So - it's January. It may be bleak outside, the Christmas excitement is all over and done with and the office is calling. But cheer up! Now is the perfect time of year to start planning your perfect summer vacation in Canada.

Montreal is sometimes overlooked as a summer vacation destination, but it has a huge amount to offer - whether you are a family, a group of friends or looking for a romantic break for two.

The city can't be beaten for its old-school French charm, narrow streets and great variety of summer entertainment. As the largest city in Quebec province, Montreal is an important centre of culture, film and design not only in Canada but on the world stage. For you non-Francophiles, its also a great opportunity to practice your 'francais', as Montreal is the second largest primarily French speaking city in the world outside of Paris.

Here are some of our top tips for making the most of a trip to Montreal this Summer.



Make the most of Old Montreal:

The historic area of Montreal is a treat to behold, with European style architecture and cobbled streets aplenty. Many of the cobbled streets have recently been restored and are frequented by horse-drawn carriages, which could be a fantastic experience if you are heading to the city for a romantic break. Particular attractions to check out are the Old Port, Place Jacques-Cartier, the City Hall, Bonsecours Market, the Notre-Dame de Montreal Basilica and the Science Centre (a great place to bring the little ones). If you have visited the Old Port, why not check out the new Port? This was developed as a result of the shipping operations of the former port moving east to the current larger site. The new port is now Canada's largest container port and the largest inland port on Earth.


Culture vultures:

Montreal has been referred to as Canada's Cultural Capital, and its rich history, French heritage and many cultural communities have given it a distinct local culture. You will be spoilt for choice in Montreal in summer if you're a culture vulture! There is a fantastic jazz tradition in the city, as well as a thriving visual arts, theatre, music and dance scene. Downtown Montreal in summer plays host to a multitude of festival and social events.

The largest is the Just for Laughs comedy festival, which draws thousands of visitors annually. Other events not to be missed are the International Jazz Festival and the Formula 1 Canada Grand Prix. The world famous Cirque du Soleil is based in Montreal and its style developed from the strong choreography and art traditions in the city. If you haven't already experienced this spectacle, its not to be missed particularly if you are planning a visit to the city of its origins!

Planning your trip

It's worth doing your homework online to grab the best possible deals on accommodation and your travel to / from the city. Have you considered holiday club memberships? This could be an investment that pays off for years to come. Royal Holiday club is an example of a vacation membership body offering points-based vacation ownership, with links with over 180 destinations in over 52 countries (Montreal being one of the key Canadian destinations featured). Check out the Royal Holiday Facebook page for news on latest offers and ideas for your trip to Montreal.