The city of Montreal, home to more than two million Canadians, is one of the most international cities in all of Canada. With modern amenities as well as Old Montreal flair, the number of tourists who visit each year has grown steadily and continues to rise.

Diverse ethnic communities? Check. A cuisine with a unique international fusion? Check. An underground city system with its own stores, restaurants, and walkways? Yup, Montreal has one of those, too. All the city is missing right now is you.

When to Visit Montreal

Montreal is proud to be situated in an area where all four seasons exist – and yes, you can tell the difference between each while still having a good time. During the winter months Montrealers enjoy temperatures that fall to approximately 10 to -20 degrees Celsius (or 50 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit). We say enjoy because they really do make the best of the weather by skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, and even ice hockey.

During the spring months when the snow melts, both locals and tourists enjoy walking around Beaver Lake, kayaking, and cycling. The spring season is also the best time of year to get to taste some of the area’s purest maple syrup. When the summer months arrive the city of Montreal comes to life with a series of festivals that line up one after the other, including the Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs, and several others. Temperatures during the summer months are moderate, ranging from 7 to 25 degrees Celsius (or 45 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit).

For a picturesque experience you’ll want to visit Montreal during the fall months. As the leaves change you’ll find locals and tourists turning towards museums, shops, and restaurants for entertainment. If you visit the underground city you may find it unnecessary to reemerge.

Montreal’s French Culture

Before the year 1535, the city now known as Montreal had a different name – Hochelaga. It wasn’t until October 2^nd, when the French explorer Jacques Cartier scaled the nearby mountain, that the city changed names. The view overwhelmed Cartier and he gave the mountain a name – Mont Royal. The name Montreal came from the term MontReal.

Montreal, to many, is considered a miniature version of Paris. The natives speak French and even the road signs are printed in the foreign language. Truth be told, the language and small lifestyle similarities are few and Montreal is truly its own unique city with a blend of cultures unlike many others.

Safety Considerations in Montreal

Montreal is considered one of the safest cities in North America and its citizens are always friendly and helpful. That said there are still more than 2 million people living there, so incidents of theft are not unheard of. Just make sure you take care of your personal belongings as you would anywhere else in the world and don’t make yourself victim to a crime of opportunity.

Transportation within Montreal

Montreal is a large city so it may be beneficial to you to rent a car for the duration of your stay, especially if you plan to venture outside of the city itself. Otherwise, the city Metro subway system can easily transport you to almost any tourist area you wish to see.

Image Credit:abdallahh

Montreal has a well established public bus service and taxi cabs are relatively inexpensive as well. You may find a taxi necessary if you wish to visit some of the attractions on the other side of the St. Lawrence River like the Festin du Gouverneur dinner show or the casino.

Things to Do in Montreal

First time visitors to Montreal should make a very special effort to visit the Old Montreal neighborhood. This is the best place for those looking to learn about the true history of the city to go. The town square, also known as Place Jacques-Cartier, is set within Old Montreal and is the center of the entire city. Here you’ll enjoy watching people gather to enjoy the street entertainment including caricaturists, art, and face painting.

Those looking to enjoy a bit of Montreal’s nightlife should head on over to the Orchid Nightclub. The semi-casual club plays a great blend of RnB, hip hop, and old school music in a gigantic room featuring five different bars. You don’t really have to dress up to get in the door but you should wear your nicest jeans and shoes to avoid a hassle. The average patron is between the age of 18 and 25, though visitors of all ages are welcome.

Anyone interested in religious history should tour some of Montreal’s historic churches and synagogues. The Chappelle Notre Dame de Bonsecours is open to visitors Tuesdays through Sundays and features the Marguerite Burgeous Museum.  The Basilique Notre Dame de Montreal, St. Patrick’s Basilica, and Cathedrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde are all incredible examples of local architecture as well.

Pack your bags, grab a French translator, and hit the road. Your trip to Montreal won’t be disappointing!