Montreal: The Second-Largest Francophone City After Paris

Location and Key Neighboring Cities of Montreal

Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, is situated in Quebec on the Island of Montreal and ranks as the ninth-largest city in North America. Established in 1642 as a French fort and settlement, it was initially named "Ville-Marie," famed for its fur trade. The name "Montreal" was adopted in 1688 after the fort’s dismantling. Recognized as a National Historic Site in 1924, the city experiences a humid continental climate—harsh winters with snowstorms, mild transitional seasons, and warm summers.

Living in Montreal

With a 2016 census population of 1,704,690, Montreal is Canada’s third-largest urban area. The broader metropolitan region, encompassing all municipal districts on the island, houses 1.95 million residents. Over half the population (56%) is bilingual in French and English, though French remains the official and predominant language. Ethnically, Montreal’s populace is largely of European descent, including French, Italian, Irish, and British heritage.

Economic Strength and Architectural Legacy

Montreal’s architectural heritage traces back to the 17th century, with Old Montreal preserving historic structures. Once an industrial and financial powerhouse, the city now thrives as a leader in commerce, tech, and finance, hosting the Montreal Exchange and the world-class Port of Montreal, which handles 26 million tons of cargo yearly.

Cultural and Technological Hub

Home to AI research labs like Google Brain and Microsoft Research, Montreal is also a cultural beacon, dubbed "Canada’s Cultural Capital" for its vibrant French-language media, arts, and publishing sectors.

Education Opportunities

Montreal’s universities, including Université de Montréal and McGill, offer bilingual education, while language schools cater to international students. The city combines affordability with a dynamic student life.

Top English Language Schools

EC English and other Language Schools provide diverse courses and activities, with SAT for Study Abroad guiding students to the best options.

Why Choose SAT for Study Abroad?

With partnerships across 86 global cities and 2,600+ courses, SAT ensures professional, tailored academic support, prioritizing student success.