Montreal, in southwest Quebec province, perches proudly on the island of Montreal and spills over onto several smaller islands such as Ile Bizard. The city provides a visual banquet; bold modern lines contrast with the elegant Haussmann-style architecture, Basilicas and cobblestoned streets of Old Montreal. This predominantly French-speaking city has been dubbed ‘Canada’s Cultural Capital’. It is a hub for Canada’s television productions, radio, theatre, film, multimedia and print publishing. As Canada’s second-largest economy and the province’s largest city, Montreal is also an important center of commerce, finance, industry and technology, and is the headquarters of the Montreal Exchange. The city’s penchant for the arts has resulted in a vibrant – and largely Francophone - theatre scene. It is worth underscoring that if you plan on staying here for a decent length of time, a crash course in French in advisable; more than 60% of the population is French-speaking, with less than 20% speaking English as their first language. The city’s thriving market scene is testimony to its tenacious French roots; farmers’ markets can be found year-round, on weekdays and weekends, selling anything from handmade sausages and locally harvested honey, to exotic flowers and spices. Whether it’s sushi, steak or saucisson that you crave, you will not be disappointed; Montreal’s restaurant scene is sublime and was recently ranked (by Gourmet magazine) alongside Paris, New York and London. The city’s plethora of markets, green spaces, seasonal variation and packed cultural calendar make Montreal a lively and enriching city to live in.