Montreal
Overview of Montreal
French-speaking Montreal is romantic and elegant, and those who choose to holiday in the city generally come for its music, art and joie de vivre. This charming metro has plenty to see and do with regards to culture, and those who plan to travel to Montreal can check out a full calendar of events and enjoy the many plays, ballets and concerts that spice up the entertainment scene year round. Montreal has also earned its reputation as a great destination for foodies, and boasts an extremely energetic nightlife.
Montreal was founded as a missionary village in 1642, a century after Jacques Cartier became the first European to discover the area. Despite some undeniably English architectural and cultural influences, Montreal is today one of the world’s largest French-speaking cities on an overwhelmingly English-speaking continent. A metropolis of international repute, this large inland port is framed between Mont Royal and the St Lawrence River.
It’s located in the south of Canada’s Quebec province, only 37 miles (60km) from the United States border, and is an important hub of North American trade. It is a spacious and captivating city, characterised by a series of underground shopping and recreation complexes linked by walkways, and the metro. It contains more than 18.5 miles (30km) of office and apartment complexes, major stores, hotels, restaurants, metro stations, parking garages, movie theatres, concert halls and more, all snugly accessible during the snowy winters.
Its population is a multicultural mix that has fostered a vibrant cultural life, showcased in a number of world-class art galleries and museums. Like most Canadian cities, Montreal has interspersed urban development with green areas, the most celebrated of which is the spacious Parc du Mont-Royal, designed by Frederic Olmsted, the American landscape artist who also designed Central Park in New York. The city boasts countless other attractions to visitors all year round, but tourists do tend to avoid the freezing winter months.
Key Facts
- Language:
- The official languages are English and French (spoken predominantly in Quebec).
- Passport/Visa:
All visitors must hold a valid passport, and it’s recommended that passports always be valid for six months after the intended period of travel. Visitors are required to hold onward or return tickets, all documents needed for the next destination and sufficient funds to cover the period of intended stay.
Travellers from most visa-exempt countries arriving in Canada by air need to fill in an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) form online prior to visiting Canada. This requirement is applicable to all but U.S citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel documents to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.
- Currency:
The currency used is the Canadian dollar (CAD). Banks and bureaux de change will change cash, as will some hotels. Major credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are widespread. US dollars are widely accepted.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. American-style flat two-pin plugs and a plug with a third round grounding pin are standard.
Travel to Montreal
Climate for Montreal
With predominantly wet, warm summers and cold, snowy winters, the humid continental climate of Montreal is varied and seasonal. In winter (December to February), snowfall is abundant and common both in spring and autumn. Temperatures well below freezing are experienced in winter, with average low temperatures dropping to 7°F (-14°C) in January, and the bitter weather exacerbated by wind chill.
Summer (June to August) brings sunshine and pleasant days, with high humidity on occasion, although highs seldom exceed 86°F (30°C). Rain can be expected any time of year in Montreal, but summer tends to be the wettest season. A feature of the climate of Montreal is the possibility of late autumn heatwaves, enjoyed as ‘Indian summers’, which frequently occur.
7 day forecast for Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| Thursday Dec. 19, 2024 | Friday Dec. 20, 2024 | Saturday Dec. 21, 2024 | Sunday Dec. 22, 2024 | Monday Dec. 23, 2024 | Tuesday Dec. 24, 2024 | Wednesday Dec. 25, 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi: 34°F Lo: 18°F  Overcast | Hi: 23°F Lo: 18°F Overcast | Hi: 22°F Lo: 9°F Cloudy | Hi: 16°F Lo: 7°F  Sunny | Hi: 22°F Lo: 7°F Cloudy | Hi: 29°F Lo: 16°F Overcast | Hi: 29°F Lo: 16°F Overcast |
Health Notes when travelling to Canada
Travellers should be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before traveling to Canada, and should consider taking routine vaccines as a standard precaution. Medical care is excellent but expensive, so medical insurance is advised.
Safety Notes when travelling to Canada
While most visits to Canada are trouble-free, the country does share the common international risk of terrorism. The crime rate is low but travellers are advised to take sensible precautions to safeguard their belongings, as they would anywhere. Parts of Canada are prone to tornadoes between May and September.
Customs in Canada
Rowdiness and loud speech are inappropriate except under special circumstances or in places such as bars, as Canadians tend to be soft spoken, patient and almost apologetic in their public behaviour. They are generally tolerant of the complex network of cultural differences in public behaviour, particularly in cities where such diversity is more common place. Recreational cannabis is legally available throughout Canada, though local laws can vary depending on the province or territory travellers are visiting.
