Everything undergrads need to know for a memorable trip to the gem of Quebec
College students are always looking to make the most of their undergraduate years. While this can be done in the classroom a sense of wanderlust and knack for travel, especially to foreign countries, can be an exceptionally special memory for young men and women. Of course there are the common destinations for students such as Mexico and Central America for Spring Break as well as many Asian and European nations for study abroad programs. While each of the aforementioned destinations has a great deal to offer for college aged visitors the price point and distance is often too great for many students.
One destination which is unfortunately overlooked is Canada, more specifically the beautiful city of Montreal. Canada often faces a connotation of being a colder, larger United States yet the city of Montreal can prove even the firmest believer of these stereotypes wrong. No matter your interests Montreal can cater to all groups through its exuberant nightlife, rich history, top notch dining options and prominent sightseeing. Whether you are looking to get a glimpse of the bar scene with friends, take in the unique blend of French-Canadian culture or taste some of North America’s best food your trip will leave you with a newfound love for the United States’ neighbor to the north.
The Nightlife
Perhaps the greatest attractant for college students visiting Montreal is their surplus of exciting bars and nightclubs. The concentration of universities in and around the city makes Montreal a haven for undergraduates looking for a fun night out on the town, aside from this the favorable exchange rate from US dollars to Canadian dollars means a night out at some of the most popular clubs will not break the bank. Both Crescent Street and St. Laurent Street boast some of the most popular bars and clubs in the city such as the famous Sir Winston Churchill’s bar and Jet Nightclub. Even Montreal’s flagship university, McGill has their own bar, the Campus Cafe, which is constantly flooded with local students and visiting students alike. For a more tame night the Molson brewery is just minutes from downtown and various karaoke bars around the city always provide for an entertaining evening. While there is always fun to be had in Montreal many students make the trip north to Montreal for the incredible New Years celebrations as well as the annual Osheaga music festival every August. When your night finally concludes a 24-hour metro runs through the city ensuring that everyone is safely transported home.
History and Sightseeing
Founded in 1642 Montreal is one of Canada’s most historic cities and holds rich history. Old-Montreal is located on the city’s main port and features the majority of Montreal’s historic architecture and locations. One of the most notable destinations in Old-Montreal is the remarkable Basilique Notre-Dame. Notre-Dame’s massive size, exceptional history and beautiful architecture make it a must see for all visitors regardless of their religious affiliation. Visitors can even see the very first building which was constructed in Montreal inside Pointe à Callière as well as get a history lesson at the History Center of Montreal.As for more modern sightseeing Mont Royal, the city’s namesake, grants visitors some of the best views of the city atop its three peaks conveniently located just minutes from Old-Montreal. Undoubtedly the most recognizable modern attraction in Montreal is the Montreal Olympic Park constructed for the 1976 Summer Olympic Games. This incredible attraction hosts numerous concerts and events such as annual MLB games and tennis matches- even when there are no events going on visitors can take an elevator to the top of the observatory to get a bird’s eye view of Montreal. If the incredible sightseeing is not exciting enough the Montreal Canadiens play in the heart of downtown at the Bell Center and tickets are readily available. Montreal is a city unlike any other in terms of its diversity. The beautiful blend of historic and modern landmarks as well as French and Canadian culture and dialect make Montreal a one of a kind city yet the excitement does not stop here.
Dining
Although Montreal is considered a party destination by many one aspect which very evenly rivals the city’s nightlife is the local dining. A far cry from the usual college student fares, Montreal features exquisite dining once again at a favorable price point compared to other similar tourist destinations. Whether you’re looking for a 3am dollar pizza slice or a five-star Sunday brunch Montreal has something to offer for all tastes on a college budget. Of course no trip to Canada, especially Montreal, is complete without indulging in the French- Canadian delicacy of poutine. This tasty blend of steak fries, gravy, cheese and beef is synonymous with the city and for good reason, nearly each street cart and restaurant in Montreal serves their own variation of the local staple. Montreal Poutine is a can’t miss restaurant thanks to their creative poutine dishes and bottom shelf pricing located in the heart of Old-Montreal.Summer is an especially great time for dining in Montreal as “Terrace Season” is in full swing. As the name suggests the majority of the city’s restaurants open their grand outdoor terraces for streetside dining in a setting that feels like a European getaway.
