One of the largest French speaking countries outside of France, Montreal is an amazing blend of classic French architecture and modern city. A journey to Montreal offers you enchanting neighborhoods, delicious French cuisine, and enriching sightseeing options – all without a long flight to Europe! Discover the Paris of North America.

Getting to Montreal

Montreal rests just north of the Vermont-Quebec Border, roughly a 1 hour flight from NYC or a 6 hour drive. If you’re traveling from Toronto the travel time is roughly the same.

The city’s major airport is Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, which receives flights from dozens of airlines,including Air Canada, United, Delta, and more.

If you want to visit the city by train you can take Amtrak if you’re coming from the States or VIA Rail from Canada’s other major cities. for a scenic journey.

Weather in Montreal

Montreal’s’ weather is divided between a warm and humid Summer and cold ans snowy Winter.. Spring and Autumn feature stunning colors throughout the city’s parks and gardens.

Spring offers comfortable weather and is a prime time to explore the city, whether by bike, foot or bus. Relax in the parks as the bloom while enjoying the fresh treats from a local bakery.

Summer is a warmer and more active version of Spring, hosting the Montreal International Jazz Festival and 3 day long Osheaga for electronic, hip hop, and indie music.

Autumn continues the Summer fun while transforming the city with re and orange maple leaves. Pack a warm coat for the colder days while you’re strolling beneath the maple trees.

Winter will be the roughest time of year with heavy snow falls throughout the city, however it comes alive with a variety of festivals and events.

• Bring your party outfit Igloofest, a music festival full of electronic music and colorful lights from January to February.
• Artists are welcome at Art Souterrain, an underground art festival from February to May that brings out Montreal’s most unique talents.
• One of the largest festivals in the world, Montreal En Lumiere has something for everyone from February to March, including delicious foods,amazing theatrical performances, circus acts, and outdoor activities.

There are a variety of things to do in Montreal year round, including fall foliage tours in Autumn, Winter festivals, lovely that bloom in Spring, and fantastic day trips from Montreal in the Summer.

Top Attractions in Montreal

Old Montreal will be the start of your sightseeing adventure, featuring historic houses, churches, and streets. Stroll down Rue Saint-Paul, a colorful cobblestone street that cuts through Old Montreal and past its historical structures.

Enjoy breakfast at a local bakery, capture photos of the Paul de Chomedey’s statue, the founder of Montreal, and explore the enchanting interior of the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, whose entrance fee is only CAD 6.00.

Next, head to Mont-Royal, the highest point in the city and offering grand views of the city. This extensive 200-hectar park features a sculpture garden, Beaver Lake, and the hidden gem of Saint Joseph’s Oratory.

After introducing yourself to the culture and history of the city, head on over to the Montreal Botanical Garden, an array of stunning displays (CAD 20.25). Discover over 20,000 flora and fauna while walking past jaw-dropping displays. From here you can also visit the Biodome where you can encounter the natural worlds of the Americas, passing through 5 different biomes (CAD 20.25).

End your day at the nearby Tower Observatory, one of the tallest man-made leaning towers in the world, where you can take a 2-minute funicular ride to the top for enchanting views (CAD 23.25).

If you want a local’s perspective, join a Old Montreal walking tour, which includes access to the Notre-Dame Basilica, or a panoramic Montreal city tour to explore Old Montreal, Downtown Montreal, Mont-Royal, and Botanical Garden.

Dollar	Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Language	French; English
Cultural Etiquette	Canadians share similar etiquette to the U.S., with handshake greetings and eye contact during conversations. They are generally more respectful and polite than Americans. French is the preferred language of most Quebec citizens, and for first impressions it is good etiquette to speak on their terms.
Food	Classic French cuisine from baguettes to poutine
Restaurant Etiquette	Tipping is standard practice in Canada, from restaurants to hair dressers to bellhops, so be prepared to provide at least 15% if someone helps you out professionally. When requesting a waiter or waitress, you should say “Monsieur” and “Mademoiselle” respectfully.
Safety Level	Relatively Safe. More information at Safearound.
Getting Around	Montreal is a walker friendly city, especially within the major neighborhoods. If you’re moving between neighborhoods then you can use the Metro System, which is CAD 3.00 per ride.
Emergency Services	All Emergencies: 911