Quebec, CANADA

Should you behave the same way as you do in France? Well, how do you behave in France? With respect for the local culture? If so, then yes. The weather in July and August will likely be hot and humid. I have no knowledge of tourist traps nor do I know what you consider to be a tourist trap. Montreal is probably the most European city in North America, and you need to know that French is the official language... this is not a bilingual city ... well... it is really, but not officially. Are you getting a sense of what goes on here from what I am saying? Most stores are open on Sunday ... in that we we are very North American. There are a lot of quite good "bring your own bottle" (of wine) restaurants (google for a list) and many other really excellent restaurants. Most restaurants have servers who speak English and if you encounter one that doesn't, then here comes your opportunity to speak your newly acquired French. Once you are installed at UQAM (Univ. of Quebec at Montreal) your fellow students will clue in on all kinds of stuff (my husband taught there for a while) and I think Montreal will insinuate itself into your heart, just as Paris has done for so many of us.

Norma, is Montreal even more European looking than Quebec City? I read about them and saw pictures of both. One day I am going to visit them so then I will know. In the meantime you can satisfy my curiosity.

Norma, Excellent description and nice to have someone here that can provide "first hand" information! Unfortunately, although I've transited through Montreal, I haven't made it there (or Quebec City) for a visit yet. I was speaking with someone this afternoon who "hails" from Quebec, and they suggested I should take a break from Europe and visit Quebec. One of these days..... Cheers!

My memory, from living in Montreal and travelling to Quebec for the Ice Festival - both nearly 40 years ago - is that neither looks European, whatever that is. Montreal is a lovely cosmopolitan city, Old Montreal was cobblestones, small and quaint. Quebec is dramatically smaller, perhaps overall cuter, but when its 40 below and people are partying outside some of the atmosphere is .... well .... The houses and buildings in both are neither USan or European, they are from Quebec. About the only thing that people say about Montreal which looks European is that many of the houses have iron balconies. That's true in New Orleans too. Is New Orleans European? Its a shame I had to leave PQ.

Well, I forgot about Quebec City, actually, which Montrealers have a tendency to do. And yes, it is very cute. When I say Montreal is a lot like a European city I certainly don't mean it looks like one, though Vieux Montréal does, I guess. It is the ambiance, the life style, the attitude, the cultural diversity of the place that has kept a lot of the Anglo community here long after the nervous members sped off to Toronto and points west. Since this is a European Helpline I think that is all I should say on the subject.

Loved Montreal and the surrounding area. Don't miss the Notre-Dame Basilica, especially during any type of performance. Enjoyed Richelieu Valley. Spent a week in Montreal and was never bored. You will enjoy it!