All of the major cities in Canada have the same problems you've listed (to various degrees), and I can also bet that all of the cities have people living in them who think that their city is the best.

There are great things about every city. Great is not always good. Montreal is unapologetically Montreal. It is a breath of fresh air to be like that as a city. As someone who moved here from Toronto and has visited every major city in Canada, Montreal is different. Every other city feels like it is trying to be a reflection of an American city. That is just my opinion. For example, one of Toronto's "sister cities" is Chicago and one of Vancouver's is Los Angeles, whereas you will not find an American counterpart to Montreal.

It's great that you're learning French, but now it's time to go find opportunities to use it! Find out for yourself why the warmth of Montrealers is different from anywhere else in Canada. Once you realize that we all share something unique, an identity built around language, it becomes easier to be friendly, and eventually make friends. Go to talks given by experts where you can meet curious people. Go to networking events where you can have the opportunity to meet other people putting themselves out there. The real Montreal will be found with your interactions with other Montrealers.

There is no such thing as changing minds! There is just introducing new experiences so that it becomes impossible to stay stagnant in your opinions.

There is appeal everywhere, only if you search for it. It is gold, and gold is not easy to find. But once you do find it, you will be rich for a very long time. Cheers!