Montreal holidays

How to reach Montréal

• Flight time: Direct flights to Montréal from London take around 7 to 8 hours. Departures are typically from London Heathrow, with connections also available from other UK cities like Manchester and Edinburgh.

• Transfer time: From Montréal Airport to the city centre it’s a 20- to 45-minute ride by taxi, depending on traffic. The most convenient option is the 747 Express bus, running 24 hours a day, which reaches downtown Montréal in 45 minutes.

• Price: The 747 Express bus costs CAD11 and includes unlimited travel on public transport for 24 hours. You’ll have to spend around CAD40 on a taxi.

Best time to visit Montréal

The best time for holidays to Montréal depends on what your expectations are.

• June to August is Montréal’s summer and high season, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 27°C and moderate rain. You can expect as many as 8 to 10 hours of sunshine daily, so if you’re into festivals like the Montréal Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs, it’s the perfect moment to arrive.

• September to November brings cooler temperatures, from 5°C to 18°C, but vibrant autumn foliage adds a beautiful backdrop to the city. Rain increases slightly, and there are about 6 to 8 hours of sunshine per day. It’s a nice, quieter time to explore Montréal’s many attractions.

• December to February offers a winter wonderland with temperatures often below freezing, ranging from –10°C to 0°C, so pack warm. Winter festivals and outdoor ice skating rinks make this an exciting time to visit.

• March to May brings spring to Montréal and is a good time for a peaceful visit, without the summer crowds. With temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C, the city begins to thaw from winter and enjoys the pleasant 5 to 7 hours of sunshine a day.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: French is the official language in Montréal, but English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Montréalers are known for their politeness and hospitality. A friendly “bonjour” or “merci” goes a long way. It’s customary to tip 15 to 20 percent in restaurants, bars, and for services.

• Currency: Montréal uses the Canadian Dollar. ATMs are widely available, and major credit and debit cards are accepted.

• Getting around: Montréal’s public transport system is efficient, with a reliable Métro and bus network. A single ticket costs around CAD3.50. You can also purchase the Opus card for easy top-up.

• Electricity and plug types: Canada uses 120 volts, and plugs are Type A and B, so UK travellers need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Montréal is on Eastern Standard Time, which is GMT–5, and observes Daylight Saving Time.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, which can be applied online.

Best things to do in Montréal

This city bursts with culture, history and natural beauty so Montréal holidays promise a blend of experiences that cater to all tastes.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Mont-Royal: Rising above downtown, at 233 metres and with a park on its crest, Mont-Royal is Montréal’s top landmark. It offers one of the most magnificent panoramic views of the city and is an ideal spot for photos.

• La Grande Roue de Montréal (The Big Wheel of Montréal): Want to rise above it all? Climb aboard La Grande Roue de Montréal, the tallest observation wheel in Canada. Take in sweeping views, from the waterfront to the skyline. The wheel runs year-round – the gondolas are air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter.

• Tour de l’Horloge (Clock Tower): Rising 51 metres above sea level, the Tour de l’Horloge boasts 192 steps which lead up to the observatory and will reward you with excellent views of the harbour, the St Lawrence Seaway, Vieux-Montréal, the islands and Mont-Royal.

The best districts

• Vieux-Montréal (Old Montréal): This charming, cobblestoned district feels like stepping back in time. You can explore centuries-old buildings, wander through quaint streets, and enjoy cafés and galleries. Place d’Armes and Place Jacques-Cartier are two of the area’s highlights.

• The Plateau Mont-Royal: Known for its vibrant art scene and bohemian vibe, the city’s cultural melting pot has innovative restaurants, wild nightlife and relaxed cafés. Walk along St Denis Street and Avenue Mont-Royal to experience the local culture.

• Le Quartier des Spectacles: Montréal’s entertainment hub, Le Quartier des Spectacles hosts the city’s most exciting events, including the renowned Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs and Francofolie.

Parks and gardens

• Jardin Botanique (Botanic Garden): One of the largest botanical gardens in the world, its highlights include a Japanese garden, with ponds of water lilies crossed by delicate bridges, and the Chinese garden which is especially resplendent during the autumn lantern festival. It’s a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

• Jean-Drapeau Park: Jean-Drapeau Park comprises Île Ste-Hélène and the artificial Île Notre-Dame. The islands, east of downtown Montréal in the St Lawrence River, feature beaches, canals, gardens and more, and are ideal for a relaxing day out.

