Montréal, Québec Hotels and City Guide

Visitez Montréal pour une expérience que vous n'oublierez jamais. The sophisticated and magnificent city of Montréal, in Canada’s Quebec province, has been called “Canada’s cultural capital,” and Americans like to refer to it as “a little piece of Europe” in their backyard. While it does have an urbane, chic flavor similar to many of Europe’s finest cities, it is distinctly – and wonderfully – unique.

Montréal is, above all, a proud city. Québécois are fiercely independent and take immense pride in their culture and their beautiful home. Among Montréal’s most ardent tourists are Montréalers themselves. They revel in the fine cuisine, outstanding wine, and the great physical beauty of the city. They take pride in themselves as a people, which you will surely notice as you walk down Rue Sainte-Catherine or René Lévesque Boulevard and people watch. Montréalers typically wear the latest fashions and an air of confidence and assurance.

Montréal is Canada’s second largest city and is the second largest French-speaking city in the world, behind only Paris. Both cities, interestingly, have the reputation of being rude to their guests: they, people say, won’t speak English to you even if they can or are condescending when asked questions. Is this true? Should you skip Montréal for more friendly climes? Not at all! Both Montréalers and Parisians are full of pride about their cities, which may come off as arrogant. But remember this is borne of love for their homes. Montréal welcomes guests and will most often gladly speak English to visitors. A polite “Je ne parle pas Francais” may be all you need to loosen tongues and receive a warm welcome to this incomparable city.

No mere “miniature version of Paris,” Montréal is a city that has a thriving film industry, arts community, and financial sector. It is a city of beauty and sophistication, heritage and diversity. A charming mix of contemporary and traditional, this is a city that is not be missed. It may be second to Paris in terms of population but not in terms of the beauty and excitement you will find.

Montréal Facts

Montréal Population: 1.8 million (Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census)
Greater Montréal Population: 3.86 million (Statistics Canada, 2006 Census)
Montréal Area: 65.13 square kilometers (140.98 square miles)
Telephone Area Codes: 514, 438
Currency: Canadian dollar ($)
Time Zone: GMT -5 during Standard Time and GMT – 4 during Daylight Savings Time
Language: French
Electricity: 111 volts, 60Hz (Alternating Current – AC). Flat blade attachment plug and/or flat blade attachment with round grounding pin.

Montréal Districts

Montréal’s famous pride is even more endearing because it is borne out of a colorful mix of cultures. You will find Montréalers of Chinese, Haitian, Lebanese, Italian, English, Irish, Greek, African, and Middle Eastern descent. You will find Jews, Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Armenian Apostolic, and Muslims. While still retaining distinct heritage and cultural values, the people come together to form a united and unique whole as true Montréalers. While visiting this fascinating city, make sure to explore these districts to get a sense of the great diversity:

Downtown

The downtown area of any city is generally its lifeblood; the same is true of Montréal. The vibrancy characteristic of the city shines through here. Home to the Business District, Downtown features a blend of modern and traditional architecture that gives Montréal its distinctive charm. The main artery is eclectic Rue Sainte-Catherine on which you can shop, visit many of the area’s universities, including McGill, dine, attend concerts, or take in Sainte-Catherine’s famous, and infamous, nightlife. Visit Rue Sherbrooke for the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, the Olympic Stadium, and Montréal’s world class Botanical Garden and Biodome. It is exciting and sophisticated.

Hochelaga-Maisonneuve

Rue Sherbrooke brings visitors into the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district. For years, this was a poorer neighborhood, but it is experiencing a revival as businesses move in. Home to working Québécois and recent immigrants to the city, it is where you will find Montréal’s most affordable shopping at the Maisonneuve Market and Rue Ontario. Attractions like the Olympic Stadium and Tower, Parc Maisonneuve, and a prime location for experiencing summer’s International Fireworks Festival make this a great area to visit during your travels.

Old Montréal

Southeast of Downtown, Old Montreal, or Vieux-Montréal is the oldest section of the city. Visitors can tour the beautiful Notre Dame Basilica or roam around the cobbled streets. This is the historic center of Montréal and was once enclosed by walls. Galleries, boutiques, museums, restaurants, and cafes provide ample opportunity for visitors to relax and enjoy the area which birthed this great city.

Chinatown

Enter through the extraordinary Oriental gateway and explore Chinatown. You will find an active community with a variety of restaurants and shops. Home to the first Chinese settlers in Montréal, Chinatown has retained its cultural roots and visitors will love the pagoda-style roofs and, of course, the delicious food.

Plateau District and Latin Quarter

North of Chinatown, you will find both the Latin Quarter and the Plateau. While Old Montréal reveals the old world charm of the city, this area represents the trendy and contemporary side of Montréal and is a haven for artists, musicians, and academics. This is a place for the young and young at heart: visit unique stores and shops, trendy cafes, restaurants, and art galleries during the day, and experience the thrilling nightlife after dark.

The Village

Located close to the Latin Quarter is the lively Village, sometimes referred to as “The Gay Village” because it is home to Montréal’s gay and lesbian community. The entire area has been revamped and reflects the diversity and vibrancy of the city. Full of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs, you will always find something interesting to see and do in the Village no matter what your persuasion.

Mont-Royal

Mont-Royal, which gave the city its name, is a triple-peaked mountain in the midst of the city. Parc Mont-Royal was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, who also designed New York’s famous Central Park; it features 500 acres of natural beauty which draws visitors from all over the world. The Oratoire Sainte-Joseph, the largest church in Canada, and the prestigious McGill University, Université de Montréal, and the École Polytechnique de Montréal are among the area’s attractions.

Mile End District

This small district is home to many of Montréal’s French and Greek citizens, as well as other ethnic groups. The area is known for being very artistic, and you will find an abundance of galleries, boutiques, cafes, and artists’ workshops. Montréal’s indy music scene finds its home here, as does the computer game developer Ubisoft. This, too, is an eclectic neighborhood where you can always find something new to experience.

While many cities struggle to create coherent identities from their diverse populations, Montréal recognizes the wonderful qualities of different cultures and the need for everyone to feel like a “real” Montréaler. Visitors and residents alike have a world of exceptional experiences at their fingertips.

Hotels in Montréal, Québec