Did You Know… Montreal is Home to an Underground City Spanning Over 32 kilometers?

This “Did You Know” article explores intriguing and less-known facts about Montreal, Quebec, and will be updated regularly with fresh insights into the city’s history, culture, and distinctive characteristics.

Did you know…

… Montreal is home to an Underground City spanning over 32 kilometers? This vast network of tunnels connects shopping malls, metro stations, universities, offices, museums, and more. Contrary to popular belief, Montrealers primarily use these tunnels in the summer to escape the heat, rather than in winter to avoid the cold!

… Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world, after Paris? While French is its official language, Montreal is also known for its bilingual culture, with many residents fluent in both French and English.

… Montreal sits on the same latitude as Venice, Italy? Despite their similar positioning, the two cities experience vastly different climates. While Venice enjoys a Mediterranean climate, Montreal has distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm summers.

… 14 graduates or professors from Montreal’s McGill University have been awarded Nobel Prizes? These distinguished individuals have contributed groundbreaking work in fields such as physics, chemistry, medicine, and peace.

… the modern sport of ice hockey was first played in Montreal? On March 3, 1875, the first organized indoor hockey game took place at the Victoria Skating Rink. This landmark event was led by James Creighton, with many of the players being McGill University students. This game laid the foundation for the sport’s formal rules, marking Montreal as a key birthplace of hockey as we know it today

… the Montreal Canadiens are the longest-running professional hockey team in the world? Founded in 1909, they predate the NHL, which began in 1917. The Canadiens are also the most successful team in NHL history, with a record 24 Stanley Cup championships, solidifying their legacy as a cornerstone of hockey’s rich history.

… Montreal is the only Canadian city to have hosted the Summer Olympics? The 1976 Games brought global attention to the city, featuring remarkable athletes like 14-year-old gymnast Nadia Comaneci, who earned the first perfect 10 in Olympic history.

… Montreal boasts an impressive network of bike paths, totaling over 1,000 km? This makes it one of the most cyclist-friendly cities in North America. The network includes the Express Bike Network (Réseau Express Vélo), a 184-km project designed to connect major parts of the city.

… Montreal is considered the tango capital of North America? With a vibrant community, it boasts the highest number of tango dancers and dance halls on the continent. From regular milongas (social tango dances) to professional classes, Montreal’s tango culture thrives year-round, making it a hub for enthusiasts​.