The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: September twenty-seventh, in a singular North American city.

Montreal is often compared to Paris, sort of all things French, but without the attitude. That's overstated, but there are decided similarities between the world's two largest French-speaking metropolitan areas. But Montreal has an ambiance that's all its own, a rich, proud, centuries-old Gallic culture, yes, but one firmly rooted in the North American traditions of its hard-working residents. Montreal is pragmatic, but also pervasively polite with a deep sense of style and an additive joie de vivre. People you meet are less likely to ask what you do, as in for a living, than what you're doing, as in tonight for fun.

Founded in 1642 as a missionary colony, the city was built on Old World piety and New World commerce. Although predominantly French and Catholic, a place that as Mark Twain observed, it would be hard to throw a brick without splintering stained glass, Montreal has also embraced a wide range of other religions and ethnicities, giving it an international air. The blend of old fashioned with fashionable irreverence creates an never ending parade of charming contrasts.

Through numerous economic ups and downs, Montreal's crafted a proud self-reliance tinged by a strong sense of tradition. Though a city of significant size, it retains the relaxed pace of a patchwork of interconnected urban villages, each with its own characteristics and constituency. Broad avenues, expansive parks, great restaurants, an entrenched cafe culture and superb shops make it a wonderful place, both for residents and for latter day boulevardiers.

This issue of the magazine National Geographic Traveler, a supporter of our program, gets into the joyous heart of Montreal. You can register to receive a free, sample copy on our homepage.

FMI For information on Montreal, contact Tourisme Quebec at 877-266-5687 or www.bonjourquebec.com or www.tourism-montreal.org

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