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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Montreal

Montreal is the largest city in Quebec and the second-most populous city in Canada.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Montreal is the largest city in Quebec and the second-most populous city in Canada. It is a major metropolitan centre on Montreal Island in southwestern Quebec, known for its French-language culture, bilingual population, and large metropolitan area.

History

Montreal was incorporated as a city in 1832. It grew into a major Canadian urban centre and was once the country's most populous city for more than a century.

Demographics

The city had 1,762,949 residents in the 2021 census, while the metropolitan area had 4,291,732. Montreal is the largest primarily French-speaking city in the Americas and one of the most bilingual large cities in Canada.

Geography and climate

Montreal is situated on Montreal Island in southwestern Quebec near the confluence of the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa river systems. The city has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers.

Culture and attractions

Montreal is known for its French-Canadian culture, arts scene, festivals, and historic districts. Major attractions include Mount Royal, Old Montreal, and the Notre-Dame Basilica.

Key facts

  • Montreal is Quebec’s largest city and Canada’s second-largest city by population.
  • The city population was 1,762,949 in the 2021 Canadian census.
  • The Montreal census metropolitan area had 4,291,732 people in 2021.
  • French is the city’s official language, and Montreal is widely bilingual.
  • Montreal is located on Montreal Island at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa river systems.
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Canadian context

Montreal is one of Canada’s most important cities, both economically and culturally, and it is the largest francophone metropolis in the country.

Frequently asked questions

Montreal Quebec
Montreal is the largest city in Quebec and the province’s principal metropolis. It is located in southwestern Quebec on Montreal Island.
Montreal population
The city of Montreal had a population of 1,762,949 in the 2021 Canadian census. The metropolitan area had 4,291,732 people.
Montreal attractions
Commonly noted attractions include Mount Royal, Old Montreal, and the Notre-Dame Basilica. Montreal is also known for its festivals, museums, and historic neighbourhoods.
Montreal weather
Montreal has cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. It experiences a humid continental climate.
Montreal travel
Montreal is a major Canadian travel destination with extensive air, rail, road, and public transit connections. Visitors often travel for its food, culture, festivals, and historic sites.
Montreal time zone
Montreal is in the Eastern Time Zone. It uses UTC−05:00 in standard time and UTC−04:00 during daylight saving time.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal
    Supports: 2021 city and metropolitan population; French official language; bilingual population; general city facts.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Montreal
    Supports: City location, metro area, and general geographic and population facts.
  3. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/montreal
    Supports: Incorporation year, population, location, and role as Quebec's metropolis.
  4. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montr%C3%A9al
    Supports: City status in Quebec, relative size, and broad descriptive facts.