Montreal

Eco-friendly travel guide to Montreal advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Montreal Skyline

Air quality: 3 / 5

Exploring by foot: 3.2 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 4.5 / 5

Public transportation: 4 / 5

Parks: 3.85 / 5

Outdoor activities: 3.7 / 5

Locals' English level: 4 / 5

Safety: 3.6 / 5

Accommodation: US$30 - $1,100

Budget per day: US$110 - $1,300

Responsible Travel

Montreal is a popular destination for all kinds of travelers from around the world. With its youthful energy blending seamlessly with its old-world charm, the city is no doubt unlike anywhere else that you've ever been. Montreal has a distinctly Canadian charm and a French heart and it's a city with so many faces. It won’t be hard to figure out how to spend your visit in this city whether you want to simply explore Montreal’s diverse neighborhoods, bar-hop, or shop because there's always something interesting to see and do in the city from unique architecture and vibrant greenspaces to art galleries, myriad museums, buzzing nightlife, and an incredible food scene.

Offering something for everyone, Montreal is one of those multifaceted cities you'll definitely love to visit but it's important for you to brush up yourself on helpful tips on what to eat and drink, where to stay, how to get around, and stay well-informed regarding the tips and information on the best attractions and activities. As a responsible traveler, when you get to Montreal, you'll see that this city might be confusing in navigating for the first time because of some of its laws, customs, and terms. However, it does get better when you are cognizant of some local quirks and here are a few tips that can help you to travel responsibly in Montreal;

Montreal is a bilingual city. Close to 60 percent of the residents of the city can speak both English and French. Montreal is the most bilingual city in Canada, second only to Paris; it's the world's second-largest primarily French-speaking city for it's officially French. However, for the purpose of greeting and thanking, as a matter of politeness, you may have to master some basic vocabularies and this will go a long way in the course of you moving around the city. Still, you should be able to communicate with servers and locals and there's no need to worry about speaking excessive French when visiting because of the city's bilingualism.
Public transportation rocks. Public transport in this city offers you an easy means of getting around the city, effortlessly. If you'll be traveling a lot, your best bet is to oblige to a week pass for $25.50 or grab a day pass for $10, and it might as well be savvy to enjoy just a ride for $3.25 if you know you won't be out too much. You choose. You won't have to walk more than a few minutes to a station for there are multiple bus routes and four color-coded subway lines in the city. Depending on the day of the week and on which station you’re at, the last train runs anytime between 12:30 am and 1:30 am, but be sure to check the schedules.
Walking and biking are pretty much enjoyable in this city. Biking is an easy way to get around Montreal. Drivers are generally very conscious of cyclists and bike lanes are plentiful. After you've enjoyed hiking from downtown to the Plateau, you can take an easy walk around the central district. Walking is encouraged in this city and you can hit up the Fitz & Follwell to claim your own set of (two) wheels when you want to do more beyond where your ordinary feet can get you.
You can’t turn right on a red. This is one of the hard and fast local rules that most new people tend to be oblivious of. Unless otherwise indicated, making a right turn on a red light is not permitted in Montreal and of all the places in Canada, it's only the Island of Montreal that enforces this unique rule. Turning right on a red light is allowed in the rest of Quebec but this law, which is peculiar to Montreal, aims to guarantee the safety of pedestrians. So, take note of this.
A “Dep” is a convenience store. Since you'll be moving around often and will definitely be coming in contact with some of the locals around, it's important you know this. Most locals tend to refer to a corner or convenience store as “dep” which is the short for the French word dépanneur. This is Montreal lingo. And, expressions like “Can we stop at a dep on the way?” or “I’m just going to get some wine at the dep” are some of what you'll hear frequently in a casual conversation. You might run to the nearby dep for a beer, wine, a chocolate bar, milk, or cigarettes.
Be ready to attend festivals. There are tons of fun and exciting events happening year-round in this city and one of the reasons why people love to visit Montreal is because it's one of the most festive cities in Canada. It can feel like there’s one long city-wide festival going on, especially during the warmer months from June to September. Attending festivals in Montreal can be a great way to show support for the city's local scene. Come to Montreal en Lumiere in February for all-night art festivals, there would be Pop Montreal in mid-September, Osheaga takes over Parc Jean Drapeau in early August, and there's YUL Eat in early September for those who like food. There's always some kind of celebration on the Montreal social calendar and you'll probably end up at a festival regardless of the season you visit this city.
The legal drinking age is 18. In addition to the fact that there are so many festivals in Montreal, another reason why it's a popular city to party in is its drinking age because the legal drinking age is 19 in most of the territories and provinces in Canada, compared to Montreal's 18. Although this may be quite interesting to hear, as a responsible traveler, do not be carried away to indulge someone who's not up to the legal drinking age to a drink as there are usually tons of students chilling at the clubs, bars, and pubs at the downtown area of the city.

