Travel to Montreal on Northwest Airlines

> Find airfare to Montreal on Northwest Airlines

When you travel to Montreal, Quebec, Canada, be sure to bring two things: a French phrasebook, and a camera. French is the official language of the city, and Montreal is one of the most populous French-speaking cities in the world. You'll want your camera, however, to capture the city's architecture and other design elements as you roam the streets. Montreal is considered a top "City of Design," according to UNESCO, making it one of only three in the world able to stake that claim.

Montreal's name likely derives from Mont Royal, a three-crowned hill and park in the middle of the city, certainly an attraction for visitors in search of a great view of the skyline. The city's history is evident in attractions such as the Notre Dame Basilica, an impressive Gothic-style basilica, or Montreal City Hall. Both structures can be found in Old Montreal, the historical center of the city.

Traveling to Montreal does not happen entirely above ground; the city is also known for an impressive and extensive network of connected underground walkways and tunnels known downtown as RESO. In RESO, you will find everything from malls to universities, banks, hotels and museums, perfect for wandering on a bad-weather day. RESO is easily accessible by Montreal's metro.

For a look at the cultural scene, proper Montreal tourism should include a visit to the Place des Arts, home to the world-class Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Les Grand Ballets Canadiens, and the Opera de Montreal. Every year in late June or early July, the Place de Arts and surrounding blocks are center stage of the biggest jazz festival in the world, the Montreal International Jazz Festival. The Jazz Fest attracts some of the top talent in the world not just for jazz or blues, but also Brazilian, Cuban, African music and more.

The cuisine in Montreal ranges far past the formal French food you might expect. Smoked meat sandwiches or Montreal bagels are the norm at delicatessens in the city. Or, visitors may want to try poutine, a mixture of french fries, cheese curds and gravy. For a taste of Quebec sweets, try to find some St. Catherine's taffy.

Flying to Montreal on Northwest Airlines will send you on your way to a city that sounds French on the outside, but is purely Canadian, both above ground and below.