French Canadians have the same attitude as Parisians: they think they are superior because they are French. Despite my current Toronto residency, I have to agree... the French have a certain “je ne sais quoi” that the rest of Ontario seems to lack. Although I am fully aware that the statement I've just made has resulted in most of my readers crinkling their noses, before you judge, I ask you to please allow me to elaborate.

After spending a month in Europe, I returned to Toronto for only two days, before leaving again for Montreal. Although both Toronto and Montreal are very close to the U.S. border, Montreal has a more Euro-feel, while our southern neighbours seem to hold more influence on T.O. Case in point? Wal-mart ceases to exist in Quebec.

Please don't get me wrong, I love Toronto like none other, and admittedly, pick up my necessities at Wal-mart just like everyone else, but Rue St. Laurent, in my view, is better than Yonge St., and I think Jean-Coutu is a touch more sophisticated than our massive (and excessive) Wal-marts.

But, Montreal is a more stylish city in more than one way. The people, in general, tend to dress up a bit more than Toronto folk, and the stores' merchandise offers a “chic-er” selection. Better shoe shops and small boutiques are common, but fear not, fashion favourites such as: Aldo and French Connection, still exist. Although a much smaller city (land and population-wise), the shopping is great, and Rue St. Catherine, (comparable to Toronto's Queen St., albeit much shorter) is lined with European favourites like Zara and Mango. As well, their Eaton's Centre is located on this strip, making me glad that I'm an Ontario resident for those cold winter months (ie: Toronto's Eaton Centre is an indoor mall).

Another must-see along Montreal's Catherine St. is Olgivy's, a native Montreal department store. Comparable to Holt Renfew, but smaller (which Montreal also has, but I'll admit it: the Holt's in Toronto KILLS the one in Montreal. HA!), Olgivy's evokes an exclusive and intimate vibe. Some of the designer collections sold here are among mega-houses such as: Burberry and Teenflo, but many of the available selections are lesser known, yet still stylish and lust-worthy, such as Ça va de Soi.

Simon's, a department store exclusive to Quebec, is another shop worth stopping by. Less “chi-chi” than Olgivy's, but still high-end, Simon's mixes contemporary designers like: Diesel, Fornarina, G-Star Raw and Miss Sixty, with many others, along with their own house line. Be sure not to miss their undergarment and hosiery collections, as they sell every kind of pantyhose and lingerie imaginable.

A quieter and cozier street to score some finds, in Montreal, is Sherbrooke. Running through downtown and into the richer areas of the city, including Westmount, Sherbrooke is the place to relax in a quiet café, or shop amongst a wide selection of one-of-a-kind stores. Best visited in the summer, Sherbrooke often hosts sidewalk sales. As a bonus, the real-Italian gelato and in-shop baked cones at Bilboquet are delicious!

Additional must-see, must-do and must-eat things in Montreal include: partying (and shopping) on Rues St. Laurent and Crescent (where last call isn't until 3 a.m.!), eating a Montreal smoked-meat sandwich from Shwartz's deli (recommended by Sacha Baron-Cohen, as well) and a poutine (and a “steamy” [read: steamed hot dog]) from La Belle Provence, and a walk through old Montreal for some of Canada's oldest buildings. It's not quite Europe, but hey, it's the closest we've got.