Talk to Americans who've been there and to Europe. They all say Montreal is culturally much more reminiscent of the Old World than of their own native cities. Not true for Calgary, Vancouver... Of course, hearing and reading French everywhere you go certainly strengthens that impression. Some Quebecois have even made noise about separating from the rest of Anglo-Dominated Canada, and possibly repatriating with France. (How many American states want to repatriate with England? Or Mexico? )

On bikes there, not only do hoards of riders fill the streets from late spring through fall, the government is opening a new program where you, as a resident or tourist, can purchase a time-credit card, pick up a bike from any of several automated racks, ride it wherever and however long you want (within the paid-for time allowance, up to 1 month), then turn it in at any location in the city with a rental rack, which are going to be placed all over town. After returning the bike, you can then pick up another one at same or different location any time you want. They've even designed a new kind of super-durable bike capable of carrying panniers for errands, and withstanding abuse, uniquely for this program. (This bike rent/share idea originated in Europe.)