Duty Free in Canada
Travellers to Canada are allowed to enter the country with the following items without incurring custom duties: gifts to the value of C$60 per recipient (excluding advertising material, tobacco and alcoholic beverages); 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or cigarillos and 200g of tobacco or 200 tobacco sticks; 1.14 litres of liquor or wine or 24 x 355ml bottles or cans of beer or ale. There are strict regulations governing the import of the following: explosives, endangered animal and plant species, items of heritage, fresh foodstuffs and weapons.
Doing Business in Canada
Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal are the main business centres, and English is the language of business except in French-speaking Quebec, where all written material and business cards should be in French. Business cards are not traditionally exchanged during an initial meeting, but at some appropriate time thereafter; it is best to wait for the host to offer theirs first.
A firm handshake is used by way of greeting and punctuality should be taken seriously for meetings. Canadians dress conservatively and smartly for business and suits are the norm. Gifts can be given in conclusion to celebrate a deal, but should be understated; taking someone out for a meal is a popular way to conclude business dealings.
Canadians are reserved and frown on emotional outbursts. Business is based on facts and figures rather than relationships, so it is best to be as prepared as possible for meetings. Hours of business are usually 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Canada
The international access code for Canada is +1. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code. The outgoing code is not necessary for calls to the US and the Caribbean. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Tipping in Canada
A tip of around 15 percent is standard in restaurants, and hairdressers and taxi drivers are usually tipped at the same rate. Bellhops, doormen, porters, and similar service providers at hotels, airports, and stations are generally paid at the customer’s discretion.
Passport/Visa Note
All visitors must hold a valid passport, and it’s recommended that passports always be valid for six months after the intended period of travel. Visitors are required to hold onward or return tickets, all documents needed for the next destination and sufficient funds to cover the period of intended stay.
Travellers from most visa-exempt countries arriving in Canada by air need to fill in an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) form online prior to visiting Canada. This requirement is applicable to all but U.S citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel documents to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US travellers should have a valid passport if departing from the USA. Other proof of citizenship is accepted in the form of a birth certificate, a US certificate of citizenship, a US certificate of naturalisation, or a NEXUS card. A visa is not required for a stay of up to six months.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to six months, though UK travellers must have Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians must hold passports valid for period of intended stay. Nationals of Australia with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) are visa exempt for a maximum stay of 6 months.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals must hold a passport valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to six months. However, the individual must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealanders require a passport valid for the period of the intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 6 months. However, the traveller requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals must be in possession of a passport valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is required. South African temporary passports are not recognised. Passports, identity or travel documents of Bophuthatswana, Ciskei, Transkei and Venda are not accepted.
Getting around in Montreal, Quebec
Montreal’s sensible layout combined with an extensive and super-efficient public transport system (metro, bus and commuter rail services) make getting around the city easy. In fair weather, hundreds of kilometres of bike paths spanning the island offer a healthier, pleasant option.
Public transport is run by the Montreal Transport Society, or STM. The pristine metro has dozens of stations along four different lines with numerous stops in the city’s famous subterranean mall. The metro stops are all integrated with a comprehensive network of city bus routes. Most metro services and buses run between 5.30am and 1am, with a limited night bus service filling in. The inner city services in turn connect to a commuter rail network that serves the suburbs.
Fares are standard on both the bus and metro and transfers are free; a tourist pass is available for bus and metro. Metered taxis can be hailed in the streets downtown or ordered in advance. There are numerous car rental firms in the city, but roads are often heavily congested and traffic jams are common.
Attractions in Montreal, Quebec
Despite its harsh winters, Montreal is in fact a year-round destination and travellers will be able to enjoy the bustling city’s attractions and festivities no matter the season. Whether visitors enjoy outdoor sports or a trip to the opera, there are plenty of things to see and do in Montreal.
Check out Olympic Park, which hosts baseball games and concerts, or visit Old Montreal which contains beautiful historical buildings dating from the 17th to 19th centuries, as well as a few museums. The nearby old port (Vieux Port de Montréal) is a popular place for tourists as it features a huge open-air skating rink, IMAX cinema, plenty of restaurants and cafes, and a Science and Technology Center. Many tourists also take boat tours from here and a good option is to take a ferry ride across to the Parc des Iles, where the 1967 World’s Fair site offers facilities for picnicking, swimming, skating or skiing in winter.
