Montreal

Founded by French colonists in 1642, the island city in the St. Lawrence River has maintained its French roots. English is not uncommon, but nearly 70% of Montreal’s residents claim French as their native tongue. In its early years, a series of conflicts and wars placed the New France colony under British rule, fueling dreams of an independent Quebec. Later, as host of the 1967 World’s Fair, Canada’s second-largest city presented its polished image with a modern and stunning skyline, efficient mass transit and an underground city that shields locals and visitors from brutally cold winters. Montreal has today developed into a major film and television production center and the city has been recognized by UNESCO as a City of Design. Ice hockey reigns supreme here, while cultural festivals and a plethora of outdoor activities offered by the area’s mountains and green spaces provide ongoing entertainment and recreation.

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