Welcome to Montréal, Where Down is Up and the Sun Sets in the North.Notre-Dame Basilica
Walking around the Old Port neighbourhood of Montreal, it would be hard to miss the two large towers of the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal peeking out above the skyline. If you’re impressed by the outside, just wait until you walk in those doors. Completed in 1829, it’s the first Gothic Revival-style church built in Canada, and the stained-glass windows and beautiful religious paintings leave many visitors in awe. Walking into the Basilica is like walking back through history.
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1. Superior Quality of Life
According to Mercer’s annual quality of living survey, Montreal was recognized as the fourth-best North American city to live in. The study examined numerous important factors – such as the political, social, economic and socio-cultural environment; health care; education; public services; recreation; housing; and the natural environment, among others. The urban center landed in the 21st spot in the overall global ranking.
3. A Great Place to Raise Children
Childcare costs in Canada are among the highest in the world, with most families spending almost a quarter of their income on it. However, despite this nationwide trend, Montreal has been named the least expensive city for full-time infancy care, making it an appealing, livable urban center for families with small children. Specifically, the median monthly cost for childcare in Montreal is currently $175 (the cost of infant care in Toronto is 10 times more, for instance, setting parents back $1,675 monthly).
5. Prosperous Job Market
With the most jobs created – around 19,000 – Quebec led the pack of Canadian provinces at the start of the New Year. Montreal, in particular, is home to some of the top Canadian employers that are all hiring at the moment – further emphasizing the wide range of professional opportunities that locals can take advantage of.Entrepreneurs and startup companies will feel especially at home in Montreal; the city has a strong community of people with entrepreneurial ventures who organize and participate in regular meetups and events.
7. Colorful Neighborhoods with Unique Charm
As a fusion of different cultures, Montreal’s neighborhoods are as diverse as the people living in them. Made up of 19 different boroughs that are further divided into neighborhoods, each and every community has its own unique traits and characteristics. Here are some of the coolest places:
9. Abundant Events & Festivals
Montreal has a kind of joie de vivre mentality and, as such, the entire city likes to celebrate all year long. In fact, according to the World Cities Forum, the number of festivals and events surpasses 380 yearly, so there’s virtually no shortage of entertainment in Montreal – no matter the season. The Montreal World Film Festival, the International Jazz Festival, the Just for Laughs comedy festival, the Beer Festival and the Food Truck Festival are just a handful of the many epic events held in the city.
11. Tons of Green Spaces
Montreal expertly balances its big city vibes with major urban spaces, friendly neighborhood parks, and charming city parks. You’ll find tons of green spaces everywhere – as well as the possibility of quality outdoor entertainment that comes in many forms. Plus, the future looks bright for parks in Montreal; the city is also planning on developing the largest municipal park in Canada.
2. Multicultural Vibe
Based on a recent survey by InterNations, Montreal is also the world’s fifth best city for expats. The survey was conducted on 20,000 foreign residents of 178 different nationalities who rated the urban center quite high in terms of safety, job satisfaction, work-life balance. and being able to adjust to the local culture. It’s no wonder so many people flock to Montreal!
4. Excellent Education Opportunities
For the fourth consecutive year, Montreal has retained its title as North America’s top city for students. When compiling the annual list, the QS Best Student Cities ranking evaluates factors such as safety, affordability, accessibility for international students, student population and the quality of the city’s universities. Considering Montreal’s multicultural makeup, high-ranking institutions, and countless entertainment options, the city has consistently been included in the world’s top best student cities in recent years.
6. Affordable Housing Options
Throughout the years, Montreal has been dominated by renters, with 63% of the city’s households currently renting. The monthly rent here is actually quite low compared to other large Canadian cities; a one-bedroom apartment costs $855 on average – far below what you’d pay in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary or Halifax, for instance.
8. Easy to Navigate
There are numerous options to get around Montreal without having to drive or splurge on pricy rides. For instance, Montreal’s STM public transport network is quite affordable and reliable and can get you to your destination in no time at all.
Moreover, despite its cosmopolitan feeling, it’s actually pretty easy to get around Montreal by foot. Plus, if you don’t have a lot of time on your hands and the weather allows, you might consider biking as most of the city’s streets are bike-friendly.
10. A Food-Lover’s Paradise
As a culturally diverse metropolis, Montreal has an extremely rich supply of restaurants. The city’s buzzing food scene is famous for its versatile palette, spectacular cuisine, and delicious eats. While there are many iconic dishes that you must try, the supply is seemingly never-ending and new restaurants pop up every day in various corners of the city. So, it’s safe to say that you’ll likely never run out of fun, quirky and new places to go to enjoy a good meal in Montreal.