The dome of St Joseph’s Oratory, visible on the flank of Mont Royal from miles away, is a famous pilgrimage site attracting more than two million visitors each year. In downtown Montreal, several blocks are connected by 18 miles (30km) of underground arcades and malls, where shoppers will be able to enjoy enclosed walking areas and great shopping opportunities, even during inclement weather. Visitors should purchase the STM Tourist Card which allows unlimited access to the bus and metro service for either one or three consecutive days.
Olympic Park
Built for the 1976 Olympics, the futuristic Olympic Park is now a district in Montreal. It was designed by French architect Roger Tallibert, and is impressive in both size and shape, able to accommodate up to 80,000 spectators for concerts and baseball games. Standing at 575 feet (175m), its landmark tower is the world’s tallest inclined tower, providing spectacular views over Montreal from its observation floors. Visitors may even be tempted to visit the lush Botanical Gardens across the street, one of the largest of its kind in the world and boasting a wide, celebrated collection.
St Joseph’s Oratory
St Joseph’s Oratory is a regal Montreal landmark, its imposing dome on the flank of Mount Royal visible for miles. Attracting over two million visitors each year, the chapel is a famous pilgrimage site, despite only being built in 1967. Work began on the basilica in 1937 after the death of a beloved monk renowned for his miraculous healing abilities, with the dome eventually reaching an impressive 318 feet (97m) high. Its carillon is made up of 46 bells that were originally cast for the Eiffel Tower, but were acquired by the Oratory in 1956. Visitors can climb the 283 steps from street level to the basilica’s portico for beautiful vistas of Montreal.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
During the past 140 years, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts has assembled one of North America’s finest encyclopaedic collections, totalling more than 30,000 objects. The collections include Canadian art, contemporary art, Inuit and Amerindian Art, European Masters, prints, drawings and decorative arts. The museum also regularly features special exhibitions and activity programmes for adults, students and children. Indeed, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is one of the best of its kind in Canada and a treat for lovers of arts and culture.
Montreal Botanical Garden
In close proximity to the Olympic Park, the Montreal Botanical Garden is one of the largest of its kind. Home to more than 22,000 plant species and roughly 30 exquisitely mapped out gardens, it’s well worth a visit at any time of year. Begun in 1931 during a financial crisis, it provided jobs for thousands of unemployed workers and has since developed into a popular Montreal tourist attraction, with an astounding array of plants and trees. A slew of interesting sights and sounds await visitors, such as the Tree House, a Chinese Garden, the Quebec Butterfly House, a Medicinal Plant Garden, Planetarium and a First Nations Garden illustrating the interaction of Inuits and Amerindians with nature.
Events in Montreal, Quebec
International Jazz Festival
Sunday July 03, 2022 (3 July 2022)
Where: Various
Montreal’s annual jazz festival (Festival International de Jazz de Montreal) is one of the best and biggest in the world. Superstars of jazz, like Oscar Peterson, Ray Charles, Dave Brubeck, and Chuck Berry have featured on the annual programme.
Today, the jazz festival features 3,000 artists and hosts more than 650 concerts (the majority of which are free outdoor events) every year. The celebrated event attracts more than two million visitors, over 30 percent of which are tourists.
http://www.montrealjazzfest.com
Montreal High Lights Festival
Thursday February 16, 2023 to Sunday February 26, 2023 (16 — 26 February 2023)
Where: Various
Montreal’s lively 11-day midwinter festival is designed to bring some light and warmth into local lives and is said to be one of the largest winter festivals in the world. It is billed as three festivals in one, having gastronomic, musical, and artistic components.
There are more than 100 concerts scheduled, more than 200 culinary and wine events, and various shows and exhibitions, many of them free of charge. Fun outdoor winter activities are also organised for the whole family. The festival attracts nearly a million spectators and foodies in particular await the event eagerly.
http://www.montrealhighlights.com
Canadian F1 Grand Prix
Tuesday July 19, 2022 (19 July 2022)
Where: Gilles Villeneuve Circuit
For more than a quarter of a century, the world’s top racing drivers have been meeting at the demanding Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal to battle out an important race in the Formula One World Championship.
The circuit lies on Ile Notre-Dame, a man-made island in the St Lawrence River. It includes the notorious Bienvenue au Quebec wall, which is wryly known as the ‘Wall of Champions’ because of all the F1 superstars who have crashed into it. Locals support the event enthusiastically and many people travel to attend it.
http://www.formula1.com
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
