Montreal is a diverse city that draws in investors, families, students, and workers from around the world. The city provides an unparalleled quality of life, boasting safety, plenty of recreational activities and services, and a vibrant cultural scene. If you want to learn more about Quebec's largest city, check out this article!
Montreal in figures
The Montreal region is the most densely populated in Quebec: on July 1st, 2022, it was home to over 2 million people, according to data from Statistics Quebec. The city's population grew by around 14,000 in 2021 and 2022. The surface area of the island of Montreal is 482.8 km². The city alone covers 365 km². Nine bridges provide access to the city, which is bounded by the St. Lawrence River to the South and the Rivière des Prairies to the North. Needless to say, rush-hour traffic is often a real pain for those who live in the suburbs! There are also four metro lines and 218 bus routes managed by the STM. The inauguration of a new Réseau Express métropolitain (REM) train took place in Montreal on July 28, 2023.
Montreal must-sees
Apart from being a hub for a large workforce, Montreal is also a sought-after tourist destination. A must-do for visitors is capturing a photo from the Camilien-Houde belvedere in Mount Royal Park, offering a stunning view of the city and its skyscrapers. Another popular activity is wandering through the streets of Old Montreal, situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. This district is an excellent spot to explore the city's historical architecture and take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. Here, you'll encounter landmarks like Notre-Dame Basilica, the Montreal Ferris Wheel, and the Pointe à Calière Museum of History and Archaeology.
When it comes to museums, Montreal has something to offer everyone. Whether you're into the Museum of Fine Arts, the Canadian Centre for Architecture, the historic Château Dufresne monument, the Museum of Contemporary Arts, or the new Museum of Illusions, among others, enthusiasts of fine things have plenty to explore.
Other well-loved attractions are the Botanical Garden, Insectarium, Planetarium, and Biodome, all under the Space for Life umbrella. The Biodome showcases recreations of five North American ecosystems and is especially favored by children. With over 2,500 animals, including penguins, otters, parrots, and piranhas, it offers a delightful experience for visitors of all ages.
Eating well in Montreal
Montreal is a haven for food lovers. You'll find gourmet restaurants and fresh produce at the Jean-Talon and Atwater markets, as well as cozy, typically Quebecker eateries and all the major fast-food chains. Given the city's diverse population, you can embark on a culinary world tour, with all global cuisines well-represented, especially in upscale food halls like Central or Time Out Market Montreal. During the summer, downtown streets host numerous food trucks where you can savor delicious meals. While some may not have flashy appearances, the quality and taste are truly exceptional.
Quebecers often eat out or order takeaway food to eat at home, so there are restaurants to suit all budgets. Vegetarians and vegans will have no difficulty living in Montreal, as there are many restaurants with adapted menus, and even the most basic grocery stores have products for this clientele.
As soon as the warm weather arrives, restaurant owners are quick to set up their terraces, where Montrealers flock to enjoy a beer and a snack. After months of winter, this is one of the great pleasures of Montreal life! Foodies will be delighted by gourmet events such as Les Premiers Vendredis and the Grand PoutineFest at Quai de l'Horloge.
If you're looking for a typical snack during your stay, St-Viateur Bagel or Fairmount Bagel are reputed to be the best in town. When the evening wears on late into the night, a poutine at La Banquise is often the perfect way to end it.
Leisure activities in Montreal
In terms of entertainment, Montreal offers the full spectrum of experiences found in a North American metropolis: cinemas, nightclubs, theaters, bars, themed cafes, and more. What truly makes the Quebec metropolis special, however, are the numerous festivals held throughout the year. The most vibrant season is undoubtedly summer, featuring events like Francofolies, , International Jazz Festival, Festival international nuits d'Afrique, Piknic Electronik, and the , making the summer days zoom by. In winter, Igloofest draws in revelers willing to brave the cold for outdoor dancing to electronic music. Montreal Lights Festival and the Christmas markets are also must-attend events.
Quebecers are quite sporty. It's not unusual to spot people jogging on the streets or along the Lachine Canal, even in the midst of winter. If the cold isn't your thing, you might opt for a workout in one of the city's numerous gyms. Additionally, there are sports complexes where you can rent spaces for playing basketball, soccer, volleyball, or squash, among other activities. You'll also find several free public swimming pools, some of which are outdoors and only open in the summer.
In winter, despite the chilly and unpredictable weather, Montrealers are not hesitant to venture outdoors. City parks, including Parc Jean-Drapeau, offer opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. If the snowy landscape tempts you to hit the slopes, the Mont Saint-Bruno ski resort is just a 20-minute drive away. Several other resorts, such as Bromont, Mont Orford, and Sommet Saint-Sauveur, are also within an hour's drive of Montreal.
The Montreal economy
Montreal is often portrayed as a city with significant economic diversity. However, according to Quebec's Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation, the tertiary sector is expected to constitute 85.8% of total employment in 2022. Approximately one-fourth of Quebec's population and job opportunities are concentrated in Montreal, making the metropolis a vital powerhouse for the provincial economy. Montreal boasts one of the most robust economic growth rates among Canadian cities. As of August 2023, the unemployment rate for the Montreal region stood at 4.7%, slightly below the national unemployment rate of 5%.
Montreal's climate
Now, let's dive into the hot topic: the climate! Much like the rest of Quebec, Montreal experiences winters that stretch for about 6 months, with temperatures dropping below freezing from November onwards. Additionally, it's a rather windy city. When it comes to choosing outfits, Montrealers factor in the wind chill rather than relying solely on the temperature. Thankfully, with a good winter coat and boots, you'll have no reason to hibernate indoors. Montreal maintains its lively atmosphere throughout the year, and venturing out gives you the perfect excuse to warm up with a café latte and a pastry at one of the city's numerous trendy and welcoming cafes.
Useful links:
Living Montreal – official site
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