The biggest city in Quebec, Canada’s fiercely independent-minded French-speaking region, Montreal charms all who are lucky enough to visit it. It’s not big on grand tourist attractions – the beauty lies in the soothing 18th and 19th century architecture, and the complementary street café atmosphere. The winters are positively freezing though; but Montreal scoffs at the hostile weather by serving as a base for winter sports in the surrounding mountains, and by keeping its inhabitants and visitors warm in the vast Underground City.
Things to see and do:
- Vieux Montreal – the original 18th century settlement is Montreal’s most tourist-driven but also most picturesque area – take in the Place Jacques Cartier (marketplace), and the magnificent Basilica Notre Dame.
- Districts – Plateau Mont Royal is cosmopolitan blend of clubs, restaurants and shops; Little Italy has great restaurants and the massive Jean Talon Market; and the Quartier Latin is the home of student chic/slack.
- Underground City – shops, restaurants, hotels, galleries, cinemas, metro and railway stations – there’s nothing they didn’t fit into these 20 miles of shopping mal walkways, and it’s a great place to come to escape the bitter cold in the winter.
- International Jazz festival – held in June and July, Montreal’s Jazz Festival is world famous and attracts hundreds of performers from around the globe every year.
Getting there:
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is 13 miles west of downtown Montreal. Transport options between the airport and city include car hire, the metro and free shuttle buses.
Location and weather:
Montreal is in south-east Canada close to the border with the USA – Boston is 200 miles to the south east. Winters are very cold with temperatures regularly dropping double figures below zero; summers are warm (20s) but humid and with regular rain.
Top tip:
July is peak holiday season with internationally-renowned jazz, comedy and song festivals taking place; make a beeline for a great atmosphere and fantastic entertainment, but stay away if you want to avoid the crowds.
|
