2027 Annual Meeting - Montréal
Annual Meeting Program Support & Exhibits Hotel & Travel Explore Montréal Make the Case to Attend
Annual Meeting Program Support & Exhibits Hotel & Travel Explore Montréal Make the Case to Attend
Explore Montréal
Make plans to extend your stay after the conference to enjoy "The City of Saints." Whether you're drawn to the excitement of Quartier des Spectacles, retail therapy in Montréal's Underground City, or the history of Old Montréal, the city's diverse neighborhoods offer a variety of cultural experiences and activities. Begin with the Downtown area surrounding the conference venue and make sure to take in Montréal Musts.
Before you travel, check out essential traveler information to help your trip go smoothly. Plan your activities with Montréal Apps and make use of an Passeport MTL for the best deals.
Visit this page for regular updates from local SACME members as you prepare to travel to Montreal!
Montreal Through the Ages: From Hochelaga to a Modern Metropolis
Contributed by Martin Tremblay, PhD
Montreal has a rich history that long predates European arrival. The area was inhabited for thousands of years by Indigenous peoples, including the St. Lawrence Iroquoians*, who lived in the village of Hochelaga at the foot of Mount Royal.
In 1535, French explorer Jacques Cartier visited the region and described Hochelaga, but permanent settlement began only in 1642 with the founding of Ville-Marie by Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve and Jeanne Mance. Established as a missionary colony, Ville-Marie aimed to evangelize Indigenous populations and serve as a strategic outpost in New France.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Ville-Marie grew into an important hub for the fur trade. Following the British conquest in 1760, after the Seven Years' War, the city came under British rule and became known as Montreal. It developed into a major commercial center, attracting merchants and immigrants, particularly from Britain and Ireland.
In the 19th century, Montreal experienced rapid industrialization and became Canada’s economic metropolis. The construction of the Lachine Canal played a key role in transportation and industrial growth. The city also briefly served as the capital of the Province of Canada from 1844 to 1849. This era saw significant population growth and increasing cultural diversity.
In the 20th century, Montreal continued to thrive, highlighted by major international events such as Expo 67 and the 1976 Summer Olympics, which boosted its global profile. However, economic and political changes, including the rise of Quebec nationalism, contributed to a shift of financial power toward Toronto.
Today, Montreal is known as a vibrant cultural metropolis, recognized for its diversity, bilingualism, and influence in the arts, research, and innovation. Its history reflects a unique blend of Indigenous, French, and British heritage that continues to shape its modern identity.
* For more details regarding Montreal’s first nations, see: https://ville.montreal.qc.ca/memoiresdesmontrealais/en/presence-indigenous-peoples-island-montreal
The Island City: Exploring Montreal’s Unique Geography
Contributed by Martin Tremblay, PhD
Montreal is located in southwestern Quebec, on an island at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa rivers. The island, known as the Island of Montreal, covers about 499 square kilometers and is the largest in the Hochelaga Archipelago. Its central feature is the modest but prominent Mount Royal, a volcanic-origin hill that rises to 233 meters and provides a natural landmark for the city, as well as extensive green space and panoramic views.
Montreal’s geography is defined by its network of rivers, canals, and islands. The Saint Lawrence River forms the southern and eastern boundaries, serving as a major waterway for commerce and transportation. To the north, the Rivière des Prairies separates the Island of Montreal from Île Jésus, home to the city of Laval. Several smaller islands, such as Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame, are situated in the Saint Lawrence and host parks, cultural sites, and recreational areas.
The city’s layout is influenced by both natural and man-made features. Montreal’s terrain is generally flat aside from Mount Royal, which shapes neighborhoods and street patterns. Its climate, classified as humid continental, interacts with geography to create snowy winters and warm, humid summers, affecting urban planning and transportation. Numerous bridges, tunnels, and highways connect the island to surrounding regions, integrating Montreal into the broader metropolitan area and facilitating movement across the waterways.
Montreal’s geography also fosters rich biodiversity. Urban parks, riverbanks, and green spaces provide habitats for birds, small mammals, and plant species, while Mount Royal Park acts as an ecological and recreational anchor. The interplay of land and water, combined with the island’s central location in the Saint Lawrence Valley, makes Montreal a unique urban environment where natural features and human development coexist.
