CITY IN BRIEF

Founded in 1642, Montréal is now a modern city close to two million people. The island of Montréal is 40 km long and 15 km wide. It is one of the many islands in the archipelago formed by the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers. The city's main attractions are Old Montréal, the St. Lawrence River, Mount Royal and the neighborhoods built around this small mountain, displaying remarkable architectural variety. Above all are the city's warm and welcoming residents, people who are easygoing and curious, and make Montréal a city without compare in North America.

Vibrant nightlife and eclectic cuisine. Cobblestone streets and a horse-drawn calèche. Here in Montréal, the old city blends seamlessly with a modern metropolis of glass and steel, and trendy boutiques sit side-by-side with quaint bistros and brasseries.

Surrounded by the mighty St. Lawrence River and more than 400 islands, Montréal throbs with energy and excitement all year long. Festivals abound, celebrating the power of laughter, fireworks, diversity, fast cars and cool jazz, a wintertime fusion of performing arts, fireworks and fine wine and dining.

The World's second-largest French speaking city, Montréal is renowned for its numerous universities, medical and scientific research centers, as well as for its cultural and artistic life, excellent restaurants and hotel network. While French is the official language of the Province of Québec, English is also widely spoken.

Montréal offers a unique tour of the gastronomic pleasures of the world. With more than 4,000 restaurants, serving the national cuisine of some 80 countries, no wonder this city is considered one of the world's leading culinary centers.

You may enjoy the artisan studios of the Old Port, or the shops, theatres, and major department stores of the underground city. Montréal's artistic scene includes one of the world's leading orchestras, an internationally-renowned ballet company, English and French theatres, comedy clubs, and dozens of museums and galleries.

More than a few succumb to the city's mixture of European and North American charm that both surprises and enchants.