With the St. Lawrence River at its feet, Montréal is known for its nightlife and the stylish fashion sense and joie de vivre of its citizens. Combining the charm of Europe with the dynamism of the New World, it is the second largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris - a multicultural metropolis of more 80 ethnic communities.

Montreal is well-geared to its hot summers and cold winters. An entire underground city - heated in winter, airconditioned in summer - allows you to wander around more than 30 km (19 miles) of boutiques, restaurant and théâtres, no matter what the weather is doing outside!

If you’re looking for a good time, you won’t be disappointed. Montreal hosts a plethora of festivals including l’International des Feux Loto-Québec (an international fireworks festival), Festival international de jazz (Montreal Jazz Festival) and Festival Juste pour rire (Just for Laughs Festival). Montreal is also home to the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil and Montreal Symphony Orchestra (MSO).

Along with live entertainment, you’ll find museums, art galleries, theatres and such attractions as the Botanical Gardens, the Biodôme and Parc du-Mont-Royal, laid out by Frederick Law Olmsted who also designed New York’s Central Park. For a bird’s eye view of the city, ride the elevator to the top of the Montreal Tower, built for the 1976 Olympic Games.

Topping off the cornucopia of tourist attractions is Montreal’s many restaurants. The influx of immigrants over the past couple of decades has given birth to a wide choice of ethnic eateries and this city is a foodie’s paradise! The global mix is augmented by the richness of the regional produce utilized by chefs who blend local and exotic ingredients with a flair and expertise that is typical of Canada’s city of style.

For more information : www.tourisme-montreal.org