Montreal

Montreal Travel Guide

Welcome to the vibrant city of Montreal, Quebec! Located on an island in the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal is a treasure trove of culture, history, food, and entertainment. This guide will help you navigate the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat, and how to get around this amazing city.

Places to Visit

1. Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)

  • Must-see: Notre-Dame Basilica (Basilique Notre-Dame), a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture
  • Explore: Rue Saint-Paul, lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes
  • Insider tip: Visit the nearby Pointe-à-Callière Museum to learn about Montreal’s history

2. Mont-Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal)

  • Must-do: Hike to the top of Mont-Royal for breathtaking views of the city
  • Explore: The park’s many walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic lookouts
  • Insider tip: Rent a bike or join a guided hike to explore the park

3. Jean-Talon Market (Marché Jean-Talon)

  • Must-try: Local produce, cheese, and baked goods at this bustling market
  • Explore: The adjacent shops and cafes offering unique souvenirs and snacks
  • Insider tip: Visit on a weekday for a more relaxed atmosphere

4. Underground City (RÉSO)

  • Must-experience: Explore the network of shops, restaurants, and services beneath the city streets
  • Explore: Visit during peak tourist season to see the festive decorations
  • Insider tip: Use the RÉSO app to navigate the tunnels

5. Olympic Stadium (Stade Olympique)

  • Must-see: The famous Tower (La Tour) for panoramic views of the city
  • Explore: The adjacent Botanical Garden and Biodome
  • Insider tip: Visit during a sports event or concert for an electric atmosphere

Activities

1. Festivals and Events

  • Must-attend: Just for Laughs (Juste pour rire) comedy festival in July
  • Explore: Osheaga music festival in August, Quebec City Winter Festival (Carnaval de Québec), or the Montreal Fringe Theatre Festival in May
  • Insider tip: Check the city’s events calendar for a comprehensive list

2. Shopping and Markets

  • Must-shop: The Underground City (RÉSO) for unique souvenirs and local goods
  • Explore: Rue Saint-Catherine, lined with high-end boutiques and department stores
  • Insider tip: Visit during the winter months to enjoy holiday shopping and decorations

3. Food and Drink

  • Must-try: Poutine at a classic diner like La Belle Province or La Laiterie
  • Explore: The Jean-Talon Market for local produce, cheese, and baked goods
  • Insider tip: Visit the trendy Mile End neighborhood for artisanal coffee and desserts

Where to Eat

1. Classic Montreal Diners

  • Must-visit: La Belle Province for a quintessential poutine experience
  • Explore: Other iconic diners like La Laiterie, Chez Parée, or Schwartz’s Deli
  • Insider tip: Try the famous smoked meat sandwiches at Smoked Meat Pete’s

2. Trendy Restaurants and Cafes

  • Must-try: Pizzeria Maggio for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza
  • Explore: The trendy Mile End neighborhood for artisanal coffee, desserts, and international cuisine
  • Insider tip: Visit during the summer months to enjoy outdoor seating and live music

3. Traditional Quebec Cuisine

  • Must-try: Sugar pie (tarte au sucre) at a classic Quebec bakery like Pâtisserie Rhubarbe
  • Explore: The Jean-Talon Market for local produce, cheese, and baked goods
  • Insider tip: Visit the nearby Old Montreal neighborhood for traditional Quebec cuisine

Where to Stay

1. Luxury Hotels

  • Must-stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal for upscale accommodations and services
  • Explore: Other luxury hotels like the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth or the Hotel Le Germain
  • Insider tip: Enjoy the rooftop bar at the Ritz-Carlton for stunning city views

2. Boutique Hotels

  • Must-stay: The Hotel Le Saint-Sulpice, a charming boutique hotel in Old Montreal
  • Explore: Other unique hotels like the Hôtel Monville or the Hyatt Regency Montreal
  • Insider tip: Visit during the winter months to enjoy holiday decorations and activities

3. Budget-Friendly Options

  • Must-visit: The Auberge de Jeunesse (Youth Hostel) for affordable accommodations
  • Explore: Other budget-friendly options like the Hotel Le Château de la Terrasse or the B&B-style Inn at the Market
  • Insider tip: Use online booking platforms to find deals and discounts

Things to Know

1. Language

  • Must-know: French is the official language, but most Montrealers speak English fluently
  • Explore: Learn basic French phrases like “bonjour” (hello), “merci” (thank you), or “excusez-moi” (excuse me)
  • Insider tip: Download a translation app to help with navigation and communication

2. Currency

  • Must-know: Canadian dollars (CAD) are the local currency
  • Explore: Many businesses accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand
  • Insider tip: Visit an ATM or exchange office for better rates than at airports or hotels

3. Weather

  • Must-know: Montreal experiences cold winters and warm summers, with occasional rain showers
  • Explore: Pack layers for unpredictable weather conditions
  • Insider tip: Visit during the shoulder season (April-May or September-October) for mild temperatures and smaller crowds

Transportation

1. Public Transportation

  • Must-use: The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) bus and metro system
  • Explore: Use the STM website or app to plan your route and buy tickets
  • Insider tip: Consider purchasing a reusable transit card for convenience

2. Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services

  • Must-know: Taxis are widely available, but ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in Montreal as well
  • Explore: Use the STM app to hail a taxi or request a ride-sharing service
  • Insider tip: Tip your driver for good service (15-20% is standard)

3. Bike Rentals

  • Must-do: Rent a bike to explore the city and surrounding parks
  • Explore: Visit the nearby Lachine Canal for scenic bike rides along the water
  • Insider tip: Use a bike-sharing service like BIXI for easy access to bikes throughout the city

Tips and Tricks

1. Safety

  • Must-know: Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas, especially around public transportation hubs
  • Explore: Carry valuables safely and securely
  • Insider tip: Use a money belt or secure bag for added peace of mind

2. Tipping Culture

  • Must-know: Tip servers at restaurants (15-20% is standard), bartenders (10-15%), and tour guides (10-15%)
  • Explore: Learn about Quebec’s tipping culture, which differs slightly from other provinces in Canada
  • Insider tip: Tip for good service to ensure a positive experience

3. Local Etiquette

  • Must-know: Say “bonjour” or “salut” when greeting locals, and respond with “d’accord” (okay) or “de rien” (you’re welcome)
  • Explore: Learn basic Quebecois expressions like “tabarnouche” (a mild expletive) or “tabernouche!” (an expression of surprise)
  • Insider tip: Be respectful and polite when interacting with locals, especially in public areas

Bonus Tips

1. Visit During the Holidays

  • Must-see: The festive lights and decorations throughout the city
  • Explore: Enjoy holiday-themed events, markets, and activities
  • Insider tip: Plan ahead to avoid crowds and long lines during peak tourist season

2. Take a Food Tour

  • Must-do: Explore Montreal’s diverse culinary scene with a guided food tour
  • Explore: Visit local eateries, bakeries, and specialty stores
  • Insider tip: Use online review platforms like TripAdvisor to find highly-rated tours

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the best of Montreal! Remember to stay curious, explore new neighborhoods, and enjoy the city’s unique charm. Bon voyage et à bientôt à Montréal!