Montreal is one of the most magical cities you can visit in Canada. It is a perfect combination of Paris and Brooklyn – which let’s be honest there is not a better combination.

Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world, after Paris. However, many Montrealer’s are bilingual. Montreal also has the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada, and is in second in North America, after New York. Montreal’s restaurant scene is very cosmopolitan with an array of menus from all over the world but of course with a French twist.

Old Montreal is the oldest area in the city and contains the site where Montreal was first established in 1642. Old Montreal might be an old area, but it is filled with young people and excitement. With many local boutiques and coffee shops, the area is always quite busy. People frequently walk, bike, or boat along the beautiful waterfront, which is known as the Old Port, which at night is a lively area to drink and have dinner.

Montreal is a city that is rich in history. Taking a stroll through the Old Port neighbourhood you will come across the Notre-Dame Basilica. Finished in 1829, it is the first Gothic Revival-style church built in Canada. The stained-glass windows and beautiful religious paintings leave many visitors in awe and wonder. Pope John Paul II visited, and it also hosted the funerals of Prime Minister Pierre-Elliott Trudeau and Canada’s beloved hockey legend Maurice Richard.

Montreal is built around Mount Royal, hence the name of the city. Mount Royal Park, located on the mountain, was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same person who designed New York City’s, Central Park. Mount Royal is located right in the heart of downtown Montreal and has a large park that goes by the same name. The purpose of the park was to create an outdoor space where city people can spend time outdoors.

While driving or wandering around Montreal you may notice a green dome in the skyline, this is the roof to St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal. This is the largest church in Canada. At 97 metres high – the dome of this basilica is the second highest in the world behind Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Montreal is a great city to see art. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts was built in 1860 and houses 41,000 pieces in its collection. Many travelling exhibits join this museum throughout the year, meaning you will never have the same visit twice.

Sainte Catherine’s Street is the perfect spot to get all of your shopping needs looked after. Whether you are looking for a designer store, chain store, a small boutique, or a souvenir shop this is where you need to go. Grab a coffee at one of the many coffee shops, or in the summer dine in at one of the many patios.

Montreal is the Europe of Canada. It is the perfect destination for your next trip!

Published by HOLR Magazine.