MontrealThe world's largest inland port, Montreal was founded as a missionary village in 1642, 100 years after Jacques Cartier discovered the area. The French stayed in control of the growing settlement until 1760 when the British stepped in, sparking a now centuries-old French resentment of the British interference. Despite some undeniable English architectural and cultural influences, Montreal is today one of the world's largest French-speaking cities, set on an overwhelmingly English-speaking continent, and a metropolis of international repute, framed between Mont Royal and the St
Lawrence River.
The city is in the south of Canada's Quebec province, only 37 miles (60km) from the United States border, and is an important hub of North American trade. It is a spacious, beautiful city characterized by a series of underground shopping and recreation complexes, linked by walkways and the metro. This subterranean city contains more than 18.5 miles (30km) of office and apartment complexes, major stores, hotels, restaurants, metro stations, parking garages, movie theaters, concert halls and more, all snugly accessible during the snowy winters.
Its population is a multicultural mix, which has fostered a vibrant cultural life, cemented by its French and British roots. There are several theaters offering year-round plays, ballet and music, art galleries and museums. Like most Canadian cities, Montreal has interspersed urban development with green areas. In this case pride of place is taken by the spacious Parc du Mont-Royal, designed by Frederic Olmsted, the American landscape artist who also designed Central Park in New York. The city also has 30 museums and numerous other attractions of interest to visitors all year round.
Getting Around: Montreal's sensible layout combined with an extensive and super-efficient public transport system (Metro, bus and commuter rail services) make getting around the city easy. In fair weather hundreds of kilometers of bike paths that span the island offer a healthier, pleasant option. Public transport is run by STM. The pristine metro has dozens of stations along four different lines with numerous stops in the subterranean mall. The metro stops are all integrated with a comprehensive network of city bus routes. The metro and buses run between 5.30am and 1am, with a limited night bus service filling in. The inner city services in turn connect to a commuter rail network that serves the suburbs. Fares are standard on both the bus and metro and transfers are free; a discounted tourist pass is available for bus and metro. Metered taxis can be hailed in the streets downtown or ordered by telephone. There are numerous car rental firms in the city, but roads are often heavily congested and traffic jams are common.
Climate: With predominantly wet, warm summers and cold, snowy winters, the climate of Montreal is varied and seasonal. In winter snowfall is abundant, and snow is common both in spring and autumn. Temperatures well below freezing are experienced in winter, and the bitter weather is exacerbated by wind chill. Summer brings sunshine and pleasant days, with high humidity on occasion, although highs seldom exceed 74°F (25°C). Rain can be expected any time of year in Montreal, but summer tends to be the wettest season. A feature of the climate of Montreal is the possibility of late autumn heat waves, enjoyed as 'Indian summers', which frequently occur.
Quebec CitySmall cafés and cosy restaurants, charming boutiques, lively terraces, elegant squares, theaters and museums, street buskers and mimes & all contribute to the charm and ambience of historic Old Quebec, cradle of French civilization in North America and still predominantly European in spirit.
Perched on top of Cap Diamant, overlooking the St. Lawrence River, Quebec City was first settled by the French in 1608, named from a native Algonquin word meaning 'where the river narrows'.
Despite having been ceded to the British in 1759, the city's population of more than half a million are today 95 percent French-speaking, lending a definite 'joie de vivre' and culture to the atmosphere. About four million visitors are drawn to Quebec City each year, to savour this French charm, the famed Quebec gourmet scene, and the beauty of the historic Old City where winding cobbled streets are lined with 17th and 18th century stone houses and churches, bewitching parks, elegant squares, and numerous monuments. The city is included on UNESCO's World Heritage List and is the only fortified city in the Americas, north of Mexico.
Just a few kilometers from downtown this lively city presents numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation, like horseback riding, canoeing, hiking and skiing.
The cultured ambience, lively spirit, high safety rating, and a comfortable blend of past and present make this provincial capital city worthy of its status as one of the top destinations in the world.
Getting Around: Walking is the easiest and most effective way to explore the compact Old City of Quebec, where most of the sightseeing opportunities are. Many visitors also enjoy hiring a bicycle and making the most of the city's system of cycle paths. If you prefer to save your feet, take a bus. Public buses are run by the Reseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC), operating between 6am and 1am (there are a limited number of night buses at weekends). Tickets are bought on boarding with exact change or in advance from newsagents, which is cheaper. Transfers are free if a transfer slip is obtained on the first bus. One-day passes, valid for two, can be bought at weekends. Taxis can be hired at ranks and the airport, ordered by telephone, or hailed in the street in the center of the city.
Climate: Summer is undoubtedly the best time in Quebec City, unless you are specifically after enjoying a cold, white winter. June, July, August, September and October are the only months of the year when the city is free of snow, with the annual average snowfall measuring 14 feet (4m). It has been known to snow right up to early May. Temperatures drop well below freezing from late November to early April, exacerbated by a strong wind chill. Summer days, by contrast, are usually pleasantly warm and sunny, ideal for outdoor activities. Summer nights can be cool though. The city usually revels in an 'Indian Summer' for a few weeks in early October, making autumn another popular season for visiting.
