Introduction to Geography of Montreal
Montreal (French:Montréal), Quebec, the largest city in Canada. It occupies all of Montreal Island and some of the surrounding islands at the junction of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers and lies almost 100 miles (160 km) east of Ottawa, the national capital.
Montreal's main business district and its older residences are concentrated between Mount Royal, the stub of an ancient volcano, and the St. Lawrence River. Industrial areas are scattered throughout the city, with most lying adjacent to the docks that line much of the St. Lawrence riverfront. French-speaking residents, who make up two-thirds of the population, generally live in neighborhoods separate from English-speaking residents— the largest linguistic minority.
The metropolitan area of Montreal includes all of Montreal Island, nearby Jesus Island, and portions of the surrounding mainland. A highway tunnel and numerous rail and road bridges provide interisland and mainland access. Large suburban cities include Laval and Longueuil.
Economy
Montreal is a leading industrial, commercial, and transportation center of Canada. Its major industries produce textiles and clothing, petroleum products, petrochemicals, paper and paper products, aircraft and other transportation equipment, electrical products, and processed foods. Many banks, insurance companies and national business organizations have their home offices here.
Montreal's location on the St. Lawrence Seaway and its extensive harbor facilities make the city one of Canada's leading ports even though it lies 1,000 miles (1,600 km) from the sea. Canadian and American railways serve the area. Montreal is served by two airports—Montreal—Dorval International and Montreal—Mirabel International. The city has a subway system, the Metro.
Major Attractions
Mount Royal, rising more than 700 feet (200 m), is Montreal's most prominent physical feature and site of Mount Royal Park. A large illuminated cross marks the site of the original wooden cross erected on the summit by the city's founders.
The oldest section of the city, with its many historic buildings and monuments, attracts many visitors. Montreal's oldest building is the Seminary of St. Sulpice, which dates from the late 1600's. It stands in the Place d'Armes, opposite a statue of the Sieur de Maisonneuve, founder of Montreal. The Château de Ramezay, built in 1705 as the governor's residence, today houses a museum of history and archeology.
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts has large and varied collections. The Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art and the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History are also here. Place des Arts, a center for the performing arts, is home to the Montreal Opera and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. Olympic Park, with a stadium and other facilities, was the main site of the 1976 Summer Olympics. Underground shopping malls in the downtown area, especially at Place Ville Marie and Place Bonaventure, are popular attractions. Also popular is Île Ste. Hélène. On this island are a museum with exhibits devoted to the settlement of Quebec, an aquarium, and an amusement park. Sports are a major Montreal attraction. The city is home to the Canadiens (professional hockey) and the Alouettes (professional football).
Education and Religion
Montreal's public schools are administered by two school boards—one that oversees schools serving English-speaking students, and one that oversees schools serving French-speaking students. There are also a number of private classical, technical, and professional schools. Institutions of higher learning include the English-language McGill University and Concordia University, and the French-language University of Montreal and a branch of the University of Quebec.
Most of the people are Roman Catholic and there are many Catholic churches. Among Montreal's beautiful churches, both Catholic and Protestant, are Notre Dame, Christ Church Cathedral, and Mary Queen of the World Cathedral. The city is the seat of a Roman Catholic archbishop and an Anglican bishop.
Government and History
Montreal is governed by a mayor, a 73-member city council, and an executive committee of consisting of 7 to 11 city councillors and the mayor. The city councillors are elected representatives from Montreal's 27 boroughs. All officials are elected to a three-year term.
Montreal Island was first visited in 1535 by Jacques Cartier, who was seeking a route to Asia. He found the Indian village of Hochelaga at the site. In 1611 Samuel de Champlain established a short-lived trading post beside the St. Lawrence River, but no permanent settlement was made. Paul de Chomedey, Sieur de Maisonneuve, arrived in 1642 with a small group of missionaries and settlers and founded Ville Marie de Montréal, which soon became an active fur-trading post.
Montreal developed rapidly as a commercial center under British rule, which began in 1763 after the French and Indian War. It was held briefly by the Continental Army (1775) during the American Revolution. Montreal was incorporated as a city in 1832 and, after Upper Canada and Lower Canada were united in 1841, served as capital during 1844–49.
During the next 100 years the opening of railway lines, growth of ocean transportation, increase in foreign trade, and influx of immigrants contributed to Montreal's growth. A new period of expansion that began late in the 1950's added hundreds of industrial, commercial, and residential buildings. In 1967 an island was created and an existing one enlarged as the site for the world's fair Expo 67. In 1976 the summer Olympic games were held in Montreal. In 2002, 27 municipalities became a part of the city of Montreal.
Population (2001 census): 1,039,534.