Montreal, CA
Montreal, Canada’s second largest city, is a major cultural hub with a strong French Canadian identity, situated on the St. Lawrence River. Founded in 1642 as Ville-Marie, or “City of Mary”, it is now named after Mount Royal, the triple-peaked mountain around which the early settlement was built. With its rich history dating back to French colonial times and diverse population, Montreal is known for its vibrant arts scene, music, fine dining, fashion, and lively nightlife. It is home to the world-famous Cirque de Soleil and is considered one of the world’s leading French-speaking cities, with a significant influence on Quebec culture at large.