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Map
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Montreal's History
In 1535, Jacques Cartier visited the Iroquois village of Hochelaga, which was on the island of Montreal, and named the mountain in the center Mount Royal. in 1611, Samuel de Champlain oversaw the first construction by Europeans on the island, near what is today St-Pierre Street in Old Montreal.
The fledgling community grew as a part of New France, until it was taken over by British troops in 1760. In 1792, the town was divided into two sections, east and west, along the length of Saint Laurent Street. The first street lights appeared on Saint-Paul Street in 1815, and McGill University received its charter in 1821.
In 1833, after the city was incorporated, Jacques Viger was elected Montreal's first mayor. Montreal's prominence as a port led to its rapid industrial development as an industrial city, and by the time of confederation in 1867, the city was the capitol of commerce and trade in the new country.
As it continued to develop and grow in the twentieth century, Montreal became a player on the world stage as well. The city hosted the world's fair on the 100th anniversary of Confederation, and Expo 67 became famous around the world. In 1976 the eyes of the world were once again on the city as it hosted the summer Olympics.
Montreal has entered the 90's as a cosmopolitan city - a leader in the high tech field, still renowned for its art, culture, sport and leisure.
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Events
Montréal is a welcoming and cosmopolitan city renowned for its European flair, with world-renowned museums and performing arts, fashionable shops, and a population that takes its French heritage seriously, especially when it comes to cuisine. Its neighborhoods are a joy to explore, and streetside cafés are the perfect place to go while away entire afternoons. Get to know the joie de vivre that gives the city its flair. Summer temperatures arrive with a bang and keep the city's 250 outdoor terraces bustling. The calendar overflows with events as downtown streets, barred to traffic, become stages for a string of festivals celebrating everything from jazz to comedy.
The highlight of summer is the Montréal International Jazz Festival during the last week of June and first week of July, when the downtown core is closed to traffic for 300 free outdoor blues, Cajun, and world beat shows, and 100 indoor venues feature performances by Diana Krall, Joao Gilberto, Prince, and more. Tel. +1 (888) 515-0515. Web site: http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/
The night skies explode with light from last week of June and most of July during the Montréal International Fireworks Competition, a spectacular pyrotechnics contest at La Ronde, Jean-Drapeau Park. Tel. 1 (800) 797-4537.
Web site: http://www.parcjeandrapeau.com/
Just For Laughs, the world's biggest comedy festival, has the city chuckling during the second and third week of July with 800 international artists and 1,300 free performances. Saint-Denis St. and the Latin Quarter. Tel. 1 (888) 244-3155.
Web site: http://www.hahaha.com/.
Also during the same period is Nuits d'Afrique (African Nights), a lively annual music event celebrating the spirit of Africa and the Caribbean. Enjoy free outdoor concerts and exotic food at various venues. Tel. +1 (514) 499-9239.
Web site: http://www.festnuitafric.com/
The list of neverending festivals can be consulted at Montreal's tourist information website: http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/
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Pictures
The Jacques-Cartier bridge crossing the St-Laurence river.
Downtown Montreal seen from Mount Royal.
A view of the old port of Montreal.
A view of Mount Royal in the autumn.
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