Montreal is the largest city in the Canadian province of Quebec and the second-largest city in Canada. It is one of the most bilingual cities in Quebec and Canada, with over 59% of the population able to speak both English and French. Montreal is Canada's second-largest media market, and it is home to a number of popular tourist destinations.
The best time to visit Montreal is from late April to early October, when the weather is mild and there are a variety of festivals and events taking place in the city. However, if you are interested in winter activities, such as ice skating or skiing, then you may want to visit during the colder months. Keep in mind that hotel prices will be highest during the peak tourist season from June to August.
Montreal has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, subways, and trains. The best way to get around the city is by using a combination of these methods. If you plan on using public transportation regularly during your stay, you may want to purchase a OPUS card, which allows you unlimited access to all bus and subway lines. Taxi cabs are also available for hire, but they can be expensive. If you are renting a car, be aware that parking can be difficult to find and expensive in downtown Montreal.
The best time to visit Montreal is from March to May and September to November. These shoulder seasons offer visitors mild temperature and fewer crowds.
Summer in Montreal runs from June to August. The weather is warm and sunny, making it the perfect time to enjoy all the city's outdoor attractions. However, hotel rates are at their highest during this period.
Winter runs from December to February. Although temperatures can be brutally cold, winter is peak season for many of Montreal's winter festivals, including the Christmas Market and Festival of Lights. Ski resorts in the nearby Laurentian Mountains are also open for business.
Now that you know a bit about Montreal and its neighborhoods, you may be wondering what there is to do in this great city. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Montreal is known for its food, and there are plenty of places to enjoy a meal. If you're looking for fine dining, try Restaurant Toque! or L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel. For something more casual, check out Schwartz's Deli or St-Viateur Bagel.
The nightlife in Montreal is also worth exploring. If you're looking for a place to see live music, try Club Soda or l'Astral. For dancing, head to Unity or New City Gas. And for a more relaxed evening, try Bily Kun or BARLEY Pub & Grill.
Of course, no trip to Montreal would be complete without exploring some of its culture. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the McCord Museum are both excellent choices. For something a little different, try the Insectarium or the Biodome.
Finally, don't forget to walk around and enjoy the city itself! Old Montreal and the French Quarter are both great places to start.
There are many different places to stay in Montreal, and the decision on where to stay will largely depend on your budget and the type of vacation you are looking for. For those looking for a more luxurious vacation, there are plenty of hotels in Montreal that will offer you all of the amenities you desire, including room service, spas, pools, and more. However, these hotels can be quite expensive. There are also many different Airbnbs and vacation rentals available in Montreal that can offer you a comfortable place to stay at a more reasonable price. These Airbnbs and vacation rentals can often be found in the downtown area of Montreal, which is full of things to do and see. If you are looking for a more authentic Montreal experience, staying in one of these Airbnbs or vacation rentals is probably your best bet.
Montreal is a very spread out city, so getting around by public transportation or by car is a must. The good news is, there are many options!
By Public Transportation: The STM (Societe de transport de Montreal) operates the metro (subway) and bus system in Montreal. You can buy tickets or passes at any metro station, and we recommend getting a day pass if you're planning on doing a lot of riding. A day pass costs $10 and allows you unlimited travel on the metro and bus system for the day.
If you're just planning on riding the metro, a single ride costs $3.25. You can also buy a book of 10 tickets for $27.50. Alternatively, you could get an Opus card, which is a refillable smart card that you can use to pay for rides on the STM system. The Opus card costs $6 for the card itself, and then you can load it with either cash value or passes.
Cash value works like a prepaid debit card - you just add money to your Opus card and it deducts the fares from your balance as you ride. If you know you'll be using public transportation frequently during your stay, we recommend getting an Opus card with passes instead of cash value. You can load your Opus card with 1-, 3-, or 7-day unlimited use passes, which cost $13, $19, or $26 respectively.
The unlimited use passes allow you to ride as much as you want during the validity period - perfect if you're planning on doing a lot of sightseeing! If you're staying longer than 7 days, don't worry - you can get a 31-day pass for $84.
By Car: Montreal is served by several highways that connect it to other parts of Quebec and Canada. If you're driving in from another province, the best way to get to Montreal is via Highway 401 from Ontario or Highway 20 from New Brunswick/Nova Scotia.
If you're coming from within Quebec, Highway 40 heads east-west through Montreal and connects it to other parts of the province (including Quebec City!). Highway 15 heads north-south and runs along modes
Montreal is a beautiful, historic city in Canada with a lot to offer visitors. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your trip:
-Plan your visit around one of the city's many festivals. From the Montreal International Jazz Festival to Just for Laughs, there's something for everyone.
-Make sure to try some of the local cuisine. Montreal is known for its great food, so be sure to sample some of the specialties like poutine and bagels.
-Explore the city on foot or by bike. Montreal is very walkable and there are also an abundance of bike paths, making it a great way to see the sights.
-Take advantage of the city's great nightlife. Whether you're looking for lively bars or cozy cafes, you'll find plenty of options for evening entertainment.