Rich in the mix of waves of immigrants that made it one of the most popular multicultural cities, Montreal continues to amaze itself and reinvent itself. Between its parks and bell towers, skyscrapers and its historic neighborhood, it is a plebiscite city for its quality of life, openness and bilingualism.
An incomparable welcome
Throughout the world, and particularly with their French cousins, Quebecers are considered one of the most welcoming peoples on the planet. This reputation is far from usurped, and throughout the province you will feel welcome. Montreal, though a large, lively metropolis, does not escape the rule. In restaurants, hotels and shops, or even just on the street, you will feel that friendly kindness to these warm people. And, in order to ruin nothing, the offer of services for visitors is extensive and hotel facilities are comfortable and often very affordable.
No mystery, Quebeckers are North Americans. Their culture is characterized by the characteristics of this continent, and you will notice from the first contact that bonhomage and this ease to engage in the conversation that is sometimes lacking in Europe. But this culture is also marked by emotional proximity to France, which shares some of their origins. This blend gives Montrealers an identity that is clean, easy to address and, in many ways, unsettling.
A European Style
An air of Europe enveloped Old Montreal, the place of foundation of Ville-Marie in 1642 by Paul de Chomedey. Despite the numerous fires that have destroyed the oldest buildings, several restoration and development work has given a new breath to the Old Town and the Old Port, which now host thousands of tourists charmed by this European and historical style. Shops, restaurants, museums and art galleries, squares and walks, in short, ample to fill one day.
It's a great place to stay.
To heat the Blue Card, direction the city center! Surrounded by the mountains and the river, this is the place par excellence for business and shopping. Sainte-Catherine Street, which runs from east to west, is the main thoroughfare of the center where the great names of fashion, restaurants and bars and shops of all kinds are concentrated. The architecture is also diverse: the imposing skyscrapers combine the old buildings. But in the city center, there is also the Business Center, the Museum District where there are also numerous art galleries, the Quartier International and Chinatown, and the Quartier des spectacles, which includes many rooms around the Place des Arts. Above all, the city center is not just on the surface… An underground city extends under our feet with more than 30 km of corridors and walkways borrowed every day by no less than 500,000 people!
… and the party!
The Gai Village is a place of openness and joie de vivre. The Beaudry metro station proudly displays the colors of the neighborhood. Enjoying an excellent reputation with the gay community around the world, it welcomes thousands of tourists every year. And for cause! Sainte-Catherine Street (again), the main artery of the Village and transformed into a pedestrian street in the summer, brings together numerous cafés, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. A colorful neighborhood where the freedom to be premium above all. Besides, the Plateau Mont-Royal is without doubt the darling child of Europeans and hipsters in this world. There is a nice atmosphere of great village where academics, eco-chairs, artists, young professionals and bohêms are in the soul. The cozy shops and local designers are emptied in the evening to fill the nearby bistros and bars. A neighborhood where it makes decidedly good living, as in the Latin Quarter holding. It is a concentrate of places of culture and knowledge and the students give the corner a young and festive. Finally, direction Saint-Laurent Boulevard, known as La Main (for Main Street) and one of the old streets of Montreal. The massive arrival of Russian Jews, who settled there from 1881, will make Yiddish the language of use in this area. Other ethnic groups will settle on this boulevard with a Portuguese, Spanish, Jewish, Italian, etc. It remains the most cosmopolitan artery in Montreal, with its nightclubs, bars, restaurants and ethnic shops, and Prince Arthur Street, transformed into a pedestrian area, is lined with restaurant terraces. Day and night, these two streets are invaded by a colorful crowd.
Nature at Hand
But, big city if it is, Montreal is at the heart of a country with vast natural spaces. In the city, you will feel that Quebec's commitment to nature thanks to the width of the tree-lined streets, and the many parks and green spaces. Mount Royal Park in summer and winter is an ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Not far from Westmount, one of the three nearby summits that form Mount Royal, it can also be the subject of a bucolic ride. At the top, a wood was preserved in its wild state to recall the appearance of the original site. To visit Westmount, you have to be a good walker, because several streets are steep.
The St. Helena Islands and Notre-Dame (Parc Jean-Drapeau), both located opposite the Old Port, are now an important resort for Montrealers. La Ronde and its amusement parks, large parks, Biosphere, Notre-Dame Island beach, Casino and Formula 1 circuit are very popular. The 1967 Universal Exposition and the 1976 Olympic Games had a strong impact on the islands. Many current structures such as the Biosphere (Environment Museum) and the Casino were built during the Expo.
Finally, get out of town, in an hour you will be surrounded by nature, alone in the world, in a universe of lakes, forests and wild animals. In short, nature to the city and city in nature.
Smart News
When is it? The high season extends from mid May to mid-October and from mid-December to February.
Useful. To organize his trip best.
MONTREAL TOURISM OFFICE
Go there. Several airlines provide daily flights to Montreal
AIR FRANCE
AIR CANADA
