Montreal City Breaks

A guide to Montreal

Montreal offers the appeal of typically brash North American values, mixed with an elegant European ambience. It all adds up to a unique city rich in history and culture that is especially rewarding for all francophiles. It is in fact the 3rd largest French-speaking city in the world, and is filled with timeless images of charming Parisian-style bistros, tree lined boulevards and classical Gallic architecture. Visitors can climb the 200m high Mount Royal, from where the city derives its name, to savour views over a city displaying charming 17th century buildings, quirky modern architecture and a quaint old fishing port.

The cultural heart of Canada

Montreal is without question the centre of Canadian cultural life, and offers an amazing wealth of attractions for both French and English speaking visitors. Old Montreal is home to a myriad of galleries and museums, such as the impressive Musee Histoire, or the incredibly popular Musee des Beaux-Arts. Come evening time, dress to impress and try your luck at the historic Montreal Casino. You can also head out to the thrilling rollercoasters of La Ronde theme park, or pack in a day of fun and enlightening education for kids at the amazing Biosphere Science Park located at the Olympic Centre. The city is also filled with citywide festivals through the year, with something that will definitely appeal to all tastes. This includes the world's largest Jazz festival and month-long celebration of comedy, cinema, French art and pop music, and even open-air Shakespeare drama.

A gastronomic hotspot, unique French flavour

Montreal is as much a high class culinary haven as any French city, and remarkably has more restaurants and cafes per capita than even New York. Charming French brasseries and wine bars can be found in the chic St. Denis and Petite Bourgogne districts, or you can sample the vibrant atmosphere of Montreal's Latin Quarter, Chinatown and Little Italy. Montreal offers the chance for adventure galore in the great outdoors all year round. Heavy winter snowfall ensures the opportunity of cross country skiing in several city parks, and it is even possible to go ice skating on the icy St. Lawrence river. During the summer months, the river plays host to the burgeoning new extreme sport of river surfing, and horse riding, rafting and hiking are popular pursuits for thrill seekers in the stunning wilderness of the Adirondacks National Park.