Montreal is the insular city, surrounded by Ottawa and Saint
Lawrence Rivers. This city, which is now an important Canadian
industrial centre, a huge settlement where more than 3 million
of people live, was initially a small Indian settlement by the
Hochelega mountain, rather a moderate in height (233 metres
high). The first European to reach the place was Jacques
Cartier, who landed here in 1535. Since then, at different times
the island was governed by different countries – France, England
and the United States, Therefore, the historical buildings that
can be seen here nowadays are the result of the cultural and
stylistic mixture. In 1642 the mountain was renamed into Mont
Royal and there was a Christian legation organized at the
settlement. The mountain gave its name to the city – Montreal,
which was located at the Saint Lawrence River.
Three and a quarter centuries later Montreal, which was just a
small village, turned into one of the largest industrial ports
and trade centers, the place where first Canadian banks and
trading companies appeared, the stage for many festivals and
shows, noisy and vivid modern city, adorned with a neon
advertisement hoardings. Many of the entertainment
establishments that did not find their place on the surface,
settled at the Underground city with about 30 km passages that
join 2000 cafes, cinemas, shops, concert halls, metro stations
and parkings. From here you can get to a hotel, office, house or
even churches – all in all, there are about 60 buildings here.
Montreal is one of the Canadian cities that are most popular
with foreigners. It is also one of the few French-speaking
cities where you will be able to hear English speech during all
the period of your stay here. This is the stylish bilingual
insular city, which is deeply plunged into passion and pride.
Based by the staunch religion defenders, Montreal was in past
the city where lots of bloody doings took place. However,
nowadays fight between French an English people is only
happening on referendums. Famous as one of the liveliest places
in the world, Montreal is not so attractive for its sights as
for its atmosphere, and a calm walk along the city will bring
you more joy and memories than a visit to a popular place. By
the way, the Mount Royal, which gave the name to this place, is
sometimes called a real volcano that towers above the city
centre.
Thanks to its location at the junction of two rivers, Montreal
has become the economic centre of Canada. Though these days its economic
influence has decreased a little bit, it is still an
important venue to hold Canadian cultural events. Four of the
main Canadian universities are located here.
The island is surrounded by magnificent mountains. Designed by
Frederick Law Olmsted, who also created New York's Central Park,
Parc du Mont-Royal tempts with its chaotic paths and magnificent
views on the city. When the weather is bad, many citizens go to
the underground with lots of shops, theatres and houses that are
connected with each other.
Those who come to Montreal will definitely understand that this
is a perfect place for your rest. If you love jazz, come here
during world-famous jazz festival. A hockey fan can visit the
city during hockey season. But irrespective of what time you are
going to visit this place, you will always find an occupation
for yourself.
