|
Montreal derives its name from the mountain that rises above the city and surveys the entire region, covered by trails that meander through natural forests to lead to lookouts, picnic areas, and a lake. Meanwhile, the island of Montreal was formed by the confluence of two powerful rivers: the Saint Lawrence and the Ottawa. The Biosphere, constructed on an island for the 1967 world's fair, is now an interactive museum exploring that complex water system. A Sampling of Activities in Montreal Practically, Montrealers explore the river through boating, fishing, swimming, and even surfing on permanent standing waves in the Saint Lawrence, until they either fall or exhaust themselves. On dry land, there is something for everybody: the Symphony Orchestra and the International Jazz Festival, the Insectarium and the Botanical Gardens, the Montreal Opera and the Just for Laughs Festival, the Fine Arts Museum and La Ronde Amusement Park, the Grand Prix of Formula One and the annual Tour de l'Île, where Montrealers of all ages and abilities cycle the perimeter of the island in good cheer. The same features that make Montreal a prime tourist destination also enrich daily life for Montrealers. Different languages The experience of daily life depends on the part of the city one inhabits. Someone who settles in one of the new homes for sale in Terrebonne will experience the city differently from someone who buys a new condo for sale in Montreal. But everywhere, language is an important and complex facet of everyday life. French is the maternal language for the majority and many see it as the linchpin of their national identity. However, in public spaces, the spoken language shifts with the geography. In Little Italy, Little Haiti, the Mohawk reserves, and Chinatown, local residents speak among themselves in their mother tongues. English is as pervasive in the west of the island as is French in the east. Meanwhile, the majority has discovered that speaking both French and English is the key to simplifying and enriching daily life. That key also opens opportunities at the national and international level. With few exceptions, the Charter of the French language requires all children to be educated in French until the end of their secondary studies. Services and Infrastructures Serving both major languages, Montreal has the highest concentration of post-secondary students among North American cities. While its universities are ranked among the best in the world, tuition fees for Quebec residents are the lowest in North America. Likewise, health services, affordable daycare, and the public transportation system are all renowned. Climate Montreal is for people who appreciate the seasons. From early December until the end of March, Montreal remains white and wintery. Fortunately, the city is experienced in snow removal. The large parks have groomed cross-country ski trails and anyone can find a game of pick-up hockey within a block of home. Day and night, pleasure skaters skate on rinks maintained on ponds, the rivers, and the canals. In the hot summer months, Montrealers easily forget the cold as they congregate in local parks to enjoy the wide range of activities or to picnic with family and friends. All of this is to say that, for active, adventurous, open-minded people, Montreal is a great place to live and to build a future.
Related Articles -
Montreal, Terrebonne, condo, homes,
| 
