McGill University — Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Tell me: What’s this place all about? Having produced three prime ministers, numerous foreign leaders, Grammy and Academy Award winners, Pulitzer Prize recipients and Rhodes Scholars, "The Harvard of Canada" has an outsize reputation in academia. But don't think this is a dull, students-only affair; Canada's leading research university occupies a prime piece of picture perfect real estate in central Montreal , nestled between Mount Royal and the skyscrapers of downtown. Whether you're dropping in for a lecture or just passing through on your points elsewhere, spend a little time getting lost amid the buildings here and you'll be rewarded with some serious Hogwarts vibes. What’s it like being there? Walking up the main entrance from the front gates, you'll be greeted by the inspiring, iconic tableau of the Arts Building cupola framed by Mount Royal. Museums and libraries are to your left, and imposing gothic revival classroom buildings to your right. A few minutes walking through campus here is enough to make just about anyone want to go back to school. Is there a guide involved? Guided tours are available, and depart from the Welcome Center on rue McTavish. Just make sure to sign up online as group sizes are limited due to coronavirus restrictions. Who comes here? There's always a whirl of students, commuters, bicyclists whizzing through campus at most hours of the day and night, as the grounds are a convenient shortcut between downtown and the Plateau neighborhood. Did it meet expectations? There's been some controversy in recent years about the university's controversial past (James McGill was a noted slave trader, and the university enforced Jewish quotas well into the 1960's), but the McGill of today has very much become a place for open dialogue, understanding, and forward progress. Check out any of the message boards in the "Students Society of McGill University" student union building and you're sure to find flyers about which issues du jour students are talking about. So then what, or who, do you think it’s best for? Take a tour, drop in on a class, or simply walk through campus on your way up Mount Royal (there are a few shortcuts on the back side of campus to get up the mountain). McGill is a seamless and crucial part of the city's identity, and a worthy place for any visitor to Montreal to spend some time." - Todd Plummer