Montreal is one of the nicest looking cities combining historical with modern buildings, spacious and clean streets and sidewalks, with Montrealers of various backgrounds able to speak both English and French. For first time tourists, there is a $40 per person bus tour run by Coach Canada which is about 3 to 4 hours long including a few stop overs. The seats are cushioned and comfortable to relax in while the viewing the sites from the large windows. The bus leaves from the Tourist Information office downtown, goes along the city streets with the bus driver speaking in English with a French accent all throughout the tour pointing out the buildings and their significance and function in the city. A video camcorder is a good tool to remember this sight seeing tour. The bus stops at important spots such as : the Notre Dame Basilica which is beautiful inside with all its stained glass with entry fee of $5; and at the top of the hill University of Montreal with St. Joseph's Oratory Church and a view of the city below on Mont Royal. One of the most unique buildings in Canada is the Olympic Tower Stadium built for the 1976 Olympic Games with its curved white tower. After the tour, visit the 'underground city' with its network of shops, fast foods and subway. (Both Toronto and Montreal are known for their extensive underground malls and subways.) This bus trip is a useful way to start because after seeing the main sites, one can return to those worth exploring by taxicab or public transit and walk around. The shop keepers can speak English and French so it is not difficult to shop and get around, since walking the sites and the streets can be a fun exercise. The city is beautiful, safe and clean for foreigners and locals, from young children, families and old seniors. Even the old historical areas with stone roads and the buildings are well maintained because the city has policies that protect the historical heritage that modern developers have to include in their renovations. Some buildings keep the facade front of the historical building and have a modern interior. Everyone who visited Montreal probably enjoyed and recommended it to others by word of mouth. Canadians who settle here from other countries can be part of the Montreal culture and immerse themselves within its French framework.
