There are some destinations across the globe that you just have to see at some point; your life isn't complete without witnessing them first-hand, and that's why they feature on so many bucket lists. We can all think of locations that tick all the boxes from the Taj Mahal to the Great Wall of China and the bright lights of New York, but there's one Canadian city that has to be experienced: Montreal. Canada has a wealth of great destinations to fly to, from vibrant Toronto to the ski paradise of Mont-Tremblant, but for a luxurious city break, Montreal is hard to beat.
One of the greatest things about Montreal is that it's easy to reach from locations across North America and beyond. Porter Airlines, renowned for their value and service, operate flights to Montreal from cities across Canada and the United States, including Washington DC, Boston, New York and Chicago, and you can find a selection of flights on flyporter.com. Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is just 12 miles from the beating heart of the city, and with great links from the airport to downtown Montreal, you won't find yourself waiting about once your plane has touched down. The only problem many people experience after flying to Montreal is tearing themselves away from the city when it's time to head home again.
The city of Montreal is built upon an island, and within those confines, it is an island of contrasts. At its heart is a thriving metropolis with a population of around 1.7 million people, making it the second most populous city in Canada, but that doesn't mean you won't find a plethora of places to relax in. Montreal is famous the world over for its beautiful green spaces, especially its municipal parks which are havens of peace and tranquillity. Each visitor will have their own favorite park, but Parc Jean_Drapeau is especially stunning and is based upon the islands of Saint Helen and Notre Dame. The park was home to the Expo 67 World's Fair and the huge pavilion from the exposition, now the Montreal Biosphere is one of the city's most famous landmarks.
Montreal was first settled by Europeans in the opening decades of the seventeenth century, and amidst its towering skyscrapers and modern architecture can still be seen as evidence of the city's development over centuries past. The Vieux-Montreal and old port areas are particularly enchanting, with cobbled streets that are evocative of earlier times, and immaculately preserved buildings that are breath-taking for their beauty as well as for their age and historical importance. History lovers should also head to the Musee Pointe-a-Calliere in Ville-Marie. Located in the Old Montreal area of the city, it traces Montreal's architecture and history. It also hosts regular musical and dramatic events, so it's worth checking what's on at the time of your visit.
One of the greatest things about visiting a city like Montreal is that it gives you a chance to enjoy its traditional customs and culture and imagine life as it was in the nineteenth century and earlier. A perfect way to do this is to take a stroll to the Marche Bonsecours. Easy to find, located next to the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, it is an architectural delight in its own right; built on two levels in a renaissance revival style, it has a dome at its summit, and is often called the most beautiful market in the world. In operation as a public marketplace for well over a hundred years, it is now renowned for showcasing local Quebec goods and crafts, making it an ideal place to buy unique hand-crafted souvenirs for friends and loved ones.
Montreal's marketplaces provide a timeless shopping experience that will live long in the memory, but you'll also find stylish shops from some of the world's leading chains and brands. As you're sure to notice as you walk the city’s streets, Montreal takes fashion very seriously, so if you love couture as well, this could be your shopping paradise. The Place Montreal shopping center is particularly noted for its fashion stores such as Zara, Melanie Lyne, and Vero Moda, but part of the fun of shopping in Montreal is simply wandering the streets and finding hidden treasures and independent retailers. You're sure to find exciting new designs from Canada's top fashion designers such as Eran Elfassy and Elisa Dahan, Mark Fast and Fala Chien, and you'll find great clothing to suit every budget.
Montreal is a diverse city, and this is reflected in its cuisine, with its restaurants being among the finest in North America and beyond. French cuisine is particularly in evidence, reflecting the city's heritage, but you'll also find North American, Asian and African flavors available in restaurants and cafes of all sizes. For the very finest in fine dining, a visit to restaurants such as Maison Boulud, Restaurant Toque! Or Europea will certainly not disappoint; it's an indulgent luxury that is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion, such as a birthday or wedding anniversary. Perhaps Montreal's most famous celebrated restaurant is Joe Beef in Little Burgundy; its wine list is superb, and despite its excellent reputation it maintains a homely feel and a charm all of its own.
Montreal is a sports-mad city, so if you love sport of any kind you're sure to find it represented here and getting a ticket to the big game can be a great addition to any vacation. The city is home to Montreal Impact, who compete in the increasingly popular Major League Soccer competition and also to the Montreal Canadiens who compete in the Atlantic Division of the National Hockey League. Canadians are passionate about ice hockey, and it's almost a religion to many who live in Montreal. The Canadiens have done their city proud, winning both their division and the Stanley Cup 24 times in their history. Tickets for the Bell Centre arena can be surprisingly inexpensive, and you're sure to see fast-paced hockey of the highest order.
Montreal has a wealth of museums and art galleries showcasing work from some of Canada's greatest artists, as well as those of legendary painters from Europe and the United States. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is especially recommended for culture lovers of all kinds, and at present, it is hosting an exhibition of contemporary black Canadian art as well as an exhibition of some of Pablo Picasso's greatest work. They also provided guided tours, and hold regular family events and activities, which can be a great way to engage your children in a love of art and culture.
Montreal is a city that has something for everybody, from great shopping to fascinating museums and art galleries, and world-class sports and music venues. It's a city that revels in the finer things in life, whether that means food and wine of the very best quality or simply sunny days relaxing in immaculately presented parks, so it's an ideal choice for those who enjoy a luxury lifestyle. With great value flights to Montreal available all year round, there's never been a better time to discover Canada's most exciting city.