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Montreal is Quebec’s largest city and one of Canada’s most multicultural places, shaped by French roots, North American ease, and a constant creative pulse. Food, music, and festivals spill into the streets, and each neighbourhood feels like its own small world. Often called the Paris of North America, it’s a city recognised for its vibrant dining scene, lively nights, and a rhythm that’s impossible not to get caught up in.
The City
Founded as a French colonial settlement in the 17th century, Montreal has grown into a city shaped by centuries of migration, trade, and cultural exchange. Downtown’s wide streets and modern towers sit alongside older neighbourhoods that still reflect the city’s European roots. From Little Italy to Chinatown, Montreal has long been defined by communities living side by side, each leaving a mark on the city’s character.
The cityscape mirrors this mix. Long shopping streets and residential neighbourhoods lead into clusters of glass and steel, while reminders of the past remain firmly in place. Often called the City of a Hundred Bell Towers, Montreal still has landmarks like Saint Joseph’s Oratory and the Basilique Notre-Dame anchoring its skyline and history.
After dark, the city takes on a different rhythm. Festivals, fireworks, late-night dining, and a packed cultural calendar keep streets busy well into the evening, making Montreal as engaging at night as it is during the day.
Do & See
From historical landmarks to eclectic neighbourhoods to lose yourself in, Montreal could very well be one of the coolest places on earth. There is enough to do and see to fill up an entire holiday, and every season brings its own charm. Frozen lakes in winter leave way for flowery mounts in spring, and sunbathing in the summer disappears into the maple colours of fall. With its mix of history, culture, and nature, Montreal never fails to impress
Dining
In a city where cultures mingle as harmoniously as in Montreal, and where the French influence remains strong, one can only expect an incredible gourmet scene. Expectations are more than met in this cosmopolitan megalopolis, and one can savour everything from street food to fine delicacies.
Splurge on traditional Poutines, have a French dinner that may taste even better than in France, or try eats from all over the world. The food here is usually well-served and genuine, from all origins and prepared with love.
Cafés
Montreal takes its café culture seriously, and it shows once you start walking. From quick espresso bars to places made for slow mornings, coffee is part of the city’s daily rhythm. Neighbourhoods like the Plateau Mont-Royal reward wandering, with independent cafés tucked between bookshops, bakeries, and corner stores. Skip the chains, follow your nose, and stop when something looks inviting. There's always a good excuse to stop for a nice cup of joe or a few sweet treats, especially in a city like Montreal.
Bars & Nightlife
As night falls, Montreal gains new vibrancy with its large variety of late-night bars, live-music venues, and frequent festivals. Certain areas, like the Old Port, the Plateau, and Crescent Street, concentrate many of the city’s most popular bars and clubs, making them easy to explore on foot. Whether you’re after jazz, indie music, or creative and colourful cocktails, the 'Paris of North America' offers plenty of options to suit both long nights out and a more measured evening of drinks and conversation.
Shopping
There are an incredible number of opportunities to shop for nearly anything under the sun in Montreal. And with an entire underground network of stores, hotels, and even offices nicknamed 'Underground City,' the cold of winter is no excuse. Huge malls can be found throughout the whole city, but chances are Montreal will win you over with its nice markets, vintage stores, or small local boutiques boasting of true Montreal style.
Tourist Information
Passport & Visa
Citizens of some countries require a visitor visa to enter Canada, while travellers from visa-exempt countries, including most EU member states, Australia, and New Zealand, do not. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when arriving by air, a requirement in place since 2016. An eTA is not needed if entering Canada by land or sea.
Applications are completed online, and travellers from certain countries may be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) as part of the visa process. As entry requirements can change, it’s advisable to check with a Canadian embassy, consulate, or the official government website before travelling.
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Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is located approximately 20–21 km west of downtown Montreal, with travel times usually ranging from 20 to 40 minutes by road, depending on traffic. It is the city’s main international gateway and handles the vast majority of long-haul and international flights.
Travellers have several convenient options to reach the city centre. The STM 747 Express bus operates 24 hours a day, connecting the airport with downtown Montreal and key metro stations in about 40–60 minutes; the fare includes unlimited access to the city’s public transport network for the duration of the pass. Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals area and operate on a fixed fare to downtown, while ride-sharing services such as Uber have designated pick-up zones at the terminal.
Address: 1100 Boulevard René-Lévesque Ouest, Montréal
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Phone: +1 514 633 3333
Website: www.admtl.com/en
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Public Transportation
Montreal has a well-developed public transport system that’s particularly handy for visitors. The STM (Société de transport de Montréal) operates the subway and bus networks, covering the city and most surrounding neighbourhoods. Frequent service and clearly marked routes make it a practical way to reach museums, markets, parks, and other attractions.
For payment, visitors can use the OPUS card, a rechargeable smart card accepted on buses, the subway, and some regional trains. It can be loaded with single trips, multi-day passes, or unlimited day passes, with 24-hour or three-day options being particularly convenient for short stays. Tickets and single-use cards are also available, though OPUS offers the most flexibility.
While public transport is efficient, Montreal is also a highly walkable city, particularly in the downtown core, Old Montreal, and Plateau Mont-Royal. Cycling is also popular, with dedicated lanes and the BIXI bike-share program.
For up-to-date info on timetables, fares, and route maps, check out the STM's official website.
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Taxi
Taxis are widely available in Montreal and can be flagged down on the street, found at designated taxi stands, or booked by phone or app. Téo Taxi is a well-known company operating hybrid and 100% electric vehicles, while local apps like Ici Taxi and IMOOVE, as well as Uber, make requesting a ride quick and straightforward.
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Post Office
Montreal’s post offices are part of Canada Post, the national postal service that handles mail and package delivery, PO boxes, stamps, parcel shipping, and other postal services across Canada. Most Canada Post branches in Montreal operate Monday to Friday, roughly 9am–5pm/6pm. Services include sending and receiving mail and parcels within Canada and internationally, purchasing stamps and postal supplies, renting PO boxes, and basic money‑transfer services.
Address: 1974 Saint-Catherine Street O, Montreal
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Website: www.canadapost.ca
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Pharmacy
In Montreal, the main pharmacy chains include Jean Coutu, Pharmaprix, Uniprix, Familiprix, and Brunet, all of which have numerous locations across the city.
Address: Pharmaprix, 5122 Côte-des-Neiges Road, Montreal
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Phone: +1 514 738 8464
Website: www.pharmaprix.ca
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Telephone
Country code: +1
Area code: 514, 438 and 263
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Electricity
Canada uses 110-volt electricity, 60-cycle electric power, the same as the USA. Power outlets are designed for use with a two-prong plug, and some accept a 3 prong (with ground) plug.
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