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Bienvenue à Montréal! Now that's hospitality with a distinctly French flavor and what could be more appropriate for the second largest French-speaking metropolis in the world? But French is only one of 35 or so languages you'll hear on the streets of this international island city of close to two million inhabitants (more than 3.3 million if you include the suburban neighborhoods).

Demographics show that Montreal residents come from 80 countries, forming an urban mosaic of vibrant ethnic communities and neighborhoods safe to walk in day or night. Visitors will detect a distinct British influence in parts of the city, inherent in the culture since the days when English merchants controlled the city's trade. All in all, it's easy to see why "cosmopolitan" is the adjective most used in describing Montreal.

Characteristically, there's the famous "joie de vivre" the ineffable combination of spirit and ambience Montrealers exude without even trying. You'll see it in the summertime cappuccino-sippers cramming sidewalk cafés; in the long queues outside Schwartz's, home to the city's best smoked meat; and in the lovers holding hands on Mount Royal, the city's parkland mountain rising 264 meters. The same spirit can even be felt on an outdoor skating rink in the dead of winter, in the tuxedoed crowd listening raptly to the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (Orchestre symphonique de Montréal), or when hockey fanatics at the Bell Center scream and pump their fists in unison with every Montreal Canadiens goal.

Whether you are a tourist or a local, InfoMontreal.com is pleased to offer you Montreal information and services so that everyone can fully enjoy this great city.

Montreal is alluring any time of year, but late spring and early summer are arguably the most pleasant periods. From mid-May to early July, the sun is warm but not baking and you can catch famous events such as the Grand Prix and the Montreal Jazz festival. By late July, the temperatures can reach above 30 degrees Celsius with high humidity. Still the high summer days are wonderfully long and the festivals will take your mind off the heat.

The colder seasons have their charms, too. Many attractions shut down but the crowds are thinner, hotel prices drop but the city is just as attractive. Fall produces a blaze of colors and Montreal's winter becomes a great place for winter sports. Despite the Arctic temperatures, you may do some fabulous shopping in 'The Underground City' or attend several operas or the symphony.

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