Canada

Montreal

Montreal: where European charm meets North American energy.

Local time
UTC-5
Population
1.8M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Expensive
  • Food$$$$$About $63 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $142 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $10.7 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇨🇦 CAD =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

YULMontreal / Pierre Elliott Trudeau International AirportMain international gateway, 13 km west of centre.
HowCostTime
Bus 747Downtown (Berri-UQAM)$1145-60 min
Runs 24/7; ticket valid for 24h on STM network.
Landline shuttlePalais des congrès$930-45 min
For Air Canada passengers; every 15-30 min.
TaxiDowntown$40-5020-40 min
Fixed fare to downtown; use taxi lane.
UberDowntown$35-4520-40 min
Pickup at designated zone.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Montreal

Getting around

The metro for most trips; walk in the Plateau and Old Montreal.

  • Metro ★4 lines, frequent and fast. $3.50 per ride or a $10 day pass.
  • BusExtensive network; use the same tickets as the metro.
  • Taxi / ride appsTaxis are available but pricier; Uber and Lyft operate.
  • Rental carTraffic and parking are challenging; not recommended for short visits.
  • Walking ★Great for the Plateau and Old Montreal. BIXI bike-share costs $5 for 24h access, with many bike lanes.
  • River shuttleNo tourist ferry, but river shuttles run in summer.
Recommended stay★ 2 nights (3 days)

Two nights covers Old Montreal, the Plateau and a Mount Royal walk; add a night for museums and a day trip.

Best for
  • CultureMuseums, festivals and the Plateau's street art.
  • FoodBagels, smoked meat, markets and BYOB bistros.
  • HistoryOld Montreal's cobbled lanes, basilica and waterfront.

Weather by month

-6°-14°Jan🌧 12d
-4°-14°Feb🌧 11d
2°-8°Mar🌧 11d
9°-1°Apr🌧 12d
18°7°May🌧 10d
22°13°Jun🌧 14d
25°17°Jul🌧 12d
24°16°Aug🌧 13d
20°12°Sep🌧 9d
13°5°Oct🌧 12d
5°-2°Nov🌧 12d
-1°-8°Dec🌧 13d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Humid continental climate: long cold winters, warm humid summers, and rain in every month.

  • Best time: June to SeptemberWarm days around 20–25°C. Ideal for walking, parks and festivals.
  • Winter is long and coldDecember to March highs sit between -6°C and 2°C, with nights well below freezing. Pack a heavy coat, hat and gloves.
  • Rain all yearExpect roughly 9–14 wet days every month. A compact umbrella is worth carrying.
  • Humid summersJuly and August feel muggy, highs near 24–25°C. Plan outdoor time for mornings.
  • Shoulder seasons are mildMay and September–October are comfortable, around 13–20°C, with fewer crowds.
  • What to packLayers for changing weather, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and warm winter gear if visiting December to March.

Landmarks 14

Must-see · 8

  1. 1

    Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

    A stunning Gothic Revival basilica with a breathtaking blue-and-gold interior, it is Montreal's most iconic sight. Book tickets online in advance and visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds; modest dress is recommended.

  2. 2

    Old Montreal

    The historic heart of the city, with cobblestone streets, 18th-century architecture, and a lively waterfront. Wander on foot and stop at Place Jacques-Cartier; best explored in the morning before tour groups arrive.

  3. 3

    Saint Joseph's Oratory

    Canada's largest church, perched on Mount Royal, draws pilgrims and visitors for its impressive dome and city views. Entry to the basilica is free; take the metro to Côte-des-Neiges and wear comfortable shoes for the climb.

  4. 4

    Mount Royal Park

    Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, this sprawling park offers the best skyline views from the Kondiaronk Belvedere. Go at sunset for a spectacular panorama; it's a short walk from downtown or a quick bus ride.

  5. 5

    Place Jacques-Cartier

    A lively public square in Old Montreal, lined with street performers, cafés, and historic buildings. It's perfect for people-watching; visit in summer when the square is buzzing with activity.

