Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada. It is located on an island of the same name at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers. Montreal's population is nearly 4 million people, with approximately 60% of them speaking French, while only about 20% consider English as their native language.
The city derives its name from Mont-Royal, which translates to "Royal Mountain." Today, this place is considered one of the primary attractions of Montreal.
The first settlements in the territory of the modern city date back over 6,000 years when the Iroquois and Inuit Indian tribes settled near the mouth of the St. Lawrence River.
Gradually, they inhabited the entire river valley, extending as far as Lake Ontario. For several centuries, the primary activities of the local population included hunting, fishing, pottery, and corn cultivation.
Since the 15th century, the banks of the St. Lawrence River have been the subject of European exploration, marking the beginning of French colonization. In the spring of 1642, the settlement of Ville-Marie, later renamed Montreal, was founded.
For a significant period, Montreal served as a hub for trade in furs, hunting rifles, wool, and metal products.
Prev article
Emergency contacts in Montreal
Next article
How much does it cost to vacation in Montreal?
