Montreal is the most populous municipality in the province of Quebec and
the second-most populous municipality in Canada. Originally called
Ville-Marie (or ‘City of Mary’), it is named after the city’s
centrally-located peak called the Mount Royal. Montreal is the only city in
Canada to have ever hosted the Summer Olympics and it completed the honours
in 1976. Montreal also hosts the Canadian Grand Prix of Formula One, the
Montreal International Jazz Festival and the Just for Laughs Festival.
Montreal features about 250 theatre and dance companies, and several
neighbourhoods where artists, writers and musicians live together.
Things to do in Montreal
Mont-Royal (or Mount Royal)
Mont-Royal is a 233-meter-high peak that rises royally from the centre of
the city into its very skyline. Covered with trees on all sides, it acts as
the lungs of the city and is the best place around to see the magnificence
to local historic monuments. Mont-Royal’s apex offers a picture-perfect
view of Île de Montreal and the St. Lawrence neighbourhoods.
Old Montreal
Old Montreal is a quaint neighbourhood of Montreal and is home to several
200- to 400-year-old buildings. Visitors are greeted with an admirable
Parisian-style quarter that is scenically situated near a waterfront and
features many historic sites, streets, and landmarks. Some star highlights
here include the twin towers of Notre-Dame Basilica, the Old Port, and
Place Jacques-Cartier.
Parc Maisonneuve (Pie IX Metro)
Parc Maisonneuve is home to a futuristically-designed and well-manicured
botanical garden in Montreal. Some special segments herein include the
Japanese and Chinese Gardens. Other attractions here are glasshouses and
strands of colourful orchids and many bonsai plants.
Best Time to Visit Montreal
Summer season (the months from June to August) are the best to book your
flights from New York City to Montreal. It is the season when you can have
a great time enjoying iconic cultural events like Montreal International
Jazz Festival and Montreal International Tango Festival. Book your flights
from NYC to YMQ during this time of the year to enjoy famous sports events
like Formula One - Grand Prix of Canada in June. It is advised to book
Montreal flights in advance to avoid paying more during peak season.