Air Quality and Pollution

Montreal is regarded to be one of the most polluted major cities in Canada but over time, there's been a significant improvement in the city's air quality, which is rated as "averagely moderate."

Respect the Culture

When it comes to respecting the culture in Montreal, there's nothing really much to talk about because Montreal does not differ too greatly from most major cities in the United States of America in terms of tipping etiquette, restaurant, dress, and a few other cultural factors. However, considering the fact that this city is situated in the French-speaking province of Quebec, it would be really nice of you to familiarize yourself with some basic French expressions which you can use in greeting people around you and to as well show courtesy. Although English speakers are abundant in the city and you clearly won't have any trouble communicating even without an understanding of the slightest French words, being cognizant of a few French phrases like "merci" which means "thank you", "s'il vous plaît" which is "please", and "bonjour" which translates as "hello" will go a long way in expressing courtesy, exuding a friendly vibe of the city's culture, and as well imbibing yourself in the locals' atmosphere.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Ample opportunities for both exploration and entertainment are provided by the best attractions in Montreal. With a rich colonial history and reputation as a cosmopolitan hub of culture and international trade, Montreal takes pride in being the second-largest French-speaking city in the world and it's both a modern and classic city that’s everything except boring for it features all from the biggest bands in the world today and festivals to centuries-old landmarks. Montreal is a fun weekend destination for couples and families; it's home to great restaurants, museums, and famous attractions. It's a beautiful city set on an island in Quebec and you'll find plenty of nice places worth visiting in this city;

