Bienvenue à Montréal! Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second-largest city in Canada and the ninth-largest city in North America. Needless to say, there is plenty to do and see in The City of Saints. Here’s what you need to know about living in Montreal.
Weather
Canadian winters are famously cold. Montreal is no exception with winter temperatures averaging -9°C (15°F) and bringing cold, windy and icy conditions.
Spring and fall are typically very mild with an occasional extreme climate shift, especially in the spring. Rising heat waves toward the end of spring usually introduce “Indian Summers.”
Summers in Montreal are humid with temperatures rising to an average of 26°C (78°F).
Places to visit
- Montreal Biosphere: Now in its 15th year as a museum, the Biosphere is devoted to environmental education.
- Notre-Dame Basilica: Founded in 1642, the chapel is a major part of Montreal’s Catholic heritage.
- Rue Saint-Paul: Montreal’s oldest street is paved with cobblestones and home to other famous landmarks, such as Bonsecours Market and Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secour Chapel.
- Underground City: Officially known as RÉSO, Underground City is a set of interconnected “tunnels.” It spans over 32 km (20 miles) and is home to shopping malls, apartment buildings, hotels, businesses, an amphitheater and universities. It’s even a transportation hub allowing access to seven metro stations and a bus terminal.
- Mount Royal: The jewel of Montreal’s city parks is the city’s highest peak.
Getting around
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is the go-to for getting around Montreal. Public transportation options include the metro, busses and shared taxi busses. You can check schedules and fares on their site. They even offer The OPUS Card, which allows its users to charge all STM transit fares.
Do you have any suggestions for Montreal newcomers? Share them with us in the comments below.
