Quebec: Montréal historic areas

Score: 72

"Extensive, enticingly walkable 'Old Quarter,' Vieux-Montréal, is a relatively recent revival that includes the historic port area along the St. Lawrence River. Huge effort and expense have been focused on preserving and representing the city's secular and religious past in an authentic, lively manner. Actors in period costume frequently bring history alive, while street musicians offer up toe-tapping traditional music, and tour guides dress the part for walking history excursions."

"Wonderful character: charming historic buildings and cobblestone streets. Not yet ruined by too many tourist shops selling souvenirs and tee shirts, but nevertheless could go the ye-olde-historic-theme-park route."

"The city's history and architectural museums, its botanical garden and primary historic cemetery, are world-class."

"Large buildings nearby are visible and can detract from general historic image."