Montreal is the second largest city in Canada and is located in the province of Quebec, approximately 170 miles southwest of Quebec City. It lies on the island of Montreal with the Rivière des Prairies on the north side and the St Lawrence river to the south. There are more than 1,600,000 people living in the city and it is the second-largest French-speaking city in the Western world after Paris. The island of Montreal is awash with attractions and has a unique culture made up of French, American and British influences.

Montreal is a great place to take the children as the city offers a wealth of activities and sights to keep them occupied. Apart from the hugely popular La Ronde Amusement Park, there are several other notable attractions including the unusual Shed 16 Labyrinth, with its changing themes and play zones. The Megadome is a family entertainment centre that will keep children happy for hours, if not days. Inside you will find a laser tag game, mini golf, climbing wall, basketball, arts, crafts and much more. The Planetarium offers something a little more educational, with dramatic performances in both English and French.

Montreal Highlights Festival: this food festival takes place at over 50 restaurants around the city. Top chefs and wine producers join up with their local counterparts to create some memorable meals.

Montreal is blessed with a wide choice of attractions including many historical sites, churches and prominent landmarks. It has a special mix of cultural influences from France, England and America. Summer is the best time to visit as there are more things to see and do, however, the wintertime has its own appeal and there are plenty of activities on offer.

Montreal's Trudeau Airport is the main gateway for people travelling to the city, handling over eight million passengers every year. It is located 25kms west of the city and has good transport connections and a wide range of facilities.

Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Banks: 10:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday;
Shops: 10:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday; Many store hours are extended to 21:00 on Thursdays and Fridays, and most stores are open Sundays until 17:00