Montreal’s Two Cultures

Part French and part English, Montreal, Canada leads an intriguing double life.  Directly beneath downtown skyscrapers lies the labyrinthine Underground City, a vast network with 22 miles of boutiques, restaurants, theatres and hotels.  In contrast are the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, where the city began as a French colony in 1642.  Make your way to Place Jacques-Cartier, ‘the square,” where it all happens…a theatre of musicians, mimes, street fairs and festivals  Don’t miss Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal’s older and grandest Catholic church.  If you enjoy fall foliage, Eastern Canada is wonderful in late September and October.

Montreal’s Underground City — the RÉSO — is one of the most extraordinary urban spaces in the world: 33 kilometers of underground passages connecting metro stations, shopping malls, hotels, universities, and concert halls, allowing Montrealers to navigate their entire city without ever going outside in winter. Above ground, the city’s neighborhoods each tell a different story: the French elegance of the Plateau-Mont-Royal, the multicultural energy of Mile End, the historic architecture of Old Montreal, and the vibrant arts scene that has made Montreal one of North America’s most creative cities.

Atlas Travel Center recommends Montreal as an outstanding North American destination for travelers who appreciate food, culture, and architecture. The city’s restaurant scene is extraordinary — Québécois cuisine, French bistros, and international dining all converge in a city that takes eating seriously. Contact our advisors to plan your Montreal visit.