Montreal, Canada

On the banks of the St. Lawrence Seaway sits one of North America’s cultural capitals. Montreal manages to be historic, cosmopolitan, and absolutely cool at the same time. All the while the Québécois French language binding this city together in an extremely unique identity of North America.

Montreal’s Old Port area holds older, historic structures that serve as a reminder that the city’s location on the a major artery of the continent made it very important to the French. Wandering the cobblestone streets of this district feel reminiscent of old Europe except without the ancient landmarks dotting the landscape.

Other parts of the city feel extremely cosmopolitan. The modern skyscrapers that make up the downtown underscore that this city is international. Universities like McGill University certainly add to Montrea’s international pull.

What makes Montreal an exciting city is how chic the city is. This city is cool as Brooklyn aspires to be, but always falls short of. Public art like mural projections on buildings, art installations in vacant lots, and free outdoor concerts just appear before you as you wander through any given neighborhood.