The city of Montreal is an attractive blend of French joie de vivre and laid back Canadian charm.

Located in the province of Quebec in the South East of the country, Montreal has a population of around 3,500,000. It is the second largest city in Canada and one of the largest French-speaking metropolitan areas in the world, but also has a large English-speaking population and many bilingual residents.

The area that is now Montreal has been inhabited by native tribes for around 8,000 years, with the first European arriving in 1535. The first permanent European settlement on the Island of Montreal was created in 1639 by French tax collector Jerome Le Royer.

The town remained under French control until 1760 when it was surrendered to the British army. Montreal was became a city in 1832 and the Lachine Canal was opened, improving trade routes and turning it into the biggest British city in North America during the 1800s.

Downtown Montreal, with towering skyscrapers that give the city its unique skyline, is set against the backdrop of Mount Royal, a vast urban park with its own lake, hiking trails and stunning views over the city. Along with its interesting architecture, the area is also home to scores of shops, restaurants and businesses.

The old town of Montreal has some beautiful buildings, squares and excellent museums, including the Old Port, Place Jacques-Cartier, City Hall, and Pointe-a-Calliere Museum. The city's delightful churches include the impressive Notre-Dame de Montreal Basilica and Saint Joseph's Oratory, which has the largest dome in the world after St Peter's in Rome.

Montreal has been famous for its nightlife since the prohibition era and has an incredibly low crime rate, making it relatively safe to walk around at all hours. The bars, nightclubs and restaurants tend to be friendly, lively and stylish, serving excellent food and drink in charming surroundings.

The city has its own share of vibrant local areas, including a busy Chinatown, lively Gay Village, old Latin Quarter, trendy Plateau neighbourhood and arty Mile End. Montreal hosts an excellent jazz festival each year and the International Fireworks Festival every summer. It has a large student population and is Unesco's 'World Book Capital City 2005–2006' because of its literary bent.

Montreal played host to the Olympic Games in 1976 and the stadium and complex built for the event remains and also features the city's excellent Botanical Garden. For sports lovers the city is also on the Formula One Grand Prix circuit, has a successful baseball team and American football team.

Other options for tourists visiting Montreal include the La Ronde amusement park, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA), McCord Museum of Canadian History, some fine theatres and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.

Montreal is not particularly cheap, as it enjoys a strong economy and residents have a generally high standard of living. However, the city is comfortable, safe and relaxing, with plenty of good value options available for travellers who shop around.

Summer is generally the best time to visit, as the city suffers bitter winters with heavy snow. The region around Montreal supports a wealth of wildlife and the surrounding countryside is easily accessible from the city.