Historical monuments

• Notre-Dame Basilica: The facade of Notre-Dame may be plain but the basilica is really breathtaking inside. The gilt and sky-blue interior, flooded with light from three rose windows unusually set in the ceiling, and flickering with multicoloured votive candles, is definitely a sight to remember.

• St Joseph’s Oratory: Nowhere is the role of religion more obvious than at St Joseph’s Oratory, the church that rises 152 metres above the street on the western summit of Mont-Royal. Known for its impressive dome, beautiful views and serene atmosphere, the oratory is a peaceful place to reflect and explore.

• Château Ramezay: The long and low fieldstone manor of the Museum of Château Ramezay, set in stately gardens, looks much as it did in 1705. The museum showcases over 500 years of Montréal’s history through artefacts, artwork and interactive exhibits.

Day trips in the area

• Mont-Tremblant: Just a 90-minute drive from Montréal, this famous ski resort is a year-round destination. In the winter, you can hit the slopes, while in the summer, it’s a paradise for hiking, mountain biking and other outdoor activities.

• Eastern Townships: This area, with swaying fields and farmland punctuated by time-capsule villages – spruced up with inns, art galleries and antique shops – has become a readily accessible country getaway for Montréalers. So when in Montréal, do as the Montréalers do and enjoy a relaxing day trip to the Eastern Townships.

• Île d’Orléans: About a 3-hour drive from Montréal, is tranquil, charming Île d’Orléans where the agricultural landscape is dotted with holiday rental homes and inns. Offering beautiful views of the St Lawrence River, the island is ideal for a relaxing day out.

Activities for families in Montréal

Montréal is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities that will keep both kids and adults entertained.

• Biodôme de Montréal: The Biodôme de Montréal is an environmental masterpiece comprising a variety of ecosystems: tropical, Laurentian forest, St Lawrence maritime, Labrador coast and polar. It’s both entertaining and educational, for kids and adults alike.

• Montréal Science Centre: This interactive museum entirely devoted to science and technology has lots of exhibits that will captivate young minds. Kids will love the hands-on activities and IMAX films.

• La Ronde: Montréal’s largest amusement park is located on Île Ste-Hélène. With roller coasters, family-friendly rides and water attractions, it’s a perfect day out for thrill-seekers.

Free things to do in Montréal

Montréal offers plenty of activities that don’t cost a thing, making it an ideal destination for budget travellers.

• Festivals: Montréal is famous for its festivals, many of which are free to attend. In the summer, you can listen to outdoor concerts during the Montréal International Jazz Festival or watch street performances during Just for Laughs.

• Montréal Museum of Fine Arts: Admission to the permanent collections at the museum is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of the month, allowing you to explore art from around the world at no cost.

• Barbie Expo: Barbie Expo is the world’s largest permanent exhibition of Barbie dolls, featuring dolls dressed by leading designers, including Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, and more. And the good news is admission is free.

Local dishes in Montréal

One of the great delights of holidays to Montréal is indulging in all the culinary delicacies that make this city a foodie’s dream.

Some typical dishes

• Poutine: Poutine are French fries covered in melted mozzarella cheese or cheese curds and gravy, a must-try during your visit to Montréal. Simple but delicious!

• Bagels: One of the best snacks you can find in the city are chewy Montréal-style bagels. Being quite small and dense wood-fired baked treats, bagels make a perfect quick treat if you’re on the go.

Meat dishes

• Montréal Smoked Meat Sandwiches: Typically served on rye bread with yellow mustard, this tender, flavourful smoked beef meat is a Montréal staple.

• Tourtière: This spiced meat pie, filled with minced beef, pork or veal, can be found in many Montréal establishments and is really difficult to resist.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Maple-glazed Salmon: This is a perfect blend of Canadian flavours, namely sweet maple syrup combined with the richness of salmon, with the addition of soy sauce and garlic.

Sweets and desserts

• Maple Syrup Treats: As a Canadian staple, maple syrup is featured in many desserts, from maple taffy to maple-glazed doughnuts.

• BeaverTails: These deep-fried dough pastries, shaped like – you guessed it – a beaver’s tail, are topped with a variety of sweet toppings like cinnamon sugar, fruit or Nutella.

Local drinks

• Ice Cider: Made from frozen apples and with a characteristic sweet, rich flavour, it’s a uniquely Canadian drink. Makes a perfect pair for dessert or can be sipped on its own.

• Craft Beer: Montréal boasts a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous microbreweries scattered throughout the city.