If you considered Middlebury, you were aware from the outset of its location. Are you looking for a traditional college campus experience? That’s what you’ll get at Midd. There is a good reason it has a 96% freshman retention rate.
My kid attended a school like Midd. Many kids from cities who attend rural or not-urban colleges wonder what students do for fun. Midd is going to have a lot going on because they want students to be happy on campus. There will likely be regular outside entertainment brought to campus, such as concerts and comedians. There will probably be regular college sponsored events, such as dances, dinners, and parties. There will be clubs and theater. There will be winter sports, apple picking, Halloween parties, spring festivals, and all kinds of fun stuff.
No, you will probably not be heading out to restaurants and big museums whenever you like. But you will have many breaks and all summer to do that stuff. Look at their events calendar from precovid, which will give you a better idea of what to expect. Look at their insta, Facebook, and Twitter feeds.
Montreal is a fun city and a lot of students obviously love it. But you’re right, you’re not going to get many small classes and indepth discussion with other students and professors. If that’s what you want, don’t go to McGill. If you must have access to big city life, don’t go to Midd.
This is the biggest factor in my opinion. This seems important to you. Your impressions of McGill seem to be based on the city itself and not the college experience. Visit Montreal on a break and go to Midd.