7 interesting facts you may not have known about Montreal

With its unique blend of North American swagger and European sophistication, Montreal is well known as Canada’s cultural capital. Famous for its historic architecture, exciting culinary scene and vibrant multicultural atmosphere, there is a reason why Quebec’s largest city has recently been crowned one of the best cities in the world. Beyond Montreal’s legendary international jazz festival and iconic Notre Dame Basilica, however, lie several lesser-known facts that add even more intrigue to this fascinating city. 

The World’s Second Largest Francophone City 

Montreal can be found at the very southern edge of Quebec, the only Canadian province in which French is recognized as the official language. In fact, behind only the French capital of Paris, Montreal is the world’s second largest French speaking city with over 85% of its 1,762,949 residents speaking the language fluently. This is influenced by a 200-year period when the French controlled Quebec as part of its colonial empire. And, despite becoming a British colony as far back as 1763, the region has held on to its French roots, with this linguistic identity continuing to shape Montreal’s culture, food, and arts scene to this day.

Nothing can be taller than the peak of Mount Royal 

Take a look at pictures of the Montreal skyline and you will immediately notice the presence of a large hill next to the skyscrapers of the city’s downtown area. This is Mount Royal, a picturesque natural landmark that gives the city its name. Composed of three distinct peaks of which the Colline de la Croix is the highest, recognizable by the commanding steel cross at its summit, the area is also home to the Mount Royal Park, an urban green space designed by Frederick Law Olmsted – co-designer of New York’s Central Park. What’s most interesting however is the by-law that states that no building in Montreal can be built taller than the 233m height of the hill. To put that into context, there are more than eighteen New York skyscrapers over 300m.

A global center for video games production

While Montreal is famed for its arts scene, one area that frequently goes unnoticed is its thriving gaming industry. In fact, some have even called the city the ‘Hollywood of Video Games’. Home to two major games developers in Ubisoft and Behaviour Interactive, other key industry leaders such as Electronic Arts, Bethesda and Gameloft also have a strong presence in the city. All genres of games are being developed in Montreal, from expansive MMORPGs to the best online casinos. To check them out head to Casino.ca, while keep an eye out for the Montréal International Game Summit, a major gaming expo held annually in the city every fall. 

Home to an exciting DIY music scene 

One of Montreal’s greatest exports in recent years has been the wealth of musicians and bands that have emerged from the city’s alternative scene. Based largely out of the Mile End neighborhood, now major acts like Grimes, Arcade Fire and Godspeed You! Black Emperor all started out in the city, experimenting with different musical styles while harboring a committed DIY approach to their work. Despite such humble beginnings, many of these artists have established themselves on the international scene, receiving millions of streams and selling out shows across the world.

Montreal’s sprawling underground city

The presence of vast underground cities is a common theme across the sci-fi genre, with examples like H.G Wells’ The Time Machine all the way to popular video game Fallout exploring civilizations that live below the surface. For the people of Montreal however, this is just part of everyday life. The city is home to a vast underground network of pedestrian tunnels, connected buildings, metro stations, shops and high-end restaurants spanning across an impressive 33km and used by over 500,000 people a day. Purpose-built to provide a warm and safe environment during the city’s harsh winters, this sprawling subterranean sector remains a truly unique aspect to Montreal. 

The birthplace of modern hockey 

Ice hockey is without a doubt the most popular sport in Canada, with hardcore fans across the country regularly going to watch their team battle it out in the NHL. Montreal is no different, with local favorites the Canadiens reigning supreme as the most successful hockey team in history with an incredible 24 Stanley Cup triumphs. What many might not know however, is that the world’s first ever indoor hockey game took place in Montreal way back in 1875. In many ways, the game that we know and love today traces its origins back to the city, giving Montreal a special place in the sport’s history books.

Step aside NYC, Montreal is the true bagel king 

The satisfying chew of a bagel along with their iconic hole in the middle has long been associated with the East Coast city of New York, however many Montrealers would argue that it is their hometown that is the true destination for the world’s best bagels. Boiled in honey water before being baked in a wood fired oven, Montreal bagels are generally smaller than their more well-known counterparts yet possess a unique sweetness and extra chew from their unique cooking process. They have become so popular that many see them simply as part of the city’s identity. In fact, there is even a fierce rivalry between two iconic bakeries, with locals often having strong opinions on which makes the better bagel. 

Montreal can be described as many things but one thing it certainly is not, is boring. It is a city that thrives on intrigue and experimentation, from the creative juices flowing from the music and gaming industries to the inventive creation of underground passages to overcome natural challenges. It is a place steeped in rich history yet with one eye fixed firmly to the future.