Influential History
Jacques Cartier was the first European to reach the area now known as Montréal in 1535 which was inhabited by the St. Lawrence Iroquoians. From its fur trading epoch, to French Catholic colonization, to the rise of a cosmopolitan metropolis, Montréal stands as a sparkling jewel of North America, reflecting over 500 years of rich history and cultural evolution. Today, the splendor and scale of Gothic Revival masterpiece Notre-Dame Basilica stands as its magnificent parish landmark. Officially recognized as a city in 1832, Montréal beautifully fuses history with modernity, renowned for its cutting-edge arts scene, eco-conscious endeavors, and living legacy where ancestral traditions resonate amidst contemporary vibrancy. Explore the rich history of Quebec’s vibrant city on a personalized Montréal private tour.