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: On the museum’s website calendar, you'll find all exhibit and concert information. The site boasts an additional elaborate concert venue. Visiting the center on a rotating basis are permanent and temporary displays, with touring exhibits. Ranging in style and medium, it's home to more than 40,000 pieces as its permanent collection. With a fifth under construction, it's comprised of four pavilions, and it's significant for its inclusion in the Golden Square Mile as it's situated on Sherbrooke Street. It's the largest of its kind in the province of Quebec, it's one of the best things to do in Montreal, and this esteemed facility is one of the most prominent museums in Canada.
The Montreal Botanical Garden: It features examples of plant life, sculptures, gardens, numerous exhibits, a Chinese lantern garden, and 10 themed greenhouses. The valuable reputation of this 190-acre site is further elevated by its comprehensive facilities and expansive and diverse collections. It's one of the top attractions in the city and it's regarded to be one of the horticultural world's most significant and important contributions. Depending on the featured exhibits and seasonal activities of the Garden, there are lessons, groups, interactive activities, and a rotating series of educational events hosted all through the year here. The Garden hosts a summer concert series in the warmer months and there are additional intriguing, educational opportunities offered by the onsite planetarium and insectarium here.
Notre Dame Basilica: Painted a deep rich blue and scattered with golden stars, the Basilica’s ceiling is a beauty to behold and this place has a colorful and striking interior. It's a quintessential component of the Montreal skyline and it's one of the world's most dramatic architectural feats. During the week, there's an evening sound and light show, and throughout the year, there are choral performances. The church is open to visitors when mass is not offered. Depicting Montreal’s religious history, the walls of the soaring building are lined with stained glass windows.
Old Port of Montreal: It used to be a trading post by French fur traders and it dates back as early as 1611 when its original function was for Montreal’s importation and exportation of goods. It's now a historic preservation site and recreational area and it has grown from being the primary functioning port for the city of Montreal it used to be. This site became a tourism-based recreational district when its economic and functional purposes were transferred to a new location in the 1970s. Today, it houses the Montreal Science Centre, the IMAX theatre, a very nice relaxed beach. Biking, roller-blading, and walking are some of the activities that take place at its riverfront. It's a great place to start exploring if you seek things to do in Montreal today and you can see an expansive collection of attractions as you enjoy walking up and down the mile-long stretch of docks.
Ecomuseum: Marsh creatures, reptiles, birds, and mammals are housed at the four distinct zones which this Ecomuseum is divided into. It charges itself with the responsibility of providing a sanctuary in which these beautiful creatures can comfortably live and it goes further to apprise guests of the authentic lifestyle and habits of each creature. The Ecomuseum prides itself in what it does and it has created several natural habitat exhibits. It's renowned for showcasing creatures native to the Saint Lawrence Valley; it's part zoo, part eco-reserve. It's home to more than 115 species of animal life at its 28-acre site and it's the only outdoor zoo in Montreal.
Montreal Science Centre:The Centre offers a calendar of events on their website and rotating exhibits and, IMAX features vary. There are 26 unique, participation-based experiments featured at its young child-centric area and a Science Zone which is one of its plenty permanent exhibits. A Windmill exhibit and a Cargo exhibit are also some of its permanent collections. Distinct featured topics through activities and personal experience are used in informing guests plus there are interpretive and interactive displays. It welcomes families and visitors of all ages and it houses an expansive IMAX theater and a wide collection of technology and science-based exhibits. The Montreal Science Centre is in the center of the Old Port of Montreal, right on the King Edward Pier.
Jean-Talon Market: As an eco-friendly traveler in Montreal, this is one of the many attractions in the city that may catch your fancy real good. The market becomes a lively hub of shoppers and vendors in the warmer months. However, it remains open for the sale of seasonal goods but it moves to internal or closed stalls and becomes smaller during the winter. In the open-air stalls, you can find locally raised meats, fresh-cut flowers, spices, and almost anything you're looking for as it boasts a multicultural variety of ingredients and products. Local farm-fresh ingredients, hand made goods, and an array of produce is sold by the vendors here. It's a year-round staple in the Montreal food scene and it encompasses several blocks. It's situated in the Little Italy district of Montreal and It's an expansive and bustling farmer’s market.
Montreal Biodome: Found within the continents of North and South America, you have an exclusive opportunity of contemplating replicas of each of the four unique ecosystems. The Montreal Biodome is now a natural science epicenter and it's hosted in the facility that once hosted the 1976 Montreal Olympics. There are lots of things you can enjoy doing here. You can get an insight into both the Arctic and Antarctic regions at the expansive polar section, there's a habitat created around an estuary at the Saint Lawrence Marine Eco-system, and the North American wilderness is displayed at the Laurentian Forest exhibit. You can as well enjoy walking through a replica of South American rainforests at the Tropical Forest exhibit. Coming to this place, you'll be bestowed with a rare opportunity for exploration.
Pointe-a-Calliere Museum: Featuring archaeological remains from every distinct period in the city’s past, it boasts three distinct archaeological sites which are situated within the museum complex. It offers insight into the impact made on the area’s history and modern status by the influence of the historical presence of the British and French. It's saddled with the responsibility of illustrating the area's earliest known population concomitance and intercourse. It has exhibits dedicated to the First Nations, amidst the expansive range of artifacts and exhibits it showcases. It's situated in Old Town Montreal, and it's a museum of history and archaeology.
Mount Royal Park: There's plenty of good people-watching opportunities and a wide array of families, artists, and musicians attracted to this park during the lovely Tam-Tams; a weekly Sunday hand-drumming session which you shouldn't miss if you're in Montreal over the weekend. There’s a stunning view of the city skyline offered here as well. Mount Royal Park was established as a means of responding to the mass cutting of trees on the mountain for firewood, and this is what facilitated the birth of its creation in 1876. This historic park marks the highest point on the island of Montreal for it's more of a hill than a mountain as it's around 230 metres (764 feet) tall. It's an outdoor recreation spot and it's one of the largest green spaces in the city.

