Montreal is the largest city in Quebec and the second-largest in Canada. It is known for its unique blend of French and North American culture, its festivals, its food and its four distinct seasons.

A festival city

Montreal hosts some of the world’s biggest festivals: the International Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs, Les Francos, Osheaga and the international fireworks competition. In summer, downtown buzzes almost non-stop.

A one-of-a-kind food scene

Montreal bagels (wood-fired, denser and a touch sweeter) and smoked meat are institutions. Add poutine, the public markets and remarkable culinary diversity.

French and bilingualism

French is the official language of Quebec, and Montreal is one of the largest French-speaking cities in the world, with a significant English-speaking community and a deeply multicultural character.

Mount Royal and green space

Mount Royal Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, offers trails, a lookout and the famous cross. The Lachine Canal and many parks round out the picture.

Old Montreal and history

Founded in 1642, the city preserves its cobblestone streets, Notre-Dame Basilica and the Old Port in Old Montreal.

Arts, circus and learning

Cirque du Soleil was born in Quebec. Montreal is home to major museums, four universities (McGill, Université de Montréal, Concordia, UQAM) and hubs in gaming, AI and aerospace.

Hockey

The Montreal Canadiens — “the Habs” — hold the most Stanley Cups and play at the Bell Centre.

Four very real seasons

From snowy winters (with the Underground City, the RÉSO) to summers of terraces and festivals and brilliant fall colours, Montreal feels different every season.

  • World-class festivals
  • Bagels and smoked meat
  • French and bilingualism
  • Mount Royal
  • Old Montreal
  • Cirque du Soleil
  • Hockey (the Canadiens)
  • The Underground City
  • Four major universities
  • Four distinct seasons

Frequently asked questions

What food is Montreal known for?

Above all its wood-fired bagels and smoked meat, but also poutine and a wide culinary diversity.

Is Montreal French or English?

French is the official language, but the city is highly multicultural and many Montrealers are bilingual.

What is Montreal’s most famous landmark?

Notre-Dame Basilica and Mount Royal are among the most iconic.