"'Is this the region, this the soil, the clime'
Said then the lost archangel, "this the seat
That we must change for Heaven? this mournful gloom
for that celestial light?" - Book 1

An international hub for travellers, Montréal is famous for its arts, shopping and culture. You can't swing a velvet cloak without hitting a cafe or restaurant, which has lead to the city's being named "North America's culinary capitol" by AAA. Looking for real poutine, delectable crepes, a variety of vegetarian entrees or a decadent, calorie-laden fondue? Montréal can cater to your every food craving. Art aficionados will love the plethora of museums and art galleries that Montréal boasts.

Numerous cultural festivals take place in Montréal and it is also a mecca for shopping fanatics looking to pick up antiques, books, records, clothing, jewelery, handicrafts and more. Be sure to stop by Excalibur and look at all the lovely shiny swords and daggers.

Montréal has the added benefit of being cost-efficient for just about everyone. Canadian goths don't have to break the bank to attend Convergence, and goths from the US and Europe win on the exchange rate. Our beer is stronger too. You just can't lose!

History

Montréal is an island city located in the St Lawrence River, where its prime location made it a hotly contested piece of land between the local Iroquois and Algonkin tribes. In 1534 Jacques Cartier became the first European to visit the area, and in 1642 the village of Ville-Marie was founded, later to become known as Montréal.

In 1760 the French colonies including Montréal were seceded to Great Britain. Its location made it a hub for international travel, and as well as its French population Montréal is also home to 80 different ethnic groups.

Montréal is known as "The City Of A Thousand Steeples" due to the sheer number of elaborate and beautiful churches, one of the many way in which the city combines old world European charm with the pace of a modern urban centre.

In 1967 Montréal hosted the World Fair, and in 1976 the Summer Olympic Games. If they could pull that off, we think they're ready for Convergence 8 in 2002. Come and play in the cobbled streets of Old Montréal under a full moon.