  6. 6

    Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

    One of Canada's most prestigious art museums, with an encyclopedic collection spanning centuries. Check for free admission to the permanent collection on the first Sunday of each month; the museum is easily reached by metro at Guy-Concordia.

  7. 7

    Jean-Talon Market

    One of North America's largest open-air markets, bursting with fresh produce, local cheeses, and artisanal goods. Go hungry and sample the stalls; it's a short walk from Jean-Talon metro station and best visited on weekday mornings.

  8. 8

    Olympic Park and Biodome

    Built for the 1976 Olympics, this complex includes the iconic inclined tower and the Biodome's immersive ecosystems. Buy a combined ticket for the Biodome and tower; take metro line 1 to Pie-IX and allow at least half a day.

1Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal2Old Montreal3Saint Joseph's Oratory4Mount Royal Park5Place Jacques-Cartier6Montreal Museum of Fine Arts7Jean-Talon Market8Olympic Park and Biodome

Cultural

Modern Architecture 2

Market 1

University 1

Museum 1

Urban Hub 1

Park 1

Christian 2

Old Town 1

Historical Square 1

Harbor 1

Activities

Amusement Park 1

Theater 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Montreal

    Ottawa · 2 h 01 by train

    ★★★★☆ · Full day · 197 km from Montreal

    Best way: Direct trains take about 2 hours with no changes and drop you right in central Ottawa.

    Direct VIA Rail trains and Orléans Express buses connect Montreal to Ottawa in roughly 2 hours with no changes.

    • Train ★2 h 01 · from $30-$180
    • Bus3 h 25 · from $30-$45
    • Car2 h 33 · taxi ≈ 340 CAD

    What to see

    • Parliament Hill
    • Rideau Canal
    • ByWard Market
    • National Gallery of Canada
    • Canadian Museum of History

    8 landmark quests to check off here

    Good to know

    • Book ahead for the cheapest fares
    • Parliament tours require advance booking
    • Best in spring for the tulips or early fall

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Montreal rewards visitors with its vibrant neighbourhoods, rich history, and culinary scene. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    2 nights · Culture ★ Recommended length

    Two relaxed days mixing Old Montreal's icons with the Plateau and an evening show.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ CAD 18
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ CAD 73
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Day 1

    Old Montreal culture

    Tickets ≈ CAD 18 pp · taxis ≈ CAD 30
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      09:30–10:30 · ≈ CAD 15–20 adult entry; check current price online

      Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal Landmark quest

      Morning visit to avoid crowds. Check on the day for closures.

      Open Generally daily, morning to late afternoon; closed to tourists during Mass — check on the day · Source

    2. Taxi · 457 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ CAD 10
    3. 2

      10:45–12:45 · Free to walk

      Old Montreal Landmark quest

      Explore on foot from the basilica.

      Open Always open; streets busiest midday · Source

    4. 3

      13:00–13:45 · Free

      Place Jacques-Cartier Landmark quest

      Lunch and a look around.

      Open Always open; restaurants and stalls in season · Source

    5. Taxi · 736 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ CAD 10
    6. 4

      14:30–15:30 · Free to walk; activities cost extra

      Old Port waterfront promenade

      Easy walk along the water.

      Open Promenade always open

    7. Taxi · 334 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ CAD 10
    8. 5

      16:30–19:00 · Spa access roughly CAD 70–100 — check online

      Bota Bota floating spa

      Optional late-afternoon spa unwind. Book ahead — check on the day.

      Open Daily, long hours — check on the day · Source

    Day 2

    Plateau and an evening show

    Tickets ≈ CAD 0 pp · taxis ≈ CAD 43
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      09:30–11:00 · Free entry; donations welcome

      Saint Joseph's Oratory Landmark quest

      Morning visit; terrace views on a clear day.

      Open Daily, roughly 06:30–21:00 — check on the day · Source

    2. Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ CAD 13
    3. 2

      11:30–12:30 · Free

      Plateau Mont-Royal neighbourhood walk

      Walk the neighbourhood streets.

