If you have ever dreamed of visiting the Soviet Union of the 1970s and were disappointed because you didn't have a time machine then you need look no further then Montreal! A city that is slowly bankrupting itself under the outdated socialism that has become one of its defining characteristics is as close to Stalin era soviet charm as you will find without a Tardis.
The crumbling infrastructure, high levels of unemployment and general feeling of malaise that infuses this grey city leaves you with the impression that at any moment a Russian tank could roll down the street past you and no one would even bat an eye.
Each time I am forced by my wife to visit this city I am reminded of why Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe....because it was depressing. If you are forced to come to this city for vacation or business(lets be realistic no one would need to go to Montreal for business) then I suggest you swing by city hall. While there you can watch what it would have been like for the citizens of the USSR to have their economy destroyed by incompetent, economically illiterate politicians slowly over many years....or you could visit Vancouver and have fun.