Let's say I want to go from YYZ to a city in Europe... let's say CDG. For some reason, the direct flight from YYZ to CDG is more expensive than a flight from YUL to CDG that connects in YYZ.

Does that make any sense? Is there a reason for it?

And can I purchase the YUL-CDG (with a connection stop in YYZ) fare but cancel the YUL-YYZ? And if I do, can I drop the price even more?

Thanks