans in the depth and the pervasiveness of its European history. Visitors can enjoy a modern city with all its conveniences, outstanding shopping and dining, but also get a taste of Europe and a glimpse back into Canada's rich French heritage in Old Montreal.
Montrealers also know how to have a good time and approach most things they do with a joie de vivre. The uncalculated chic and spontaneity of Montreal differs from Toronto, which tends to be a little stuffier.
Montreal History
Photo courtesy Old Montréal
The city of Montreal has a history dating back to 1642 when settlers from France landed at the edge of St. Lawrence River. The group, led by Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve, of Champagne, founded Ville Marie - later re-named Montreal - and began to build a model Catholic community and convert the natives. The waterside town became a major trading and military post and at one time even housed Canada's parliament.
Montreal grew inland, attracting immigrants from England, Scotland and Ireland. Today, the city is as diverse as Toronto or New York City. Seventeenth century Montreal is still apparent today in what is known as Old Montreal or Vieux-Montréal; it has retained much of its charm through cobblestone streets and original architecture.
Location
Map courtesy Tourisme Montréal .
Montreal is in the southwest part of the province of Quebec. The city is actually an island, bordered by the St Lawrence River to the south and Rivière des Prairies to the north.
- Montreal is about a three-hour drive west from the provincial capital, Quebec City.
- Montreal is about a six-hour drive east from Toronto and six hours north of New York City.
Language
Montreal has one of the largest French-speaking populations in the world. Nevertheless, visitors to Montreal can get by easily only speaking English. Of course, it's nice to know a few useful French expressions when you're there.Montreal Weather & Climate
Montreal has four distinct seasons, with the height of summer being warm to hot and winter months extremely cold and snowy. Winter months are likely to see several large snowstorms with a foot or so of snow. Springtime is warm and lovely and fall is my personal favorite with comfortable temperatures and spectacular fall foliage.Where to Stay in Montreal
The Hotel Omni is a pleasant, tasteful hotel in downtown Montreal that offers good specials during low season.Where to Eat in Montreal
Montreal cuisine is some of the best in Canada. From casual French bistros to Quebecois French food restaurants and every other type of international cuisine, Montreal delights the tastebuds.Montreal Attractions
Photo courtesy Old Montréal
Montreal is rich with culture and offers plenty for visitors.
Shopping in Montreal
Montreal has a European chic and sophistication that makes for great shopping.- Ste-Catherine St is the retail center of Montreal - lots of department stores, bars and restaurants. Don't miss Simons - three floors packed with stylish clothes and housewares at great prices. English is commonly spoken all along Ste-Catherine.
- Saint-Denis St & Saint-Laurent Blvd have shops with a younger edgier feel.
- Sherbrooke St runs parallel to St. Catherine a few streets north. West Sherbrooke is an upscale shopping area with designer boutiques, antique stores, and art galleries (Guy-Concordia metro stop).
- The Underground City is a sheltered complex, which covers over 12 kms in Montreal's downtown.
Montreal Events & Festivals
- The Just for Laughs Montréal Comedy Festival Montreal every summer.
- Every June / July, the Montreal International Jazz Festival offers about 500 concerts, of which three-quarters are free of charge, and hosts about 2000 musicians from over 20 countries.
Getting to Montreal
Map courtesyTourisme Montréal
By Air:
- Montreal's Trudeau International Airport (Dorval) is about a 20 min drive from downtown Montreal.
- By air, Montreal is only an hour from Toronto and New York, two hours from Chicago and six hours from Paris.
- VIA Rail and AMTRAK bring visitors to Montreal's Central Station, which is connected to the Bonaventure métro station in downtown Montreal.
- Greyhound Lines serves Montreal from numerous cities in the US and Canada. Busses arrive at Montreal Bus Central Station, which is connected to the Berri-UQAM métro station.
- Montreal is 45 miles (75km) from the American border
