WHEN MONTREAL OPENED its first métro (or subway) lines in 1966, it inadvertently created a whole new layer of urban life – the Underground City. It is theoretically possible to lead a rich life in Montreal without once stepping outside.

The first métro stations had underground links to just the two main train stations, a few hotels, and the shopping mall under the Place Ville-Marie office tower. This has turned into a vast network of over 30 km (19 miles) of well-lit, boutique-lined passages that includes more than 1,600 shops, 200 restaurants, hotels, film theatres, and concert halls.