Montreal Botanical Garden

Explore

Being the second-largest French-speaking city in the world, Montreal does attract a large number of French-speaking travelers. Known for its history and heritage, Montreal is a lively city and it's not only the second-largest city in Canada, but it's also the cultural and economic capital of Quebec. Situated in the province of Quebec, evidently, Montreal is a stunning metropolis that gives a special kind of vibe and offers its visitors an opportunity to enjoy the true charm of Canada as they plunge into the rich mores and heritage. The gorgeous city of Montreal is a very fine place to be if you're planning a visit to Canada and you'll enjoy exploring the city because there are some places in the city that are walkable and there are plenty of bike lanes; should you decide to explore the city on two wheels.

Be that as it may, there's no shortage of things to do in Montreal. From admiring the architecture of the Notre-Dame Basilica and taking a romantic walk through the Montreal Botanical Garden to visiting the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Montreal provides ample opportunities for outdoor lovers to please themselves to fun and some stunning sights. And, if you're visiting the city with kids, there are places like the Montreal Science Centre, the Pointe-a-Calliere Museum, the Biodome, and the Old Port of Montreal that are pretty much family-friendly.

City Parks

Montreal parks have a huge array of activities on offer. While some have beaches, there are some with a marshland, and there are a few that feature woods. The parks in this city have something for everyone and with Montreal boasting large parks with a combined area of 4900 acres, it's obvious that it's a city deservedly proud of its parks.

Cap-Sant-Jacques Nature Park: It's opened from 10 am-6 pm but if you'll be coming here, take note that this park does get very busy on the weekends. Those feeling more active will be glad to explore the over 40km of trails for hiking through the woods. Featuring an organic farm, a wide variety of wildlife, and a sandy beach, it's open during summer, and it's also three quarters surrounded by water. This park is not just the largest in Montreal, it's also the perfect place for water lovers.
Bois-de-l’Île-Bizard Nature Park: Tons of cross-country skiers in the city do not dull themselves in taking advantage of the fact that this park is open in winter and it as well provides tranquil walks in the summer. If you're in the mood to explore than simply enjoy a summer’s day, this is a fine place to be because of its amount of wildlife, lush vegetation, and bogland. It has a beach too and miles of trails. Bois-de-l’Île-Bizard Nature Park has a similar feel and it's situated close-by.
Parc Outremont: It's a lovely neighborhood park but you shouldn't look forward to much in the way of features if you'll be coming here. It has plenty of benches and there's a small fountain. This relaxed space is often frequented by the local Hassidic Jews and a mixture of students. Surrounded by quiet, leafy streets, it's a slice of the real Montreal.
Mount Royal Park: There's plenty of good people-watching opportunities and a wide array of families, artists, and musicians attracted to this park during the lovely Tam-Tams; a weekly Sunday hand-drumming session which you shouldn't miss if you're in Montreal over the weekend. There’s a stunning view of the city skyline offered here as well. Mount Royal Park was established as a means of responding to the mass cutting of trees on the mountain for firewood, and this is what facilitated the birth of its creation in 1876. This historic park marks the highest point on the island of Montreal for it's more of a hill than a mountain as it's around 230 meters (764 feet) tall. It's an outdoor recreation spot and it's one of the largest green spaces in the city.

