Old+Montreal

 =Old Montreal =

In 1763 Montreal became a British colony, experiencing rapid economic growth with the arrival of English and Scottish merchants. Construction of the railway and new waterways set off the process of industrialization, which continued to progress until the First World War. Initially called Ville Marie, the little village rapidly became a thriving centre for fur trade, and remained so, well into the 18th century. The city's colourful history gives Montreal a rich cultural and architectural heritage, especially visible in Vieux (Old) Montreal, the city's oldest area with buildings dating back to the 1600’s. Here I was able to appreciate the city's initial downtown, before the business district moved north-west to it's present location. While riding in a horse drawn calèche along cobbled streets, lined with architecture from the early days of settlement, I was immersed in the city's original feel.