If there is one city in North America that truly stands out from the pack, it is Montreal. This Quebec city has a flavour all its own. It is the largest French-speaking city outside of France and in many ways Montreal feels more European than it does North American.

(A tiny bit of history while on the subject: Until less than 300 years ago, the Quebec region was occupied by French settlers, who despite their smaller numbers bravely held their own in battles against the Anglo-Americans. It took one of the continent’s defining wars, in 1759, before the British finally captured Quebec. The province’s French culture, however, lives on till this day).

Immigration has also made Montreal a culturally diverse city. Like other cities popular with immigrants, it has its own Chinatown, Greektown, Little Italy and other ethnic enclaves.

While French is the official language in Québec, it should be noted that most Montrealers speak at least some English. So getting around or making yourself understood isn’t overly difficult even if you do not know French.

Getting a job is an entirely different matter. If your knowledge of French is limited (or non-existent), finding employment can be extremely difficult. Fortunately, the Quebec government has an excellent initiation programme for new immigrants, which includes six months of free courses in French and ways of adapting to life in your new home. (While other provinces have some programmes for new immigrants, none match the scope and quality of Quebec effort). Still, it should come as no surprise that the top three sources for Montreal new immigrants are Haiti, Lebanon and France – all countries where French is a major language.

As with Toronto and Vancouver, Montreal is also located close to the US, and this tourist favourite is a magnet for vehicles from across the border (as well as from Ontario) during long holiday weekends.

Montreal is safe and, with its fun lifestyle and numerous attractions, easy to fall in love with.

On the down side, Montreal has winters that can take getting some used to. If you come from a country where you never see snow, get ready to experience a lot of the white stuff. The winter can stretch from November right through to April, and though you’ll quickly learn to adapt, it can really put a cramp on you in your first year when paperwork, house-hunting and a job search all involve having to be out and about.

Driving around in Montreal is also rarely a fun experience. The road layout is somewhat confusing (the east-west routes actually run closer to north-south) and signs are mostly in French, which makes following directions rather tricky if you don’t follow the language. It doesn’t help that Montreallers rarely seem to obey speed limits and show little driving courtesy. (It must be said that, once they step outside the car, the people are among the most polite and gracious you will find. Go figure).

The cost of living in Montreal is somewhat higher than in Toronto; and the price of gasoline and parking make owning a car a mixed blessing.

There is also an element of political uncertainty, with Quebec having twice pushed for independence in referendums. Recent polls however indicate that support for a break from Canada is on the wane.

Overall rating: 7/10 (if you speak French), 5.5/10 (if you don’t)

Plus: Excellent initiation programmes for new immigrants, good healthcare services, low crime rate, efficient subway system that services most major business areas, lowest university fees in Canada

Minus: Long and cold winters, difficult early months for non-French speakers, cost of living on the higher side

Major newspapers: Montreal Gazette, Presse, Matin

*An hour’s drive or less from Montreal

Area codes: Montreal – 514, Laval – 450