Montreal is the cultural capital of French Canada and one of the most fascinating cities in North America. It occupies an island in the St Lawrence River, and its unique geography — the Mont Royal hill at its heart, the old port along its southern edge and a network of underground passages linking the main attractions — gives it a character that feels entirely its own. Vieux-Montréal, the historic old city along the waterfront, is a beautifully preserved quarter of 17th and 18th-century stone buildings, cobblestone streets and excellent restaurants. The Notre-Dame Basilica — a neo-Gothic masterpiece of extraordinary interior richness, recently the subject of Celine Dion’s acclaimed live Aura show — is the city’s most celebrated landmark. The Old Port itself has transformed into a lively waterfront destination with cycling paths, outdoor bars and a summer beach. The Plateau-Mont-Royal and Mile End neighbourhoods are where Montreal’s creative energy concentrates: indie cafes, vintage boutiques, street art and an arts scene that has produced some of Canada’s most influential musicians, writers and filmmakers. Bernard Avenue and Laurier Avenue are excellent for browsing, while the Jean-Talon Market is one of Canada’s finest public markets. Montreal’s food scene is justly celebrated — the smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz’s, fresh bagels from the wood-fired St-Viateur ovens, poutine in its natural habitat and a restaurant scene that blends French classical technique with Québécois ingredients in increasingly inventive ways. The Jazz Festival, Osheaga music festival and Just for Laughs comedy festival make summer particularly vibrant. Montreal is excellent year-round, with a lively winter scene centred on the fabulous Christmas markets.