Montreal – Fun facts, quotes and french phrases-to-go
Did you know ?
John Lennon and Yoko Ono held their legendary Bed-In in Montréal at Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth hotel from May 26 to June 2, 1969.
A popular local snack is “poutine” (French fries with cheese curds topped with gravy) – absolutely delicious!
Our “underground city” has over 30 km (18 miles) of pedestrian walkways, indoor areas and tunnels linking 10 metro stations, 2 train stations, 2 bus stations, 62 buildings, 7 major hotels, 1,615 apartments, 200 restaurants, 1,700 boutiques, 37 movie theatres and exhibition halls, 2 universities, 1 college and 10,000 indoor parking spaces.
The legal drinking age in Montréal is 18. Bars and restaurants can serve beer and alcohol from 11 a.m. to 3 in the morning.
What others call “pastrami”, we call “smoked meat” (By the way, our smoked meat sandwiches are to die for!).
An entrée here is actually an appetizer.
“Gourmet Magazine” dedicated an entire issue to Montréal (March 2006)
In total, 80 languages are spoken in the Montréal region, including French, English, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Greek, Chinese, German, Portuguese, Creole and Vietnamese.
Montreal ranks second to Halifax for the number of Titanic victims buried in its cemeteries (12 in all).
Eye contact in Montréal differs from that in other major cities. Whereas discretion is the order of the day elsewhere, Montréalers do not shy away from making eye contact with strangers.
With the highest number of tango dancers and dance halls on the continent, Montréal is the tango capital of North America.
Greeting a French person from Montréal can be confusing for visitors. The customary way to greet friends in Montréal is to kiss them on both cheeks, starting with the right, whereas Canadians in other provinces tend to keep their distance and simply shake hands.
What the stars say about Montreal
“Montréal is a great city, a terrific city.” Robert De Niro, Actor / Montréal Gazette
“I love Montréal. My parents got married in Montréal, on Sainte-Catherine Street. I’ve got more affection for Montrealers than you can imagine.”
Renée Zellweger, Actress / Montréal Musique Plus
“I believe there is a growing need for genuine alternative places, which is represented here in an extraordinary way.”
Wim Wenders, German Filmmaker / Montréal La Presse
“I feel like family in Québec and Montréal, and by the way, Montréal is my favourite city in the world! It’s the only place that combines all the good things about Europe and America, with none of the bad!” Holly Cole, Jazz Singer / Sherbrooke La Tribune
“There is something special about Montréal, I don’t know what it is because I didn’t spend enough time here, but the band is attracted by the city. Maybe it’s because of the dual culture which, in a way, reminds us of Ireland, or because Montréal is more a cultural centre than a political centre, or simply because Montréal has some of the most beautiful women I ever saw in my life.” Bono, lead singer of U2 / Montréal La Presse
“This is my home territory. I still find it the most colourful and exciting city on the continent. I love Montréal. I love the clash of the two cultures, I love the scenery—I love every blessed centimeter of Montréal, if that doesn’t sound too extravagent. It’s a city I’m very attached to.” Irving Layton, poet / Toronto Star
“Montréal, this wonderful town….Pearl of Canada, Pearl of the world.” Mikhail Gorbatchev, former Soviet President / Québec City’s Le Soleil