Parc Outremont

National Parks

There are 24 national parks situated all across Québec and Montreal shares a close proximity to some of these parks.

Beaches

There are urban oases and relatively remote stretches of sand for you to choose from, even though Montreal doesn't have many beaches. There are a few beaches in the city accessible by public transit for they're located within city limits and it's pretty interesting to know that you can enjoy the pleasure of a fun-filled beach day with the quartet of sandy spots, even though Montreal isn't exactly known for its beaches.

Plage Doré du Parc Jean-Drapeau: There are stand-up paddleboards, kayak rentals, inflatable slides, and beach volleyball amidst plenty of waterfront activities featured at the 15,000-square-meter swimming area. The multi-purpose park is perfect for sight-seeing, gambling, rollercoastering, dancing, picnicking, and walking after an active summer day. It's just five minutes from downtown via car, subway, or bike; it's one of the easiest beaches to get to in Montreal, and it's situated on Île Notre-Dame.
Clock Tower Beach: It costs $5 to enter (starting at 7 p.m.) in the evenings when firework displays have started at the city's Old Port. From June to September), you can get a season pass during the summer for $15 or pay $2 to enjoy the beach. However, take note that swimming is strictly prohibited here because this place is more of a place for tanning. Excellent views of Montreal's skyline are offered here and you can enjoy lounging under a parasol in the comfort of a long chair or in the sun. Boasting 1.3 hectares (3.2 acres) of urban getaway, it's one of the latest additions to the city's handful of beaches, and it was opened in 2012.
Cap St. Jacques: This place is worth the relaxation that awaits, although the commute may be long. However, be informed that people tend to pile up on the patch of sand, and for you to beat the crowd, you'll have to come around on a weekday. It's a fine antidote for weary city-dwellers without cars as it doesn't feel remotely urban. This park features a sliver of beachfront, farmland, fields, silver birch, and maple woods. Boasting a whopping 288 hectares, it's Montreal's largest park.

Clock Tower Beach

Landmarks

Montreal is undoubtedly rich in sights, structures, iconic buildings, and regardless of the season, it's often oozing with photo opportunities. There are tons of impressive modern buildings with impressive architecture in this city with several landmarks calling Montreal home.

Mont Royal: It's regarded to be one of the most picturesque sights on the entire island and it's a great place to be whether you want to smoke Tam-Tams, catch a great view, or go hiking. From the Westmount Summit at 659 feet and Outremont at 692 feet to Mont Royal at 764 feet above sea level, this mountain is made of three peaks, and it's renowned to be one of the most popular spots amongst tourists and locals. The three-peak mountain to which Montreal gets its name is one of the city's most iconic landmarks.
Olympic Stadium: It's regarded to be one of the most iconic buildings in Montreal, even though there had been a long history of financial burdens and structural problems associated with its building. Since the Montreal Expos left in 2004, the Olympic Stadium has not had a primary tenant. Taking pride in being the tallest inclined structure in the world at 574 feet, it was the main venue for the 1976 Summer Olympics, and it was built in the mid-1970s. Amongst its many attractions, it incorporates popular cable car rides, an observatory, the Botanical Gardens, the Insectarium, and the Biodome which happens to be another fine landmark in the city. Often referred to as 'The Big Owe', it has a capacity of 80,000, and it's known as the Stade Olympique. It's located on the eastern side of the city, situated in Parc Maisonneuve, and it's a part of the Olympic Village.
Montreal City Hall: It houses several important portraits of the city's mayors and features several notable attractions. It's one of the most famous landmarks in the city, it was built in the 1870s, and it's an imposing building.
Montreal Biosphere: It offers spectacular panoramic views of the city with an array of attractions which include the Visions Hall, regular multimedia shows, the Connections Hall, and the 'Source of Life' exhibition about water. It's divided into different areas of discovery and it's the biggest geodesic dome in the world. It was built for the 1967 Montreal Expo and its imposing globe-like structure makes it instantly recognizable and strikingly attractive.
Notre Dame Basilica: Painted a deep rich blue and scattered with golden stars, the Basilica’s ceiling is a beauty to behold and this place has a colorful and striking interior. It's a quintessential component of the Montreal skyline and it's one of the world's most dramatic architectural feats. During the week, there's an evening sound and light show, and throughout the year, there are choral performances. The church is open to visitors when mass is not offered. Depicting Montreal’s religious history, the walls of the soaring building are lined with stained glass windows.

