As the largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris, Montreal is one of North America's most distinct and interesting cities.

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

Located in southern Quebec on an island in the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal is the largest city in Quebec and the second largest in Canada (after Toronto). Mount Royal is the city's most prominent feature, a 233 metre high, tree-covered mountain in the heart of the city. Mount Royal offers an excellent view of Montreal, from tall office towers in the city's thriving financial district to the historic stone buildings and cobblestone streets of Old Montreal.

CLIMATE

Montreal's climate is one of extremes. Summers are sunny, hot and occasionally muggy. July temperatures average between 18°C and 27°C. Winter brings sub-zero temperatures and lots of snow. Typical January temperatures range from -13°C to -5°C.

ECONOMY

Montreal ranks second only to Toronto as a Canadian centre of finance, industry and trade. Its location on the St. Lawrence Seaway makes it one of the world's leading inland ports, handling goods such as grain, minerals and petroleum. Manufacturing is Montreal's biggest employer, accounting for one fifth of the city's workforce. Manufactured products include textiles, clothing, food, beverages and tobacco products.

Montreal is home to a number of Canada's finest universities, including the University of Montreal, McGill University, Concordia University and the University of Quebec.

CULTURE AND RECREATION

Montreal's cultural scene is among the liveliest in North America. The city is home to festivals such as the International Jazz Festival, the World Film Festival and the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival. The world-famous Montreal Symphony Orchestra along with a variety of opera, ballet and theatre companies make their homes in the city.

The city's entertainment hot spot lies beneath the downtown streets in an area called the Underground City. Here, over 200 restaurants, nightclubs, shops and movie theatres are bustling day and night.

Sports fans can cheer on major league teams including the National Hockey League's Montreal Canadiens and the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.

Montreal is served by four daily newspapers (three of which are written in French), 15 radio stations and five local television stations.