A few hours down the road from Québec City lies Montreal, Canada’s second largest city and the largest French-speaking settlement outside of Paris. With a population of over three million, it is the economic workhorse in comparison to its more scenic neighbour, Québec City. This however does not mean it lacks character. A blend of old and new, Montreal enjoys European charm with the vibrancy of a modern city that is continuously buzzing.
Take a stroll through the delightful streets of its Old City in the morning, explore Saint Joseph’s Oratory and the Jean-Talon Market in the afternoon and enjoy one of Montreal’s 4,000 or so restaurants and the city’s energetic nightlife in the evening. The botanic gardens are a serene highlight of the city, while at the other end of the spectrum La Ronde Amusement Park is sure to get the heart rate back up. For panoramic views of the city, brace yourself for an uphill walk to the lovely Parc du Mont-Royal or witness the dramatically ornate interior of the Basilique Notre-Dame with a bell in the west that once took 12 men to ring. Montreal is known for its welcoming folk, always up for a friendly chat, but don’t worry, they speak English here too.
For something a little more unique, do as the locals do and escape the extreme temperatures outside by retreating to Montreal’s Underground City – a 33 kilometre network of tunnels and stairs that connect shops, offices, schools, hotels and just about everything else that can be found above ground in the downtown area. Technically, not so much a city as an indoor pedestrian complex, it is still interesting to explore and, when the temperature is well into the minus figures outside, the climate controlled temperature makes for a much more pleasant way to get to the major sites of Montreal.
