The only way I can remember left from right is that I draw with my right hand. If you ever see me giving directions, you'll probably see me raise my hands and then look from one to the other. In Montreal, South is the water, North the mountain. East and West has historically been divided into French and English respectively, separated by St. Laurent Blvd (The Main) which goes down to the water. It also goes North, at which point the whole scheme falls apart since Montreal is an island. Some maps of the city even adjust their printed compass to compensate for the fact that when we point North, we're actually pointing North-East.