The Sophistication and Charm of Montreal
One of North America’s Most Beautiful Cities

Since much of my family is from here, I’ve visited Montreal countless times in my life. But it never ceases to amaze me how beautiful and easily navigable this city really is. Think of it as a perfect offspring of European and North American parents. Montreal is elegant and sophisticated, yet friendly and easy to get around. The city retains its rich history in all its glory and somehow manages to weave it all in perfect harmony with its vibrant, modern side. Montreal is one of the cleanest cities in North America, and the subway system, with its expansive underground city, is so immaculate, visitors from America (like me) often find it shocking. The largest city in the province of Quebec and the second largest French-speaking city in the world, Montreal is home to more than 3.6 million people.

Streets of Old Montreal

I love to spend time here: there’s always something new to explore. I have yet to grow tired of the many architectural wonders Montreal has to offer. Here are just a few of the many highlights:

The most beautiful part of this French-speaking city is Old Montreal. You really feel like you are in France as you walk along the old, winding cobbled streets with 17th and 18th century structures housing charming apartments, cafes and shops. You can walk along the picturesque St. Lawrence River or sip a delicious, authentic Café au Lait, in a coffee shop while people-watching. But the focus of this historic part of the city is clearly the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal. A striking example of Gothic Revival architecture, this Roman Catholic Church was built over the course of more than 50 years from the late 1820’s until its completion in 1888. The interior of the grand structure is among the most intricate and colorful churches in North America, with its wood carvings, statues and paneling. The stained glass windows are stunning depictions of the city’s religious history. You must see it and linger there a while to really appreciate it. http://www.basiliquenddm.org/

Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal

Not far from Old Montreal is China Town. It is very small and manageable for a short stroll. Visitors can shop in the affordable Chinese boutiques, but the main reason for a visit here is undoubtedly to eat the food. The best Cantonese food I’ve ever had was eaten here. I remember waiting a long time in a restaurant for lunch to be prepared, but it was well worth the wait. http://www.go-montreal.com/areas_chinatown.htm

Streets of Old Montreal

For an expansive view of the city, visit Mont Royal lookout and park. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, one of the planners of New York’s Central Park. Mont Royal is also home to the magnificent historic St. Joseph’s Oratory. This gigantic copper domed basilica, set high above the city, is a breathtaking sight. Though the interior of the church is not nearly as intricate of Montreal’s Notre Dame, the sheer size and location of this structure is awe-inspiring. In 2013 an Observation Tower on top of the dome will be open for visitors.

St Joseph's Oratory

The Montreal Botanical Gardens has something spectacular to offer during all four seasons of the year. With more than 20,000 species of plants, this extensive garden boasts the largest Chinese Garden outside of Asia. There is a Japanese Tea Room and an extensive bonsai collection. My favorite part is the Insectarium, displaying critters from all over the world. Check out the website to get information about all the plants and flowers in bloom and to get information about tours.

Art lovers will want to spend some time at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. What started out as the Art Association of Montreal in 1860, has turned into an extensive collection of art and celebration of culture some 150 years later. Here you will find Canadian and International art, contemporary art, decorative arts, photographs and much more. Last year, the museum welcomed more than 525,000 visitors.

Streets of Old Montreal

Serious shoppers will want to visit the Boulevard St. Laurent and Rues St. Catherine and Sherbrooke. But be warned – there are not many bargains here.

Montreal is well known for its outstanding cuisine, spanning much of the world. You can eat some of the best food you’ve ever had in your life here, and fortunately all the walking you will do can help you burn off some of the calories. Naturally you’ll find incredible French food, but did you know there is a large population of Greek immigrants here as well serving up the freshest Mediterranean dishes? You’ll also find delicious Thai, Italian, Continental, American and Indian restaurants. (Don’t forget about the sinful French pastry shops if you can afford the calories.) Check out this the website for Montreal Dining Guide for a great variety of dining options. But whatever you do choose to eat, dine at least once on enchanting Prince Arthur Street.

If you love Jazz, don’t miss Montreal’s Annual International Jazz Fest, arguably one of the best Jazz Festivals in the world. The streets come alive with people and world-renowned jazz musicians for about 12 days each summer. Plan ahead because the hotels fill up early.  http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/default-en.aspx

So whether you’ve visited many times like I have or you’ve never even been to Montreal, you will not be disappointed here. There’s so much to do and see, you can return again and again and never see the city the same as the time before. Be sure to bring your camera, your walking shoes and a healthy appetite. And also remember to bring your passport, as Americans cannot enter or leave Canada without one.

All photos courtesy and copyright Debbie Glade

Debbie Glade/smartpoodle is the Geography Awareness Editor at Wandering Educators.