Does Montreal have a bad reputation?

Montreal doesn't necessarily have a bad repuation, but it is well-known for some things. It's reputation is based on where you are located. I have lived in the United States, Montreal, and London, so I've gotten a nice perspective on the issue. In New England, Montreal is known as the "sin city." Based on the conservative standards for the United States (and relative to Western Europe and Canada, they are quite conservative), Montreal is seen as a bit racy and exotic. It is almost an orientalist view from the occident. However, from the European standard, Montreal is far less of a racy city...in fact, it is famous for following in the more lax European way of life and reputed for its international (and multilingual) atmosphere.

that's interesting. yet it makes sense. quebec is often compared to france or other european towns. strolling through montreal might definitely be less racy than a night on the town in paris, and i can see how people from the mid-US may find our looseness really risque!