9 weirdly wonderful things Montreal is famous for

Yep, we’ve got a rep. And you know what? That ain’t a bad thing. Well, mostly.

Here are 9 of the things Montreal is known for on the international stage.

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1. O La La

Sure, it cost a bajillion dollars, and has the ambiance of a prison bathroom. But the Olympic Stadium is a distinctive architectural standout that makes our skyline instantly iconic to visitors and residents alike.

2. Clown Town

You don’t need to run away to join the circus, just move here. Not only is Montreal the birthplace and hub of Cirque du Soleil, we also have a circus school here on seemingly every corner. There are more people walking around town on stilts in the summer than on rollerblades.

3. Elite Frites

Forget teen culture, this town is most famous for ‘tine culture. Poutine is arguably Montreal’s most famous culinary export. Fries + gravy + squeaky cheese curds is a love triangle better than anything on Euphoria.

4. It’s Snow Joke

What’s cooler than being cool? Ice cold. Everyone around the world knows Montreal as one chill and chilly winter wonderland. Snow doubt!

5. Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Good

What can we say? Montrealers are a pulchritudinous bunch. Our climate may be incredibly cold, but — irony alert — we’re also famous for being really, really hot. Guilty as charged!

6. Puck Yeah

Unlike a certain city that rhymes with “Moronto,” Montreal is renowned for being a city of winners when it comes to hockey. Sure, recent decades have been, uh, less than successful, but the Habs’ history makes us a sports colossus with fans across the globe.

7. Hole Lotta Love

Even the biggest bagel boosters from New York or wherever quickly concede when they take their first bite of a peerless bagel from St-Viateur or Fairmount. Yep, we’re the best, your life is a lie. 

8. A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi

Everywhere else in North America is French dressing, but Montreal is la vrai haute couture. If you crave élan, are you gonna head to Victoria? Edmonton? Mais non, it’s this famed hub of sophistication.

9. Smokeshow

Montreal’s smoked meat takes its rightful place in carnivore culture alongside pastrami, salami and Southern BBQ as some of the most delectable stuff on the planet. And hey, when you top a poutine with smoked meat, it’s like M O N T R E A L C E P T I O N. 

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