Olympic Stadium

Museums

Here are some of the best museums in Montreal;

Pointe-a-Calliere Museum: Featuring archaeological remains from every distinct period in the city’s past, it boasts three distinct archaeological sites which are situated within the museum complex. It offers insight into the impact made on the area’s history and modern status by the influence of the historical presence of the British and French. It's saddled with the responsibility of illustrating the area's earliest known population concomitance and intercourse. It has exhibits dedicated to the First Nations, amidst the expansive range of artifacts and exhibits it showcases.
Montreal Science Centre:The Centre offers a calendar of events on their website and rotating exhibits and, IMAX features vary. There are 26 unique, participation-based experiments featured at its young child-centric area and a Science Zone which is one of its plenty permanent exhibits. A Windmill exhibit and a Cargo exhibit are also some of its permanent collections. Distinct featured topics through activities and personal experience are used in informing guests plus there are interpretive and interactive displays. It welcomes families and visitors of all ages and it houses an expansive IMAX theater and a wide collection of technology and science-based exhibits. The Montreal Science Centre is in the center of the Old Port of Montreal, right on King Edward Pier.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: On the museum’s website calendar, you'll find all exhibit and concert information. The site boasts an additional elaborate concert venue. Visiting the center on a rotating basis are permanent and temporary displays, with touring exhibits. Ranging in style and medium, it's home to more than 40,000 pieces as its permanent collection. With a fifth under construction, it's comprised of four pavilions, and it's significant for its inclusion in the Golden Square Mile as it's situated on Sherbrooke Street. It's the largest of its kind in the province of Quebec, it's one of the best things to do in Montreal, and this esteemed facility is one of the most prominent museums in Canada.

Pointe-a-Calliere Museum

Eat

After San Francisco and ahead of New York, Montreal was ranked 2nd best dining city in North America as it offers all from haute cuisine and low-cost ethnic restaurants to fast food and diners. Montreal has a huge variety of food options and it's evidently a culinary mecca. Over the past few years, Montreal's palate has broadened, and it features several international cuisines such as Mexican, Indian, Moroccan, Thai, and Portuguese, even though traditional French cuisine still reigns supreme in the city. Montrealers pride themselves on top-notch cuisine, just like the French, and Montreal does have it all whether you crave a little taste of je ne sais quoi, a little taste of Paris, or you're looking for some steak frites or sushi. Bagels, Schwartz's, and poutine are some of the Canadian staples you'll find in the city, and you can always head to Vieux-Montréal if you're craving a bit of Old French cuisine.

Traditional Local Restaurants

Here are some of the popular traditional local restaurants in Montreal;

La Binerie Mont-Royal
Chez Claudette / La Banquise
Beautys Luncheonette
Dic Ann’s
Schwartz's Deli
Cosmos
New System BBQ
Chalet B-B-Q

Vegetarian and Vegan

With something for all tastes and occasions, Montreal boasts an incredible variety of 100% vegetarian and vegan spots;

Restaurant Radis
Bloom Sushi
Lola Rosa
Sushi Momo
Hindusthali
Sham
LOV
Crux Comptoir

Street Food

Food trucks are still a relatively new phenomenon in Montreal but they do rival the traditional restaurants in the city because of their high-quality, convenient cuisine, and with the rapidly increasing popularity of food trucks, street food is more readily available to be best-enjoyed at any of these food trucks;

Landry & Filles
Fous Truck
P.A. & Gargantua
Chaud Dog
Le Tuktuk
Chez Tomio
Dim Sum Montreal

Drink

When it comes to drinking in Montreal, local brews are the deal because of the plenty of microbreweries in the city. Beer drinkers will be glad to be in this city and there is often a “5-à-7” which means “Happy Hour”; during the week at some of the restaurants, bars, and pubs in the city.

