10 facts about Montreal

Montreal today is vibrant, known for its culture, and a hot spot for all things food and music. But all that good stuff didn't happen overnight. In fact, it took hundreds of years for the city to be shaped into what it is today.

 

Here are some fun facts about Montreal's past and a few ways to enjoy the culture and vibrancy of this creative, urban gem now.

Spring time in MTL ??? . . . . . #mtlblog #livemontreal #montreal_gallery #imagesofcanada #explorecanada #tourcanada #way2ill #illgramers #moodygrams #agameoftones #thismtl #mtlmoments #fm2mag #eatplaylive #thecreatorclass #gramslayers #canadasworld #exklusive_shot #quebecoriginal #globalcapture #gramslayers #beautifuldestinations #cbcmontreal #sonyalpha #streetsof514 #madeinmontreal

A post shared by ? Montreal | Canada ? (@ericbranover) on May 12, 2018 at 4:55pm PDT

1. Montreal hosted the first Olympics ever held in Canada in the summer of 1976. Today, you can visit the Olympic Park and see icons like The Montreal Tower.

A post shared by Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth (@fairmontqueene) on Feb 25, 2016 at 10:30am PST

2. You know the song "Give Peace a Chance" by John Lennon and Yoko Ono? This famous tune was recorded at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel 1969 during a week long bed-in.

A post shared by Explore Canada (@explorecanada) on Nov 11, 2016 at 7:09am PST

3. Mount Royal Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed Central Park in New York City. Be sure to stop and take in the view at the lookout.

A post shared by Pointe-?-Calli?re (@pointeacalliere) on Mar 10, 2017 at 1:41pm PST

4. Long before Europeans made their way to what's now Montreal, the Iroquois people called this region home. You can visit the Pointe-?-Calli?re, a national archaeological and historic site, to discover more local history.

A post shared by Tourisme Montr?al (@montreal) on Feb 28, 2017 at 5:31am PST

5. Montreal was the largest city in Canada for a period of time. Now, just because it's smaller than Toronto doesn't mean there isn't still a ton to see and do.

A post shared by MTLBlog (@mtlblog) on Mar 5, 2017 at 2:24pm PST

6. Love architecture and history? Then the fact that Montreal is a UNESCO city of design might be of interest to you. Check out the beautiful architecture around the city - especially in Old Montreal and the Old Port.

A post shared by Prajakt (@prajakt.k) on Dec 11, 2016 at 3:53am PST

7. In 1967, Montreal hosted the World's Fair or as it's popularly known, Expo 67. One of the best mementos from that time is Habitat 67 - a quirky housing complex designed by Moshe Safdie.

A post shared by Montreal Food Divas (@mtlfooddivas) on Feb 24, 2017 at 1:34pm PST

8. During Prohibition, Montreal was a sinful reprieve for Americans hopping over the border to track down booze and places to gamble. You can still find delicious cocktails all around the city, and even a speakeasy or two.

A post shared by Amelia (@amelipstick) on Oct 12, 2016 at 10:20am PDT

9. Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal, or Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal in French, is Canada's largest church. Built in 1904, now a National Historic Site, this beautiful building is full of history and the notable dome is picture-perfect.

A post shared by Narcity Montreal (@narcity_montreal) on Apr 9, 2017 at 5:00pm PDT

10. Though most of the rest of Canada speaks English as a first language, Montrealers (and most Quebecers) are known for their French culture. This dates back to 1535 when Jacques Cartier (who now has a bridge named after him) arrived in Montreal after navigating the St. Lawrence River and claimed it for France.

Fusing the past and present, Montreal is a city that’s waiting to be explored. Plan your trip at the Tourism Montreal website.

Visit the Tourism Montreal website