From its reputation as home to Canada’s best jazz festival to its sophisticated savoir-faire, Montréal has always had a sort of “Birth of the Cool” insouciance.

It’s spooky out there this month, even in downtown Montréal, which is turning up the fright factor for a scary urban Halloween. At the Old Port, Shed 16 is a huge indoor labyrinth with a maze of dark alleys, surprising obstacles and riddles.

Chic and daring, Québec’s fashion designers are renowned for their often-edgy clothing designs. And fashion-conscious Québeckers know when they can get their hands on them – affordably.

The staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montréal wanted a dog. That was the initial plan, anyway: a pet and mascot, some cuddly creature that would live in the lobby and greet guests with its wagging tail. But the idea soon morphed into something else entirely.

When it comes to blissing out, Montreal’s Bota Bota is sure to float your boat. This gorgeous and unusual new facility floats in Saint Lawrence River by the Old Port of Montréal, Québec tapping into the healing powers of water.

School’s out, but do you really want to head south with the frat pack? Whether you’re into architecture or Arctic adventure, Canada has just the March break package for you.

 Is Montréal, Québec the last place you would think of visiting for a surfing holiday? Think again – at Montreal’s Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth a new program takes on “apprentices” in the art of river surfing.

My father Mordecai (whose last novel, Barney’s Version, is now a movie starring Paul Giamatti, Dustin Hoffman, Rosamund Pyke and Canadian tags: MONTREAL, culture & arts, food, Quebec

It’s not just the diamonds and crystal decanters sparkling in the BIRKS store on Philips Square in downtown Montréal, QC these days, it’s also brimming wine glasses and melt-in-your mouth gems on your plate like smoked salmon tartare or handmade vanilla and pistachio ice cream at their BIRK

This restaurant’s motto is: “It’s Better in the Dark.” Intrigued?