Tap-water

You should feel relaxed and safe to drink the tap water in Montreal because the water in the pipes is excellent and the city's tap water has overall excellent quality.

Organic Cafés

Panthère Verte/Green Panther Organic Plant Based Restaurant, La Récolte Espace Local, Copper Branch, and 7 Grains Cafe are some of the best organic cafés in Montreal.

Breweries

Montreal is a DRINKING town and beer lovers will find both local and international microbrews as there are several unusual offerings and classic drafts served at the plentiful brewpubs across the city. Finding a good beer is not a difficult thing to do in Montreal and here are some of the best breweries you'll find around in the city;

Dieu du Ciel
La Succursale
St. Ambroise
Isle de Garde
Brasserie Harricana
HELM
Le Réservoir

Activities

You’re never far from a fun outdoor experience in Montreal whether you decide to bike along the Lachine Canal or explore Parc Mont-Royal because there are lots of outdoor opportunities to enjoy in and around the city and here are some of them;

Bixi to Verdun Beach and Bird Sanctuary
Discover Parc Jean-Drapeau
Walk the Botanical Garden
Take in the summer fireworks from Parc de Dieppe
Bike the Lachine Canal and wandering through Atwater Market
Enjoy tam-tams at Mount Royal Park
Explore Chinatown
Visit a cranberry farm
Visit Jean-Talon Market
Stroll along the streets of Mile End
Grab a Montreal smoked meat sandwich
Try poutine in Poutineville
Visit the Underground City
Take a jet boat down the St. Lawrence River
Explore the Old Port
Wander the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal
Explore Mount Royal
Go Ice skating at the Old Port and Beaver Lake

Yoga and Retreats

You can trust any of these places for your yoga and retreats in Montreal;

Centre SOHA
Sivananda Yoga Centre Montreal
Ashtanga Yoga Montreal
Yoga Bhavana
Luna Yoga
Yoga Club

Accommodation

From family-friendly hotels and business-oriented hotels to luxury properties, stylish boutique hotels, and Airbnb, there are lots of accommodation options in Montreal.

Green Hotels

For your eco-friendly stay in Montreal, you can opt-in for any of these green hotels;

Auberge des Gallant
Château Vaudreuil Hôtel & Suites
Hotel Le Dauphin Montreal Centre Ville
Hôtel Alt Quartier DIX30
Courtyard by Marriott Montreal Airport
Auberge de La Fontaine
Boxotel
Le Crystal

Hostels and Guest Houses

Here are some of the best hostels and guest houses in Montreal;

Samesun Montreal Central
Le Gîte Du Plateau Mont-Royal
Pied-A-Terre Mont-Royal
Auberge Les Bons Matins
Accueil Chez Francois B & B

Apartments

Apartments are not difficult to find in Montreal and those who seek to find a cozy stay where they can stay abreast with most of the ongoing activities in the city can opt-in for an apartment in the Old Port area or Downtown.

Couchsurfing

There's a good chance of finding a host for couchsurfing in Montreal but do well to make proper plans ahead if you'll be going for this option.

Camping

Camping is a great option for those who desire to experience a more authentic side of Montreal and Belvedère the Recre-O-Parc is one of the best places to go camping in Montreal.

How to Get There

There are several options you can explore to get into Montreal.

Air

Known to the locals as Dorval Airport, Montreal's Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport is the main airport serving the city. It's a major hub for WestJet, Air Transat, and Air Canada, and it's served by all major Canadian and U.S. airlines.

The two close-by airports in the United States of America and reachable via a car from Montreal; Burlington International Airport and Plattsburgh International Airport, are also great options to get in the city by air.

