As any Canadian would know, traveling within Canada can be unbearably difficult. While Canada is the second biggest country in the world, it also boasts some of the most expensive domestic flights to be found anywhere. If you don’t believe me, here’s an astounding fact: from Toronto, it’s cheaper to fly to Los Angeles than it is to fly to Vancouver. Incredible, isn’t it!?

Therefore, I consider myself fortunate to be near Montréal, which is a short drive away from where I currently live. The city is an incredible one, with a somewhat European vibe. Old Montréal, in particular, can easily fool you. This past week, as I strolled through this historic part of the city, I was reminded of certain streets in Porto. Although, some would argue that Montréal is clearly a reference to Paris, with its own Notre-Dame Basilica (pictured below) located in Old Montréal.

Due to having grown up near the city, I’ve visited it multiple times throughout the years. Each time I visit, it seems to give me a different impression. It could be because as a city, Montréal is diverse, with each of its neighbourhoods being distinct enough to stand out. It could also be that Montréal is a city that prides itself on being different, with little room for being considered a standard North American city. In fact, while I’m from Canada’s other bilingual city, I’ve yet to find a North American city that reminds me of it.

In any case, there are a variety of things to do in Montréal. Should you be looking for a fun day at an amusement park, there’s La Ronde, which is perfectly-sized for a day trip. The city also boasts an Olympic Stadium where a variety of events take place. As a sports fan, I’ve also enjoyed watching the city’s soccer team, which often plays international teams. Of course, for most Canadians, Montréal’s sports appeal comes down to the Canadiens hockey team.

As I spend a little more time in Canada, it’s become a goal to appreciate and assess more North American cities, including the ones I’ve already visited. To my delight, my recent trip to Montréal reminded me of how great Canadian cities can be.

Are you from Montréal or have you visited the city before?