In late June, I had a opportunity to visit Montreal in Canada. Its name, Mont-réal, is named after its peak in the core of the city, Mont Royal.

Montreal is truly a multicultural city. From the language to its culture, the city has absorbed many European influence. The best can been seen from Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal).

However, Montreal also holds its own unique identity. Poutine and Bagels are already well known. Maybe less well-known is the Habitat 67, a post modern design for apartments just across the river from the Old City.

Habitat 67, designed by Canadian architect Moshe Safdie — Habitat 67, designed by Canadian architect Moshe Safdie

Some other designs in the Museum of Design

There are always different events going on in Montreal. If you are bored, you can stop at a bar on St Laurent, or simply enjoy a sport game at Olympic Stadium.

Women's World Cup in Montreal, France vs Germany

Last but not the least, Canada offers one of the best wild nature. Just about one or two hour drive out of the city, there are tons of different national parks.

What is interesting about park Omega is not of its size, nor its popularity, but the amount of animals you can see just outside of your car. Most of them are Canadian natives, but it is so fun to see deers constantly trying to get carrots from your car !

It doesn't feel like a zoo because animals are not locked in a cage but just next to you.

Mexican tourists leave their trace in a local restaurant near the park

Montreal offers all that a city can offer, while being probably the closest-to-europe city in North America in my opinion. It is only an hour away from NYC and Toronto by plane. The scenic drive in up state NY is also a good choice. Also, drinking age here is only 18.