Differences in Population and Culture
Montreal is quite different from other Canadian cities I’ve been to, like Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. The people here, their nationalities, and the overall vibe are different. For instance, there seem to be fewer drug dealers and addicts on the streets, and homelessness is not as prevalent. I noticed a few individuals experiencing homelessness, but it’s much less compared to other cities I’ve visited.
There are more black people here, and I assume many of them speak French. This makes sense considering Montreal’s French-speaking heritage. I thought the language would be a mix of French and English, but everything, including road signs, is purely in French. You really need to know French to fully thrive here. I didn’t expect that.
Impressions and Lifestyle
My first impression of Montreal was mixed. The people seemed to be enjoying themselves, with a strong presence of partying and a love for drinking meat, especially smoked beef. This explains the popularity of certain local eateries. Women here seem to carry a more feminine, somewhat European vibe.
I also noticed more electric vehicle chargers around the city, which is a positive step. Interestingly, I didn’t see many Arabs, less than I expected.
Cityscape and Transportation
Comparing Montreal to Toronto or Calgary is challenging. While it’s a big city, it doesn’t feel very crowded. The city has a mix of old and new elements; however, most buildings aren’t very modern or fancy. Despite this, it still retains a uniquely Canadian feel.
Although I had only a seven-hour layover, the city’s walkability and excellent public transportation systems were notable. Unlike back in Europe, where I could accomplish much more in a similar amount of time, getting around was smooth.
Taxis and Language Nuances
I noticed Lyft doesn’t operate in Montreal, but Uber does. Additionally, there is a local taxi service called Bonjour, which intrigued me. I spoke to a French individual who pointed out the accent difference between Quebec locals and French natives; it’s quite distinguishing.
Regarding the pronunciation of “Quebec,” I realized there’s an accent on it, leading to the correct pronunciation as “Quebec” or “Quebecois.”
Weather Experience
During this short visit, I experienced almost all four seasons. I felt cold, scorching heat, heavy rain, and strong winds, all within a few hours. It was quite the experience to feel such diverse weather patterns in such a short timeframe.
A Unique Sight
I spotted my first Cybertruck in Montreal, which was quite a rare and exciting sight.