Montreal

If you venture to Montreal, you'll notice the beautiful pre-20th century architecture, churches and plenty of European influence. There's a mixture of modern high rises and historical stone facades. Freeways and cobble stone alleys. Underground mega malls and euro-style boutiques. Montreal's history as an early settlement in New France was certainly a blessing in this sense. The city remains the largest French speaking city outside of France, and Canada's second largest urban area. It is known as a culturally diverse city, not only because of the language duality here, but also the diversity of the demographic. Montreal is also one of North America's "sin cities", with a vibrant night life, a tolerant alternative lifestyle community, and some of the biggest music and comedy festivals around.