Montreal History, Quebec

Canada’s history explains why the settlement was considered to be of significant importance by the Iroquoian Indians. The fact that the inshore rapids were full of fish was the reason of inhabiting the place and again it was because of the rapids that the place became an important commercial centre in North America.

St. Lawrence was discovered by the French navigator Jacques Cartier in 1534 and reached the island via the river.  

Unique geo­graphical position 

The destiny of Montreal nevertheless did not stop taking shape, and wrote its history decisively because of its unique position on the globe. Canada witnessed the firm determination of its citizens when they dredged a ship channel to further develop the natural advantage of the island. Today, ocean liners requiring 30 feet of water below their keels sail through the dredged shallows of Lake St. Peter safely to the harbor. We must not forget that the harbor is the second largest in the American continent both in capacity and equipment.  

Transportation, population: Higher education

The history of Montreal also proudly mentions the two great railway systems, the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National, boasting 46,600 miles of railway tracks inside and outside Canada. The railways have their headquarters here. Montreal’s rapid growth in trade saw its population increase fast which by and by made it the most populous city in the country. The McGill University is a renowned center of higher learning on the island.  

Art and culture: Architecture 

Most of the 60 theatres here are entirely dedicated to motion pictures. The landmarks, as far as the architecture is concerned, are the huge and solemn churches standing across the city. The Court House, City Hall, the Bank of Montreal and the Art Gallery are located downtown. Dominion Square is noted for the majestic presence of the vast classical structure of the Sun Life Assurance Company.

Montreal:  Landscape and Climate

 Montreal has 2,191 acres in parks, larger in area than any other city in Canada. The 463 acres Mount Royal Park is located on the naturally wooded slopes of the mountain where on the plains of St. Lawrence an extinct volcano rises abruptly to add a touch of mystery to the place. The climate is typically Northern here.   

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• Visiting Montreal
  review by MadSuh posted more then 30 days ago
  Although I had little time in Montreal, I thought that this was an absolute gem. The old town is fantastic and I really enjoyed the climb up to the mountain where you have a wonderful view over the entire city. A real nice mix between old and young buildings and a real clean well maintained place...
• A couple of days in Montreal
  review by mohds2 posted more then 30 days ago
  Lots of people visit Montreal to shop in the wide variety of the international boutiques. Canada's currency as compared to the American dollar makes it very attractive for the Americans to come here. The best place to shop in Montreal is Underground City. This continually growing, 'city'...
• Short visit in Montreal
  review by MadSuh posted more then 30 days ago
  Montreal was very interesting. After doing a 5 hour trip to Montreal from Toronto, we immediately got into the meeting room to meet up with other business partners. We had a long and intense discussion and went for a quick lunch. The smoked meat is apparently the big thing here, but I rather...

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• Cathedral of Mary Queen of the World
  travel tip by mkapus posted more then 30 days ago
  When Bishop Ignace Bourget planned and oversaw the construction of the Cathedral of Mary, Queen of the World, he had in mind the Saint Peter Basilique of Rome.Of course, the Montreal version is smaller in scale, but it's very...
• The Old Town of Montreal
  travel tip by erato posted more then 30 days ago
  Old Montreal is famous for its history which tells of trade, politics, entertainment and immigration. Many people, mostly from France and England came to this city in hope of a better future. They established trading companies, banks,...
• Musée d'Art Contemporain in Montreal
  travel tip by Torontoguy posted more then 30 days ago
  An amazing museum in Montreal, the Musée d'Art Contemporain is the place to visit when in Montreal. The museum has many works from various contemporary artists, and all this fantastic art can be seen for a reasonably fair price. You...

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