Montreal is historically referred to as the commercial capital of Canada. It is the second-most populous city in Canada and is the most populous city in the Canadian province of Quebec.
Some must-know facts about Montreal are as follows:
Origin
Montreal was founded in 1642 as Ville-Marie, or ‘The City of Mary.’ It actually derives its name from Mount Royal, the triple-peaked hill in the heart of the city.
The city of Montreal is located around the Island of Montreal and a few much smaller peripheral islands. The largest of these is Île Bizard.
Montreal even has an Underground City, which is a series of interconnected tunnels that run for over 32km below the city.
The Sporty Spirit
Montreal has hosted many international conferences and events, including the 1967 International and Universal Exposition. Montréal also hosted the first Olympics ever held in Canada in the summer of 1976.
In March 1875, the world’s first recorded indoor ice hockey game was played in Montreal at the Victoria Skating Rink.
The Montreal Canadiens is one of the original six teams of the National Hockey League. It has won an NHL-record 24 Stanley Cup championships. Now that’s what we call world-class champs!
The French Connection
Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city in the west, after Paris. In fact, Montreal and Paris share a ‘friendship cities’ status.
Montreal is also Canada’s second-largest media market. It is the centre of francophone Canada’s media industry.
Must-dos
Montreal is home to the world-famous Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil is a Canadian entertainment company and the largest contemporary circus producer in the world.
If food is your passion then Montreal has to be on your travel itinerary. This is because Montreal has the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada and the second-highest in North America after New York City. What are you waiting for?
Montreal has the second-largest Amusement Park in Canada spread across 146 acres. It is known as La Ronde.
The cross on Mount Royal is one of Montreal’s most iconic landmarks. It was erected in 1643 by Paul de Chomedey as a memorial to the early French Colonists who were decimated by a flood in 1642. But what you would have not known is that no building in Montreal is allowed to be taller than the cross on top of Mont Royal.
How sweet is this? Did you know that Montreal produces 85% of the world’s maple syrup? If you have a sweet tooth, you can also indulge in desserts like maple candy, maple butter, marinades and baked goods.
International Ties
Montreal has the second-highest number of consulates in North America. It is here that the headquarters of the International Civil Aviation Organisation are located. It was named a UNESCO City of Design in 2006.
Interestingly, Montreal’s sister city is Hiroshima. The two cities signed an agreement on 19 May 1998 to promote development and foster mutual understanding and friendship. They also work towards world peace.
Montreal is ranked as the best student city in the world. The city is ideal for those seeking higher education in many ways. It has top ranked universities, beautiful green parks, affordable student accommodation, best coffee shops and so many fun festivals during the year.