      Open Always open

    4. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ CAD 10
    5. 3

      12:45–13:30 · A few CAD per bagel — cash is handy

      Montreal bagel tasting (St-Viateur and Fairmount)

      Quick lunch of fresh bagels.

      Open Shops open long hours daily — check on the day

    6. Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ CAD 10
    7. 4

      14:30–15:15 · Free to walk the campus

      McGill University Landmark quest

      Short ride downtown for a campus stroll.

      Open Campus open daily; buildings have their own hours · Source

    8. Taxi · 1227 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CAD 10
    9. 5

      19:00–20:30 · Varies by show — check the programme

      Place des Arts Landmark quest

      Check the programme and book a show in advance.

      Open Box office and venues open around performance times · Source

    2 nights · Culture ★ Recommended length

    First-timers who want the basilica, the Plateau and a show, at an easy pace.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ CAD 18
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ CAD 60
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Day 1

    Old Montreal icons

    Tickets ≈ CAD 18 pp · taxis ≈ CAD 20
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      09:00–10:00 · ≈ CAD 15–20 adult entry; check current price online

      Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal Landmark quest

      Go early to beat the crowds. Check Mass times on the day.

      Open Generally daily, morning to late afternoon; closed to tourists during Mass — check on the day · Source

    2. Taxi · 457 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ CAD 10
    3. 2

      10:15–12:15 · Free to walk

      Old Montreal Landmark quest

      Wander the cobbled lanes from the basilica to the waterfront.

      Open Always open; streets busiest midday · Source

    4. 3

      12:30–13:45 · Free

      Place Jacques-Cartier Landmark quest

      Lunch on or near the square. Terrace season is summer only.

      Open Always open; restaurants and stalls in season · Source

    5. Taxi · 736 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ CAD 10
    6. 4

      14:15–15:15 · Free to walk; activities cost extra

      Old Port waterfront promenade

      Stroll the Old Port promenade. Return at sunset if you have energy.

      Open Promenade always open

    Day 2

    Plateau and downtown culture

    Tickets ≈ CAD 0 pp · taxis ≈ CAD 40
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      09:00–09:45 · A few CAD per bagel — cash is handy

      Montreal bagel tasting (St-Viateur and Fairmount)

      Breakfast: warm bagels on St-Viateur and Fairmount.

      Open Shops open long hours daily — check on the day

    2. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ CAD 10
    3. 2

      10:00–11:00 · Free

      Plateau Mont-Royal neighbourhood walk

      Staircase houses and street art. Walk uphill toward the park.

      Open Always open

    4. Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ CAD 10
    5. 3

      11:15–12:45 · Free

      Mount Royal Park Kondiaronk Lookout

      Kondiaronk Lookout gives the best skyline view.

      Open Park open daily, roughly 06:00–24:00 · Source

    6. Taxi · 1058 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CAD 10
    7. 4

      14:00–14:45 · Free to walk the campus

      McGill University Landmark quest

      Walk down through campus. Weekdays feel liveliest.

      Open Campus open daily; buildings have their own hours · Source

    8. Taxi · 1227 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CAD 10
    9. 5

      19:30–21:00 · Varies by show — check the programme

      Place des Arts Landmark quest

      Book a show in advance. Check the box office for what is on.

      Open Box office and venues open around performance times · Source

    Swap in instead

    • Add a half-day on Mount Royal: walk up from the Plateau for city views, or take bus 11 to the lookout.
    • Cross to the south shore for a different view: check river shuttles in summer, or take the metro to Parc Jean-Drapeau.
    • Rainy day? Swap a walk for the Museum of Fine Arts or the McCord Stewart Museum; check opening hours on the day.

    Getting around

    • Metro: 4 lines, frequent and fast; fares $3.50 per ride or day pass $10.
    • Buses: extensive network; use same tickets as metro.
    • Taxis: available but pricier; Uber and Lyft operate.
    • Driving: traffic and parking are challenging; not recommended for short visits.
    • Walking/bikes: BIXI bike-share $5 for 24h access; many bike lanes.
    • Ferry: none for tourists, but river shuttles exist in summer.

