Montreal Guidebook

Quick facts

• Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD). Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere.
• Language: French is the official language of Quebec, and English is widely spoken downtown. A friendly Bonjour-Hi goes a long way.
• Time zone: Eastern Time (ET).
• Power outlets: Type A/B, 120V. Bring an adapter if your plug is different.
• Tipping: 15-20% in restaurants and bars is customary and is not included in the bill.

When to go

Summer (June-August) is the festival season, with the International Jazz Festival in late June and early July.

Early fall (September-October) brings colourful foliage on Mount Royal and mild weather.

Winters are very cold and snowy, but the city stays lively, and the indoor Underground City makes it easier to get around.

What to pack

• Comfortable shoes for the cobbled streets of Old Montreal.
• A warm coat, hat, gloves, and waterproof boots in winter.
• Layers and a light rain jacket for spring and fall.
• A day bag and a refillable water bottle for summer.

Getting there & around

• From the airport: Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is about 20 km from downtown. The 747 express bus runs to the center, and taxis and rideshare are also available.
• Metro and buses: The STM metro and buses cover the city, and the OPUS card works on both.
• Bikes: BIXI bike share runs in the warmer months and is a good way to reach the Plateau and Old Montreal.
• On foot: Old Montreal and downtown are compact, and the Plateau and Mile End are easy to explore on foot.

Good to know before you go

• Most signs and menus are in French, but staff will usually switch to English.
• Book Notre-Dame Basilica and popular food tours ahead in high season.
• In winter, dress warmly and use the Underground City to stay indoors between metro stations.
• Tap water is safe to drink, and the city is generally safe for visitors.

Neighborhoods to know

• Old Montreal and the Old Port: Cobbled streets, historic buildings, and the riverfront promenade.
• The Plateau and Mile End: Murals, cafes, and the outdoor staircases the city is known for.
• Little Italy and Jean-Talon: A neighborhood built around one of the city's biggest markets.

Don't miss in Montreal

• Notre-Dame Basilica: A Gothic Revival church with a deep blue, star-studded interior.
• Mount Royal: The hill that gave the city its name, with views from the Kondiaronk Belvedere.
• Biodome: Five ecosystems under one roof, in the Olympic Park.
• Bagels and smoked meat and Saint Joseph's Oratory: Two classic Montreal food stops, and Canada's largest church.