2. Escape the weather in the RÉSO
Don't be afraid of Montréal's frosty winters or hot, humid summers -- it's a fantastic destination any time of year. Even if you can't make it when the weather's to your liking, there are ways to get around the city in comfort. Montréal is home to the RÉSO, a.k.a. the underground city, a subterranean network of walkways, shopping centres, restaurants, movie theatres and métro (subway) stations that covers an astounding 33 kilometres downtown. If you plan your trip right, you'll barely have to go outside (unless you want to). (Get a map here.)

3. The Montréal Biodome
A favourite of visitors and residents alike, the Montréal Biodome is an indoor re-creation of four different ecosystems of the Americas -- the Laurentian forest, the tropical forest, the St. Lawrence Marine ecosystem, and the polar worlds of both the Arctic and Antarctic -- complete with both flora and fauna. It's an obvious pick for kids, but animal-loving grown-ups get just as much of a kick out of watching the antics of species as diverse as penguins, puffins, beavers, monkeys, frogs, snakes, bats and countless fish and birds. ( Click here to view a slideshow of different animals that live in the Montréal Biodome.) In warmer weather, while you're in the neighbourhood, be sure to visit the Montréal Botanical Garden, a hot spot for the city's birdwatchers. And don't miss the Biodome's gift shop, which offers creative gift ideas for all ages.

4. Superb shopping
Just like the French, Montréalers are known for their style, and their city offers retail destinations to match. Start at the Eaton Centre mall downtown, then wander west on Rue Sainte-Catherine and pop in at the more than 1,200 upscale chain stores (BCBG Max Azria, Mexx, Browns), department stores (La Maison Simons, Ogilvie) and independent boutiques that line the street.

5. 90 festivals a year
Montréal is truly a city of festivals, and not just in the summer months.
Here are a few favourites with their upcoming dates:

• Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (June 28 - July 8, 2007)
• Just for Laughs Comedy Fest (July 8 - 29, 2007)
• Montréal World Film Festival (August 23 - September 3, 2007)
• Montréal High Lights Festival (February 21 - March 2, 2008)
• Fête des Neiges de Montréal -- celebrate winter, Montréal-style (weekends in January and February; 2008 dates TBA)

For more events listings, visit the Tourisme Montréal website.

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

6. Museums for everyone
If you're a fan of art, culture, history or science, you'll find plenty to keep you occupied in Montréal. 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 Montréal. 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
Montréal 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.

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