10 Cool Facts about Montreal, Canada

These cool facts about Montreal, Canada maybe something new to you but adds depth and knowledge to your trip to the city.

Montréal is a city of vibrant culture, fascinating history, and modern innovation, all packed into one beautiful, scenic island. Known for its distinctive blend of French and English heritage, stunning architecture, and creative spirit, this Canadian gem has much more to offer than meets the eye.

From its unique culinary scene to its contributions to global industries, there are so many reasons to visit Canada and Monteal. Here are 10 cool facts about Montréal that will make you want to book a ticket right away.

Cool Facts about Montreal

1. Montréal is an Island

The first cool facts about Montreal is that Montréal is five times larger than Manhattan and sits on an island where the Ottawa and St. Lawrence rivers meet. Originally founded as Ville-Marie in 1642, it played a key role in the fur trade and quickly grew into one of the best cities in Canada.

In the 1700s, the city was renamed Montréal after Mont Royal, the mountain that rises at the heart of the city, offering a breathtaking view of the surroundings. The fact that this bustling metropolis is located on an island gives it a unique character, with waterfront views and a natural landscape that’s hard to beat.

2. A UNESCO City of Design

In 2006, Montréal was officially recognized as a UNESCO City of Design for its creative and innovative approach to urban planning, architecture, and art.

Over 66% of Quebec’s design professionals call the city home, making it a hub for artistic expression and creative industries. With a commitment to enhancing walkability, public spaces, and transportation, Montréal is a city that celebrates design in every corner, from its vibrant street art to its sustainable architecture.

If you’re thinking about visiting, consider checking out some of the city’s best design-focused hotels, like those listed on hotels in Montreal, where you can experience this design-forward culture firsthand.

3. The Birthplace of Cirque du Soleil

If you’ve ever been awestruck by the mesmerizing performances of Cirque du Soleil, you can thank Montréal. Founded in 1984 by Guy Laliberté and a group of street performers, Cirque du Soleil has since become a global phenomenon and the cool facts about Montreal include that this is where it all began!

The city is also home to several circus troupes and even a circus school, which fuels the city’s ongoing love for all things acrobatic.

Every July, the Montréal Cirque Festival draws crowds from around the world to witness jaw-dropping performances in the heart of the city. It’s no surprise that Montréal’s creative roots run deep!

4. Unique Foods Named After Montréal

Montréal is a food lover’s paradise, with a culinary scene that’s hard to beat, which brings us on to our next cool facts about Montreal. There are two iconic dishes that originated here are Montréal-style bagels and smoked meat.

These bagels, smaller and denser than their New York counterparts, are often boiled in honey-sweetened water and baked in wood-fired ovens.

And don’t miss out on Montréal smoked meat—a delicious, spiced, and smoked beef delicacy served on rye bread, often with mustard.

Of course, no trip to Montréal is complete without trying poutine, a beloved French-Canadian comfort food made with fries, cheese curds, and gravy.

5. Hollywood of the North: Montréal’s Film Scene

Montréal has long been a favorite filming location for Hollywood, which links to our next cool facts about Montreal. Movies like X-Men, Catch Me if You Can, and The Day After Tomorrow were all filmed in the city. Montréal’s ability to double for major American cities—combined with its skilled crews and state-of-the-art production facilities—makes it an ideal spot for filmmakers.

The city is also home to the National Film Board of Canada, which produces critically acclaimed and award-winning films that showcase the country’s rich cinematic talent. It’s no wonder Montréal is often referred to as “Hollywood North.”

6. The Maple Syrup Capital

If you’ve ever poured maple syrup on your pancakes, there’s a good chance it came from Québec, the world’s leading producer of this sweet treat. When planning a trip to Canada, trying some of their maple syrup needs to be on your itinerary!

In fact, Québec produces more than 85% of the world’s maple syrup, generating over $350 million annually. The syrup-making tradition dates back to Indigenous peoples who taught early European settlers how to harvest the sap from sugar maples.

Today, maple syrup is a quintessential part of the local culture, and visitors can tour sugar shacks to learn about the syrup-making process and sample the delicious product.

7. View from Mount Royal

Montréal’s skyline is unique for its low-rise buildings, thanks to a city ordinance that restricts the height of buildings to no taller than Mount Royal, which rises 233 meters above the city. The tallest building in Montréal, 1000 de La Gauchetière, stands at 205 meters tall.

The result is a stunning and unobstructed view of the city, especially from Mount Royal itself. Whether you’re hiking to the summit or taking a leisurely stroll through the park, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city and beyond.

8. 350 km of Bike Paths & 200 km of Cross-Country Ski Trails

For outdoor enthusiasts, Montréal is a dream and needs to be on your Canada bucket list. The city boasts over 350 kilometers of bike paths, making it one of the most bike-friendly cities in North America.

Whether you’re cycling through the city’s neighborhoods or along the waterfront, the network of bike lanes and paths makes it easy to explore.

When winter arrives, the city transforms into a cross-country skiing paradise, with more than 200 kilometers of trails winding through beautiful parks like Parc Mont-Royal and Parc Jean-Drapeau. From cycling in the summer to skiing in the winter, Montréal offers year-round outdoor activities for all.

9. Birthplace of the First Search Engine

In 1990, three students from McGill University in Montréal developed “Archie,” the first searchable database that laid the groundwork for the modern search engine. Archie was essentially a program that indexed FTP archives, making it easier to find files on the early internet.

This breakthrough paved the way for later search engines like Google, which now dominates the internet. Montréal’s tech-savvy students and forward-thinking culture continue to shape the digital landscape today.

10. A Tech and Video Game Hub

Montréal has earned a reputation as a major hub for the tech and video game industries, often making it one of the best places to move to in Canada, especially for those in tech.

The city is the third-largest producer of video games in the world, home to major companies like Ubisoft and EA, as well as independent developers.

Montréal also has a thriving tech ecosystem, with a growing number of startups and investment in AI and robotics. The city’s innovative spirit continues to attract top talent and foster a creative environment that drives technological advancements.

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Montréal is much more than just a beautiful Canadian city; it’s a cultural, creative, and innovative powerhouse that continues to evolve and captivate visitors from around the world.

Whether you’re exploring its architectural wonders, indulging in its unique cuisine, or experiencing its lively arts scene, there’s always something exciting happening in this dynamic city. From being the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil to producing the first search engine, Montréal’s impact on global culture and industries is undeniable.

With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s no wonder that Montréal is a must-see destination.