    Where to stay

    • Downtown · ≈ CAD 180–420 a night
      Central for shopping, museums and the main metro lines; easy walk to the Plateau and Old Montreal.
    • Old Montreal · ≈ CAD 220–550 a night
      Cobbled streets, the basilica and the waterfront on your doorstep; prettiest at night.
    • Plateau Mont-Royal · ≈ CAD 130–320 a night
      Cheaper, lively and full of cafés and BYOB restaurants; walk up to Mount Royal park.
    • Quartier des Spectacles · ≈ CAD 170–400 a night
      Next to the main festival venues and a short walk from both Downtown and Old Montreal.

    Food & drink

    • Try the local classics: a Montreal bagel (chewier and sweeter than New York's), smoked meat sandwiches, and poutine.
    • Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy is great for cheese, produce and cheap snacks; Atwater Market is closer to Downtown.
    • Many small restaurants in the Plateau are BYOB — bring your own wine from a corner store (dépanneur) to save money.
    • Brunch is a local ritual; expect queues on weekend mornings, so go early or book ahead.
    • Prices vary widely: a casual lunch is roughly $12–20, dinner mains around $20–35. Check menus on the day.

    Tips

    1. French is the official language; greeting people with a simple 'Bonjour' is polite before switching to English
    2. Poutine and Montreal-style smoked meat sandwiches are essential culinary experiences
    3. Winter is bitterly cold; utilize the massive Underground City to stay warm while shopping and commuting
    4. Buy an OPUS card for easy access to the metro and bus network
    5. During summer, the city comes alive with massive street fairs and the International Jazz Festival
    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

    Old Montreal
    Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
    Place Jacques-Cartier
    • Walk the cobblestone streets of the old town with a local guide
    • Hear the history behind the basilica and the old port
    • 1,588 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Top ratedSmall group

    The Original Old Montréal Walking Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (1,588)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Montreal Underground City
    • Explore the vast RESO underground network
    • Ride the metro and REM with your guide
    • 475 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Metro includedAll-weather

    RESO Underground City Tour with Métro & REM Rides

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (475)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Jean-Talon Market
    • Sample Quebec cheeses and specialties in Mile End
    • Discover neighborhood food spots with a guide
    • 382 reviews · 4.9 rating
    Tastings includedLocal food

    Mile End Foodie Tour with Tasting

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (382)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
    • See the AURA light-and-sound experience inside the basilica
    • Add a river cruise to the evening
    • 178 reviews · 4.5 rating
    Entry includedEvening show

    AURA Experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and Cruise

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.5 (178)

    Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

    Mount Royal Park
    Old Montreal
    Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
    • Cover the main sights by bus in a few hours
    • Get oriented with commentary on the city's history
    • 3,524 reviews · 4.4 rating
    Most reviewedCity overview

    Guided Bus Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.4 (3,524)

    Souvenirs

    Quebec Maple Butter

    CAD 10–18150-250g · estimate

    A spread made from 100% maple syrup, a sweet and smooth treat that reflects Quebec's long maple tradition.

    Where: Maple specialty stalls at Marché Jean-Talon
    Check the storage instructions before opening, since they can vary by product.

    Montreal Bagel

    CAD 8–166-12 pieces · estimate

    A bagel made by the traditional Montreal method, a local favorite known for its slightly sweet, dense style.

    Where: St-Viateur Bagel or Fairmount Bagel
    Buy close to your departure or eat within a short time, as bagels go stale quickly.

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

    Search flights · Trip.com

    Hotels

    Search all Montreal hotelsHotels.com

    Popular hotels

    eSIM

    Get an eSIM for MontrealStay connected in Canada from day one · Airalo
    Compare all 4 plans · choose data and duration

    Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

    Luggage storage

    Store your bags in MontrealDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce