The City of a Hundred Spires, with its French influences, slew of festivals, and pristinely preserved historic city centre has to be one of the most charming in North America, if not the world.
Montreal is a proud French city, which began as a fur trading outpost in the early 17th Century. The official language is French, and many of the city’s inhabitants refuse to speak any other language. Even the way the city looks and feels is often compared to Paris; the colourful mansions, bohemian lifestyle and love of food and art all reflect the French capital. Visit the cafés and bookstores of Plateau Mont RoyalOpens in a new window in the northeast of the city and you’ll soon get a taste of the Parisian atmosphere in Montreal.
Montreal has always been a rich trading city, which has meant the city can fund the ornate historical architecture and large scale high-rises you see today. Step into the vast churches like the Notre-Dame BasilicaOpens in a new window and the Saint Joseph's OratoryOpens in a new window, the latter being the largest church in Canada. See the shimmering silver dome of Bonsecours Market, which was built to show impress upon visitors the city’s grandeur. Explore and shop in the extensive Underground City, the largest underground complex in the world.
Montreal loves its festivals; the city holds a number throughout the year, but most happen in the summer months. Festivals devoted to jazz, fireworks and stand-up comedy annually attract millions of visitors from around the world. Many are held in the Quartier des SpectaclesOpens in a new window between the skyscrapers of the city centre. Thanks to Montreal's concert halls and great outdoor spaces, these festivals are widely regarded as some of the best in the world.
Montreal is located in the extreme south of the Canadian province of QuebecOpens in a new window, only 72 kilometres from the US border. The town lies on an island between the St. 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 city and discounted offers for visitors, the subway is the most convenient travel option.
What are you waiting for? Book yourself a holiday to Montreal today.
