67 Ways To Describe Montreal Perfectly

Photo cred - Bianca DesJardins
No one can deny that Montreal summers are the best, we get to bond with our city at its full potential. With our favorite season ending and feelings still fresh, we asked you to describe "Your City In One Word". Although we're aware that it's impossible to narrow it all down to one single word, we thought it would be a fun and interesting challenge. Who better to do this than the people experiencing it?!
You might have recently seen us at Piknic Électronik with Jamie XX, on Mont-Royal Avenue during the sidewalk festival or at Université de Montreal during their 4 to 7 Pub with a big wooden board filled with words. We got answers from a diversity of people; tourists, students, people who have lived here their whole lives and people who have just moved in.  With no particular order, here are 67 the most recurring and creative words you guys came up with:
1. Fun
The most recurring word and most undeniable one.
2. Happiness
Fun fact: Statistics Canada states that 92.2% of Montreal residents report being happy with their lives which is higher than the Canadian average.
3. Multicultural
Don't we all have at least 1 friend from every continent of the world? (well, maybe not Antarctica)
4. Tickets!
We've all been fined by this fine city - you don't even need a car. Shout out to all our fellow parking violators though, this should have been #53.
5. Taxes
Also known as, the tip calculator on the bill.
6. Franglais
Très très true.
7. Traffic
You can't escape it. According to Living In Canada, there are 1,8 cars for every resident in Montreal. Check out this Montrealer ragging out in traffic.
8. Cônes
Orange is the new road. Probably the one of the main reasons why there's always traffic, the roads are always under endless construction.
9. Energetic
Always something to do on any day and at any time, Montreal is definitely full of energy.
10. Weed
4:20PM on 4/20 at Tams Tams is like thanksgiving here.
11. Horny
Wonder if Tinder has the most downloads in Montreal...
12. Green
Assuming this meant environmental friendly and not slang for weed, here's another fun fact: Montreal ranks #13 on Top 50 cities: Eco-City ranking.
13. Hipster
Blame it on all the cool little coffee shops and Value Village.
14. Poutine
Our trade mark and favorite dish.
15. Opportunity
The diversity and ambition in this city makes it possible to try/do just about anything you wish.
16. Music
The diversity of music taste is inspiring in this city. Not to mention the growing music scene with talents like Arcade Fire, Kaytranada, Grimes, Pomo and A-trak from here.
17. Beautiful
Inside and out.
18. YOLO
This word came up quite a few times. We're not sure how we feel about it but we put it anyway... cause #YOLO.
19. Party
Indeed, we truly do know how to enjoy ourselves here.
20. Studies
With 6 universities, Montreal has the highest proportion of post-secondary students of all major cities in North America. Roughly 248,000 post-secondary students which is one of the largest numbers in the entire world!
21. Excessive
Anything worth doing, is worth overdoing.
22. Food
Name it and we got it. Food trucks, fast foods, gourmet, fine dinning, experimental cuisine, fusions, cuisines from all around the world, deserts, etc.
23. Â Bipolar
From extremely warm to extremely cold in a day. We still love you the way just the way you are... both personalities.
24. Unforgettable
Agreed, it's a very memorable city.
25. Playground
Noun - "a place where a particular group of people choose to enjoy themselves."
26. PIKNIC
Indeed, Montreal wouldn't be the same without Piknic Électronik! (And....actual picnics at La Fontaine Parc or on Mount Royal)
27. Extraordinary
This word speaks for itself.
28. Love
A lot of intense feelings going on.
29. Malade!
The fact that everyone who wrote this put an exclamation point is priceless. MA-LA-DE!|
30. Alive
This came up a lot of times but we still think that Celine Dion said it best.
31. Everything
"On trouve de tout, même un ami! "
32. Freedom
You're free to do what you want to do.... just don't break any laws.
33. Bikes
CNN ranked Montreal as the 3rd best cycling city in the world.
34. Timeless
Never gets old.
35. Dynamic
Constant change, activity, and progress indeed!
36. Welcoming
Bienvenue!
37. Hangover
Don't we all know.
38. Small
"Oh my God, small world!" No... it's just a very small city.
39. Laid-back
Easygoing and relaxed, no doubt!
40. Bagels
...with cream cheese, smoked salmon and capers. For sure!
41. Safe
Okay, we'll take it!
42. Hockey
Montreal Canadien's Stanley Cup play-off run. Enough said.
43. Trendy
Very fashionable indeed.
44. Awesome
Speaks for itself!
45. Festivals
There are a variety of festivals going on year round for everyone and anyone!
46. Nocturne
Who said New York was the only city that never sleeps?
47. Magnificent
Pretty sure that U2 wrote that song about Montreal.
48. Cold
Let's not think of this right now.
49. Fast
Except when in traffic.
50. Diversity
Meli-Melo
51. Chilleux
True, every Montrealer needs that dose of "chilling" at least once a week.
52. Charismatic
Agreed, that compelling charm is why you can easily fall in love with this city!
53. Friends
In Montreal, you'll never feel left out or alone.
54. Active
This city is always moving indeed!
55. Vibrant
Pretty much speaks for itself.
56. Crazy
This could be could good or bad...we say a bit of both!
57. Creative
Yup, this word 100% represents Montreal.
58. Home
Home is where the heart is!
59. Surprise
Expect the unexpected.
60. Parcs
Best place to spend a day off.
61. Nouveauté
Always something new.
62. Eclectic
It's true that Montreal is a melting pot of inspirations from all over the world.
63. Art
A creative bunch for sure. A city that thrives on art, culture, and history.
64. Affordable
Twice as affordable than in other international cities in North America and Europe in terms of housing, health care, and education.
65. Discovery
Yup, the city should have it's own show on The Discovery Channel.
66. Beards
Manly men up in here.
67. Potholes
Our speciality, we have all shapes and sizes!