Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

This city near Ottawa is a 'mini Europe' and locals say it feels like a whole other country

It has Parisian vibes and cobblestone streets.

Lead Writer, Travel

Craving a vacation? You don't need to blow your budget on a plane ticket in order to enjoy some European vibes. This stunning city near Ottawa is like a mini trip abroad, and locals say it feels like a whole other country.

In a post on Narcity Canada's Facebook page, we asked readers which Canadian city doesn't feel like it's in Canada. The question received hundreds of responses, and this city was one of the top-liked destinations.

Montreal is known for its old-world charm and European atmosphere.

Located 2 hours from Ottawa, Montreal boasts cobblestone streets, historic architecture, cozy cafes and more that will have you feeling like you're on vacation abroad.

One commenter called it a "mini Europe" and praised the city for its croissants, beautiful architecture, incredible night life and Parisian vibe.

Old Montreal is the place to be for a little taste of Europe. The winding streets and old-world shops have endless charm.

During the summer months, you can bike along the scenic waterfront, dine on quaint patios, enjoy street performers and ride La Grande Roue de Montréal.

In the winter, Montreal transforms into a postcard-worthy scene with glittering lights and snowy streets. You can explore holiday markets, glide around an ice rink and have fun at the Igloofest festival.

If you're dreaming of a European escape but don't want to spend all your savings on flights, you may want to road trip to this beautiful Canadian city instead.

Tourisme Montréal Website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

Explore this list   👀

    • Lead Writer

      Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

    Canadians say they're visiting this European-like city near Ottawa instead of the US this year

    Experience cobblestone streets and historic charm, no passport required. 🇨🇦

    8 romantic fall dates around Ottawa to enjoy with your boo for $30 or less

    The perfect fall date doesn't have to cost a lot. 🧡🎃

    Canada was ranked the best country in the world to move to and the US got left in the dust

    It was voted the top "dream destination" worldwide for quality of life, jobs & more. 🇨🇦