There are many cities in North America where you might not want a car (traffic, parking, etc.) even if it might make getting around easier. Montreal is not one of those places. People often look at New York as the gold standard of a city that doesn’t require a vehicle. But Canada’s second-most populous city certainly gives it a run for its money. The metro gets you around pretty much wherever you need to go, and where it doesn’t, a bus likely will. Buy an Opus card and load it with tickets and passes.

Canada, and Montreal in particular, are known for brutal winters. However, the vibe is unmatched during this season. In much of the U.S., winter is simply endured. Up north though, the season is enjoyed to its fullest. You can ski and sled right on Mont-Royal, and almost every park has a skating rink. Furthermore, Montrealers are not scared of the cold; it’s not uncommon to see people bundled up outside enjoying drinks with a roaring fire nearby! There are also underground passageways, for those days where the wind makes it just a little too cold.

Montreal is a bilingual (French/English) city, but it is located in the officially monolingual French-language province of Quebec. So most signs will be in French or bilingual. Additionally, when you enter a shop you’ll be greeted with “bonjour/hi” and “bonjour” ALWAYS comes first. This is meant to offer clients an option for which language they’d like to speak. As a visitor, you will find people in most places, people speak English. However, for the sake of reading signs and being understood in rarer instances, it’s best to brush up on the basics. Especially if you plan to visit other parts of the province.

Sure, there are plenty of bars, clubs, festivals, and shopping all over, but Montrealers also adore nature. There’s a mountain in the heart of the city that provides endless trails. Additionally, check out Jean Drapeau, La Fontaine, The Canal, and more.

Although numerous villages will argue about who actually invented it, Montreal invented poutine. Order it with confidence in the city—ideally with smoked meat, another Montreal specialty.