Bus

The Gare d'autocars de Montreal is where buses arrive and depart from and there are as well extensive services to Montreal from cities in Maine, Vermont, New York, Quebec, and Ontario. Intercity operators serving the city include Greyhound Lines, Adirondack Trailways, Orléans Express, Megabus, and Greyhound Canada.

Train

Amtrak operates the "Adirondack" service to New York City. More so, fast and comfortable passenger trains are operated by Via Rail Canada to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and destinations in northern Quebec from Montreal along the busy Quebec-Ontario corridor.

Hitchhiking

The only illegal place to hitch in Quebec is on highways.

Others

There's a possibility of getting into the city via bicycle and you can as well get into the city by car to the close-by cities in Canada or the United States as there are some rideshare services offering daily rides from Toronto to Montreal and back for $30-50, amidst other options.

Moving Around

Easy to use and cost-efficient, the Montreal Metro and bus offer a convenient means of getting around, especially if your feet grow weary, and your best options of getting around the city is by public transportation or on foot. You can as well take advantage of the city's public shuttle bus.

Walk

There are some neighborhoods in the city that are walkable and even though the city itself is fairly large, you should enjoy taking a walk in some places in the city. And, you shouldn't rule out walking even if you're visiting during the winter.

Bicycle

Bikes are permitted on public transportation; should you run low on energy, and there are plenty of bike lanes and paths in the city. Biking is pretty safe in this city and you may want to consider renting a bike if you're visiting during the warmer months. There are tons of bicycle rental businesses around town and the city's bike-sharing program, which is BIXI, offers you an opportunity to enjoy biking around by renting a bike.

Electronic Vehicles

You should be able to rent an electronic vehicle to move around the city.

Public Bus

Montreal operates an extensive public transportation system that services the airport, outskirts of town, and the whole city center. You can also get a 10-ride pass for $29 CAD ($22 USD) and an unlimited day pass is $10 CAD ($7.55 USD). It's $6.50 CAD ($4.90 USD) for a return trip and it's $3.50 CAD ($2.65 USD) for one ride.

Tram, Train and Subway

Considering the fact that the constant road construction can cause buses to be delayed, a great option to consider is the STM Metro System. You can use your tickets on both bus and train systems and fares cost the same as bus fares. There are only a few lines though.

Sustainable Shopping

Shopping sustainably is pretty easy in Montreal as there are plentiful eco-friendly shops in the city.

Food Markets

Some of the best food markets in Montreal include;

Jean-Talon Market
Saint-Anne Market
Atwater Market
Maisonneuve Market
Lachine Market

Flea Markets

Market St-Michel Flea, Boutique Jod, and Marché aux Puces Métropolitain are some of the best flea markets in Montreal.

Second Hand Stores

There's no shortage of second-hand stores in Montreal;

Citizen Vintage
Eva B
Ruse Boutique
Kitsch 'n' Swell
Annex Vintage

Eco-Fashion

For your eco-friendly and sustainable fashion in Montreal, you can trust any of these places;

OÖM
Judith & Charles
Kazak
Eve Gravel
Amanda Moss
Matt & Nat
Frank And Oak

Recycling

Montreal has its organized recycling collection and it's a city geared towards environment preservation.

Waste

Montreal has a waste collection schedule for all waste in the city.

Work and Study Abroad

Montreal is not just an attractive location for French speakers, it's also a fine place for work and study abroad in Canada.

Exchange Student

The exchange student program is run by virtually all the universities in the city.

Au Pair

There's a good chance of finding opportunities as an au pair in Montreal.

Volunteering

If you're planning to do some good in Montreal and you're not sure of where to start, here are a few places in the city you can volunteer for;

McGill Childcare Centre
YMCA Quebec
Montreal Children’s Library
Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal
SPCA Montreal
Animatch Dog Adoption
Redpath Museum
Dans la Rue