web counter
eng   fra





Montreal, a safe city
Montreal is one of the oldest cities in North America and is located in the south of the beautiful province of Quebec, in Canada. It is situated on an island, 50km by 16km, where the Ottawa River flows into the St. Lawrence River.
Montreal is relatively close to other Canadian and US cities such as: Ottawa, Toronto, Vermont and upstate New York.

The second largest city in Canada, Greater Montreal has a population of over three million and is a leader in industry and culture. It is the centre of intellectual and cultural life, bringing together French, English and Ethnic communities. Truly an international city, it is multilingual, pluralistic, cosmopolitan, and diverse. All communities come together and contribute to the city’s rich, sophisticated heritage and vivacious atmosphere. This is why Montreal is one of Canada’s most enduring and enjoyable living experiences.

Montreal is a safe city that is also affordable and accessible. In fact, Montreal is one of the safest cities in Canada and within the world! Living costs are relatively low and rental accommodations abound within walking distance of McGill’s downtown campus. For more information on the cost of living in Montreal, visit the Montreal International website.

The city’s bus and subway system, called the “Métro”, is accessible, modern, and fast. For avid cyclists, you will find bicycle paths and lanes on several of the city’s main streets.

The world’s second largest French-speaking city in the world, Montreal is also home to a significant English-speaking population, over 550,000. Health care, television, radio, museums, entertainment, shopping, and most public services are readily available in English and - in many cases - a variety of other languages as well.

McGill itself is an English-language university, though it offers countless opportunities to explore the French language.

Montreal is a beautiful city that melds old world architecture with modern innovation. A quick tour along the streets reveals the contrast from the charming 19th century buildings in Old Montreal to the modern look of Place Ville Marie. The city streets are mirrored below by ‘the underground city’. Underground passages link several buildings in the downtown core including office buildings, shopping centres, cinemas, galleries, hotels, restaurants, and cultural institutions with subway and railway stations.

Greenspaces are plentiful in Montreal, and Mount Royal, a green haven in the heart of the city, is a just a short walk from the McGill campus. If it’s nature you crave, a short drive will bring you to the hiking and ski trails of the Laurentians, the Eastern Townships, and northern New England.

In Montreal you’re never far away from action and attractions! The city offers great shopping, excellent dining, an exciting nightlife, international festivals and cultural events for all tastes. There are over 35 museums you can visit, including the Redpath Museum, situated right on the McGill campus. You can also take a short metro ride to discover the Olympic Stadium, Botanical Gardens and Biodôme, or if you’re a thrill-seeker, try some rides at at “La Ronde”, the city’s large amusement park.

From http://http://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/choosemcgill/Montreal/
Picture from Philippe Renault