Montreal
The Largest French Speaking City In The Americas And The Second Largest In Canada, On An Island In The St Lawrence Around The Hill Of Mount Royal · Montreal, Quebec
Montreal is the largest French-speaking city in the Americas and the second-largest in Canada, built on an island in the St Lawrence River around the hill of Mount Royal. The street grid bends around the mountain, and the best view is from the top. This entry covers the city as a whole; Old Montreal, Mount Royal, Jean-Talon Market, Habitat 67 and the Biodome have their own entries. It is bilingual in daily life, with French the main language of signs and service, and a few words of French are noticed and appreciated. The city is known for bagels, smoked meat and poutine, for the Plateau and Mile End, for a summer festival calendar including the Jazz Festival, and for the Underground City that keeps winter walkers indoors. It suits food lovers, cyclists and festival fans. Winters are long and cold, and construction detours are common. Allow three days and confirm festival dates, hours and closures before booking.
Place Jacques-Cartier, Montreal, Quebec, H2Y 3Y5, Canada
The city has no gates, so streets, parks, Mount Royal and the waterfront are open to everyone at all hours; what has hours are the attractions. Many Old Port and island sights run summer hours or reduced winter service, outdoor skating is winter only, and the terrace culture shuts down from about November to April. Markets are morning-weighted and some close Mondays. The metro runs from early morning to about midnight or later, with night buses after. The Underground City follows the hours of its buildings and malls. Festival weeks close streets and change schedules. Confirm summer-only sites and festival dates before you plan.