I visited the city that’s been nicknamed the ‘Paris of North America.’ It really feels like a charming slice of Europe in Canada.

• I planned a girls’ trip from the US to Montréal so we could enjoy European vibes at a lower cost.
• Flights from Orlando to Montréal are short, and the US dollar goes pretty far in Canada right now.
• We loved the city’s scenery and vibrant art scene, which made it feel like a worthy dupe for Paris.

Cobblestone streets, adorable bistros, scenic river cruises, impressive basilicas, and artsy enclaves — this isn’t France, it’s Montréal in Canada.

Recently, I planned a girls’ weekend trip to the charming French-Canadian city, which some visitors have nicknamed the “Paris of North America.”

We really felt like we were in Europe, and best of all, our getaway was budget-friendly, thanks to inexpensive, quick flights and the favorable US-to-Canada currency-exchange rate.

Here’s why Montréal is my new go-to spot for an international vacation, especially when I’m craving a more affordable alternative to Paris.