Montreal-Canada

flag of montreal

MONTREAL          

V ieux-montreal

  

Montreal is a city in canada. It is the largest city in the province of quebec, the 2nd largest city in  Canada. Originally called ville-marie, or "City of Mary", the city takes its present name from mount royal, the triple-peaked hill located in the heart of the city, or Mont Réal as it was spelled in middle french (Mont Royal in present French). The city is located on the island of montreal which took its name from the same source as the city and a few much smaller peripheral islands, the largest of which is ile bizard.

Montreal Travel Tips

There is only one word which really captures the essence of Montreal: multifaceted. This city represents the melding of the Old and New Worlds, with 18th-century structures blending into a 21st-century skyline. Old-fashioned houses are now home to funky fusion restaurants, and the familiar sound of English is juxtaposed against the rolled "r"s of French. Rainbow flags fly alongside cloth emblems from India, Portugal and France, and traditional French pastries are sold alongside the distinctly sweet sesame seed, Montreal-style bagel. Just when you thought you'd seen it all, a short elevator ride exposes you to another city located several stories below ground level.

This versatile city's top attractions include world-class museums and bustling marketplaces. Start your tour along the ancient cobblestone streets of Vieux-montreal. Here, you can explore historic cathedrals or grab a cappuccino at one of the traditional French cafés along boulevard Saint-Laurent. If history doesn't excite you, head to the bustling downtown area for an afternoon of shopping or to Parc Du mont-royal for a hike. Just make sure to save some energy for when the sun sets; Montreal -- especially rue St-Denis -- is known for a nightlife scene that continues until the small hours of the morning.

How To Save Money in Montreal

• Travel during the shoulder seasonsEarly spring and late fall are quieter times for Montreal, meaning that hotels drop their rates.
• Rely on your own two feetThis is a very walkable city, especially if you explore it by neighborhood. If you're growing weary, the public transportation is both convenient and cheap.
• Go sightseeingMany of the most beloved attractions -- including vieux-montreal ,st. joseph's oratory and Parc Du Mont-Royal -- do not charge admission.

Park Du Mont-Royal

This 761-foot hill from which Montreal got its name is the largest of the city's parks. Towering over central Montreal (and accessible from the Green Line's Peel métro station or the Orange Line's Mont-Royal métro station), Parc du Mont-Royal is frequented by joggers, picnickers, dog walkers and bicyclists throughout the year. During the warmer months, you'll find swimmers in the park's Lac des Castors (Beaver Lake), while the Chalet du Mont-Royal offers breathtaking park and city views any time of year. Also be sure to stop by the Croix du Mont-Royal (Mont-Royal Cross), or the park's two cemeteries (one English and one French).

St. joseph's oratory

Sitting adjacent to Mont-Royal, this immense basilica is the highest point in Montreal. Dedicated to St. Joseph, Jesus' earthly father and Canada's patron saint, St. Joseph's Oratory was designed in an Italian Renaissance style with a copper dome rising 318-feet high). The inside of the basilica is decorated with intricately carved murals and thousands of votive candles leading to the crypt. St. Joseph's Oratory receives several million visitors each year (the most devout Catholics climb the basilica's 99 steps on their knees). Recent visitors agree this stunning basilica is a must-see, for both devoted and secular tourists.

Sitting on the eastern edge of the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery in Mont-Royal (accessible from the Blue Line's Station Côte-des-Neiges métro station), St. Joseph's Oratory is open every day, and tours are available when mass is not in session. Entry to the church is free, but donations are appreciated. If you plan on visiting the church, remember to dress appropriately.

Old montreal/ vieux montreal

As the site of the original city of Montreal, Vieux-Montréal (accessible from the Orange Line's Place-d'Armes métro station) is the hub of the city's culture. Not much has changed in this neighborhood despite the city's rapid urbanization. Horse-drawn carriages traverse cobblestone streets and meander past such notable sites as the Basilique Notre-Dame, the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), the Vieux-Port (Old Port) and the Marché Bonsecours (Bonsecours Market). Here you'll mingle with Montrealers at sidewalk cafés while overlooking the river, or enjoy the summertime street performers at Place Jacques-Cartier. This is also a popular shopping area (despite the kitschy souvenir shops), and numerous bars and clubs bring Vieux-Montréal to life come sundown.