The largest population center in Québec – home to close to half the province's residents – Montréal has the thousands of attractions available in any large metropolitan center and all the charms of a multicultural city:
- Its French accent mixes with those of many other cultural communities.
- Its colorful streets, unique neighborhoods and public markets cry out to be discovered.
- Its downtown core is abuzz with life: cafés, famous restaurants, chic boutiques, attractive bars, street theater, etc.
- Its commercial streets provide all the facilities for today's active living.
- It abounds with a wide variety of entertainment, scientific, cultural and sports activities.
- Its mass transit service, with a subway (the Métro), buses and commuter trains and its cycle paths make it easy to get around.
A key center of Québec culture
Known worldwide for its energy and the diversity of its cultural activities, Montréal knows how to keep its population entertained. Winter or summer, the city moves to the beat of its festivals: jazz, humor, fireworks, etc. Cinemas, theaters and museums thrive. Place des Arts, for example, houses the Musée d'art contemporain and several theaters, the Opéra de Montréal and the symphony orchestra.
Old picturesque neighborhoods
Wander through the streets of the old city and discover buildings that are a delight to history and archaeology lovers. A calèche ride among the 18th and 19th century residences of Old Montréal will take you to the imposing neogothic Notre-Dame Basilica and to any number of museums with stories to tell about the past. Since the first lines in the city's history describe port activities, don't miss a visit to the site of the Old Port, where you can go on a cruise of the St. Lawrence.
Nature mere steps from downtown
On foot, by Métro or on a bike, discover the city's hundreds of parks, including Mount Royal, along with its many other green spaces. The Olympic Park features a magic place where four ecosystems exist side-by-side: the Biodome. Close by, the Botanical Garden, one of the largest in the world, houses a vast array of horticultural worlds, including the Chinese and Japanese gardens. And don't forget the Insectarium, where you can see insects from around the globe.
A quality education in both English and French
Québec has made a considerable investment in educating its young people. Its system of education is very affordable. Many schools and junior colleges offer international or specialized programs (business, sports, arts, languages, computing). Montréal is home to four universities – two English speaking and two French speaking – known for the quality of their teaching, the excellence of their research centers and their lively campuses.
For more information
Visit the official City of Montréal Web site.