Montreal City Things to Do: 10 Cool Facts & Top Activities

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• Facts and Montreal City Things to Do: Montreal is on an Island
• A UNESCO City of Design
• Cirque du Soleil Was Born Here
• Trio of Iconic Foods Born in Montreal
• The Hollywood of the North
• Maple Syrup Flows Like Water (Almost)
• No Building Taller Than Mount Royal
• An Outdoor Paradise, Even in Winter
• The First Search Engine Was Born Here
• A Rising Tech and Gaming Superpower
• Conclusion
• Informative Video

Introduction

When most people think of Montreal, they picture charming cobblestone streets, flaky croissants, and maybe the occasional bilingual barista. But Canada’s second-largest city is so much more than just European flair on North American soil. With deep historical roots, a thriving arts scene, and some surprising accolades under its belt, Montreal is a place that loves to break the mold—and then decorate it in street art.

Ready to discover the coolest island city this side of the Atlantic? From being the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil to housing the first-ever search engine, here are 10 cool facts about Montreal that will make you want to pack your bags (or at least Google flights).

1. Yes, Montreal Is on an Island (and It’s Huge)

Most people don’t realize that Montreal is actually perched on an island at the meeting point of the Ottawa and St. Lawrence rivers. It’s not just any island, either—this one’s five times larger than Manhattan, making it the largest island in the Hochelaga Archipelago. Founded back in 1642 as Ville-Marie, Montreal began as a humble fur trading post before evolving into the cosmopolitan hub it is today. The city eventually took its name from Mount Royal, the mountain that still watches over its skyline and offers one of the best panoramic views around.

2. A UNESCO City of Design

In 2006, Montreal earned a prestigious title that sets it apart from nearly every other city in North America: UNESCO City of Design. That’s no small feat. Over 66% of Quebec’s design professionals live and work in Montreal, giving the city an undeniable creative buzz. From striking public art and pedestrian-friendly urban planning to whimsical murals and pop-up installations, design is part of daily life here. If you’re planning to explore it all firsthand, Recharge your batteries and relax in your hotel, as you begin a great adventure. Get ready for a front-row seat to the city’s amazing creativity.

3. Cirque du Soleil Was Born Here

It’s not every day that street performers go on to redefine an entire art form, but that’s exactly what happened in 1984, when Guy Laliberté and his merry band of acrobats founded Cirque du Soleil in Montreal. What started as a small troupe has since blossomed into a global circus empire, known for its jaw-dropping spectacles and human defiance of gravity. If you’re in town in July, don’t miss the Montreal Cirque Festival, a magical event that brings performers from around the world to the city’s stages, parks, and even rooftops.

4. It Invented a Trio of Iconic Foods

Let’s get this out of the way: Montreal takes its food seriously. The city is credited with inventing some of Canada’s most beloved dishes. First up, the Montreal-style bagel—smaller, denser, slightly sweet (thanks to a honey-water boil), and baked in a wood-fired oven. Then there’s Montreal smoked meat, a tender, spiced beef brisket piled high on rye with a generous smear of mustard. And of course, no list is complete without poutine: crispy fries, fresh cheese curds, and hot gravy. If that’s not culinary poetry, we don’t know what is.

5. The Hollywood of the North

Don’t be surprised if Montreal looks oddly familiar on screen. With its European architecture, talented film crews, and generous tax credits, it’s earned the nickname “Hollywood of the North.” Major blockbusters like X-Men, Catch Me If You Can, and The Day After Tomorrow were filmed here. The city often doubles for U.S. locations—until someone orders poutine, of course. It’s also home to the National Film Board of Canada, a pioneer in documentary filmmaking and animation.

6. Maple Syrup Flows Like Water (Almost)

Canada’s sweet obsession starts right here in Quebec, which produces a whopping 85% of the world’s maple syrup, valued at over $350 million annually. The syrup’s origins trace back to Indigenous communities, who shared their tapping techniques with European settlers. Today, visitors can experience the tradition at local sugar shacks, rustic cabins in the woods where you can see syrup being made—and maybe even pour it on snow to make taffy.

7. No Building Taller Than Mount Royal

Unlike other major cities racing to build the next glassy skyscraper, Montreal has a more grounded approach. City laws dictate that no building can be taller than Mount Royal, which stands at 233 meters. The tallest structure in town? 1000 de La Gauchetière, clocking in at a modest 205 meters. This regulation ensures that the mountain—and the views it offers—remain the crown jewel of the skyline.

8. An Outdoor Paradise, Even in Winter

With over 350 km of bike paths, Montreal consistently ranks as one of North America’s most bike-friendly cities. But the fun doesn’t stop when the snow falls—far from it. The city transforms into a winter playground with 200+ km of cross-country ski trails weaving through parks like Parc Mont-Royal and Jean-Drapeau. Whether you’re biking along the Lachine Canal or skiing under the stars, there’s always a way to enjoy the great outdoors.

9. The First Search Engine Was Born Here

Before Google, there was Archie—the very first search engine, created in 1990 by three students at McGill University. Archie indexed FTP (File Transfer Protocol) sites, making it easier to locate files online. While it didn’t have colorful doodles or smart assistants, Archie laid the groundwork for the modern internet and earned Montreal a quiet place in digital history.

10. A Rising Tech and Gaming Superpower

Montreal isn’t just about history and heritage—it’s also one of the world’s hottest tech and gaming hubs. It ranks as the third-largest video game producer globally, with studios like Ubisoft, EA, and countless indie developers calling it home. Beyond gaming, the city is also making waves in AI, robotics, and tech startups, drawing international talent with its affordability, quality of life, and rich creative ecosystem.

The Final Word

Montreal is a city of contrasts—old and new, European and North American, sweet and savory. It’s where circus performers rise to global stardom, bagels spark debates, and innovation bubbles beneath historic streets. Whether you come for the culture, the cuisine, or the Cirque, one thing’s for sure: you’ll leave a little more inspired than when you arrived.

Informative Video

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