Montreal has thrived as a cosmopolitan communications and trade hub due to its location on the St. Lawrence River. Jacques Cartier arrived in 1535 and claimed the territory for his King, François I of France, but it wasn't until 1642 that Paul de Chomedey established Ville Marie de Mont-Real, a small mission station. Montreal, the world's second-largest French-speaking city, is the result of this original settlement. Despite the city's size, the tourist-friendly areas of Montreal are concentrated in small spaces. The Centre-Ville (downtown) area is home to the city's major museums and arts venues, as well as Rue Sherbrooke, arguably the city's most elegant thoroughfare. It runs through the city and is home to museums and other institutions. The main shopping thoroughfare in Montréal is Rue Ste-Cathérine, a busy street lined with department stores, shops, and restaurants. The Pointe-à-Callière Museum preserves the original foundations and streets of Vieux-Montreal, the city's birthplace. This was the colonial town's heart, and its old buildings make it the city's most picturesque neighbourhood. Most of the historic attractions and the famous waterfront promenade along the Vieux-Port are located here (Old Port). The Plateau attracts fewer tourists, but it is the beating heart of Montreal's French-speaking population. Some of the city's most popular restaurants can be found here, on Rue St. Denis and elsewhere in this neighbourhood, primarily shaped by successive waves of immigrants. Mile End, on the outskirts, is characterized by small clusters of streets with distinct Italian, Portuguese, or Greek vibes. International Airport - Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) Population- 4,247,000 Currency- Canadian Dollar Time - GMT-5 Driving side- Right Main electricity- 120V Official Language- French Religion- Christianity
The Montreal Science Centre is conveniently located in the heart of the action in the Old Port (Vieux Port) area. When visiting the Old Port (Vieux Port), the towering Ferris wheel known as La Grande Rou de Montréal is difficult to miss. The heart of Montréal's Chinatown is located on Rue de la Gauchetière, which is lined with Chinese gates. Near the Sherbrooke Metro Station, Square Saint-Louis is one of Montréal's prettiest old squares, set in a turn-of-the-century French-Canadian residential quarter.
