6. Museums for everyone
If you're a fan of art, culture, history or science, you'll find plenty to keep you occupied in Montreal. The Musée d'Art Contemporain (contemporary art museum) offers a wide range of exhibits, plus visit on the first Friday of the month from 6 to 9 pm for live music, bar service and guided tours. If the classics are more your style, check out the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts for the best in European and Canadian art, Mediterranean archaeology and antiquities from around the globe. Upcoming special exhibits include Emily Carr (June 21 - September 23, 2007) and American Industrial Design (May 17 - October 28, 2007). Tourisme Montréal maintains a listing of other museums and attractions in the city, including kid-friendly spots like Environment Canada's Biosphere, the Planetarium and the Insectarium.

7. Places to stay for every budget
Montreal offers a wide variety of accommodations, from high-end hotels to cosy bed-and-breakfasts. If you're looking for a downtown location connected to the métro, try the Marriott Chateau Champlain. Ask for a north-facing room on an upper floor for a fabulous view of downtown and Mount Royal.

8. A world of culture
Whether you're looking for romance or trying to expose the kids to some culture, you'll find the best of les beaux arts in Montreal. In summer, bring a blanket and take in some outdoor theatre (in English) by Repercussion Theatre. For opera buffs, l'Opéra de Montréal's 2007-08 season kicks off in late September with Verdi's A Masked Ball and continues with Romeo and Juliet, The Barber of Seville and Madame Butterfly. (Note that performances have surtitles in both English and French.) If you prefer a wordless experience, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal starts its 2007-08 season in October with Cinderella, followed by perennial favourite The Nutcracker.

9. A surprise around every corner
Montreal is a city of neighbourhoods, and there's always something around the corner waiting to be discovered: a chic boutique, a charming staircase or a delightful little restaurant serving café au lait and pastries. When you're visiting, be sure to set aside some time to wander and explore the city -- and don't be surprised if you fall in love with it, too.

Click here to view a slideshow of animals in the Montreal Biodome.