"A little bit of Europe in North America" Montreal by emilesc

Montreal Travel Guide: 3,641 reviews and 6,786 photos

Just got back from a 5-day visit to Montreal. I remember my parents visiting Montreal when I was little, and the sound of it held this exotic allure: a city in North America where most of the people speak French. It sounded like a European city transplanted in the middle of Canada.

While it does have its charm and quirks that you might expect to find in Paris, I didn't experience the culture shock I was expecting. I am amazed by the number of Canadians I spoke to prior to the trip who knew no one in Montreal and avoid the province of Quebec because of the separatist issue - there seems to be a fear of Montreal that's unwarranted.

It's a cosmpolitan city, but still a very North American city where the ruling language happens to be French. Imagine if Spanish were suddenly chosen as the official language of Los Angeles. It would still be an American city; you'd just need a phrasebook to get around.

Unfortunately my photos aren't developed yet and due to some expensive car repairs that greeted me on my return, won't be for a while. But please enjoy my tips and travelogues in the meantime.

Also, fellow VT'er and gracious host nickyte has updated his page with a video from the Cirque du Soleil performance at the International Jazz Festival, which we went to on July 11. Luckily, Nicky edited out my lame attempt to imitate a TV reporter ("This is VT TV") because man, I suck. If you click on his homepage, there is a photo of him holding the sign he made to welcome me to Montreal. :->

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Beautiful city, easy to get around in, always something to do.
  • Cons:You really need to know someone to enjoy it.
  • In a nutshell:Don't be afraid of it, most people know English, you'll do fine.
  • Last visit to Montreal: Jul 2004
  • Intro Updated Jul 18, 2004
  • Add to Trip Planner (?)
  • Report Abuse

Reviews (6)

You might need one of these! - Montreal Bring an umbrella! A Montreal summer... What to Pack (1)

-- A light jacket for the evening. Luckily, I'm from Los Angeles, stuck between an ocean and desert - so I know about... more travel advice

Make sure your card has this logo. - Montreal Buy the correct phone card Favorites (1)

This tip applies mostly to travellers coming from the United States, where phone cards aren't in such common use as they... more travel advice

From the official website - Montreal Cheap eats! Restaurants (2)

I suspect that this tip will be of most use to locals and those looking for a restaurant close to the airport. This is... more travel advice

Wikipedia photo. - Montreal Montreal's best poutine! Restaurants (2)

I was frustrated with sites that suggested trying Montreal's poutine (pronounced "poo-STEN" *not* "poo-TEEN"), but... more travel advice

Comments (6)

emilesc's Related Pages

Montreal Travel Guide

 
Explore the World
Travel Destinations
emilesc's Profile Photo

emilesc

“Watch where you step.”

Online Now

Female

Top 5,000 Travel Writer
Member Rank:
0 1 9 3 6

Badges & Stats in Montreal

  • 6 Reviews
  • 11 Photos
  • 3 Forum posts
  • 7 Comments
  • 4,242PageViews
  • See All Stats
  • See All Badges (4)

Have you been to Montreal?

  Share Your Travels  

Latest Activity in Montreal

Photos in Montreal

See All Photos (11)

Top 10 Pages

See All Travel Pages (32)

Friends

See All Friends (17)

Travel Interests

See All Travel Interests (5)

Latest Montreal hotel reviews

Hotel Montreal Centrale
51 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 12, 2013
Hotel Omni Mont-Royal
625 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 13, 2013
Residence Inn By Marriott Montreal Westmount
189 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 17, 2013
Hotel Maritime Plaza
5 Reviews & Opinions
Hotel Le Saint Malo
46 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Mar 16, 2013
Hotel Dauphin Downtown Montreal
175 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 18, 2013
Hilton Montreal Bonaventure
571 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 20, 2013
Hotel l'Abri du Voyageur
185 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 9, 2013
Hotel Auberge Manoir Ville Marie
85 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 14, 2013
Hotel le Saint Andre
123 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 19, 2013
Le Petit Prince Bed & Breakfast
127 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Mar 3, 2013
Castel St-Denis
22 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 30, 2012
Auberge Cosy
21 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Sep 4, 2012