Quick Guide

Montreal winters are harsh, with average high temperatures in the upper 20s F from December through March. Spring and fall bring cool, crisp temperatures and fewer crowds. Festival season goes into full swing during summers, thanks to warm and sunny weather, so book accommodations well in advance.

Visas

Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. If they’re visiting Canada for less than 180 days, U.S. citizens do not need visas.

Money

The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD), which is roughly equivalent to the U.S. dollar, and ATMs are widespread.

Travel Health

Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

Getting Here

Fly into Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL), 20 minutes from downtown. If you arrive by bus, the main station is downtown’s Montréal Bus Central Station.

Getting Around

The metro (subway) system is reliable, clean, safe and fast. The simple public transit network (just four lines) connects the downtown center to major tourist sites, bus stops and train stations. Taxelco (eco-urban electric taxies) and chauffeured limousine service can also get you where you want to go. Plus, the pedestrian-friendly streets and BIXI public bike-share service make Montreal a walkable, bikeable city.

Local Lingo

Because Montreal is located in the French-speaking province of Quebec, it helps to know a few French phrases, such as bonjour (hello), au revoir (good-bye), s’il vous plaît (please), ami (friend) and merci (thank you).

Must-Have Apps

Air Canada; BIXI; Google Translate; Montreal Underground City; P$ Mobile Service; Transit; WhatsApp; Uber

Insider Tip

Your best bet for exploring Montreal? The affordable Passeport MTL, which gives you access to up to 23 key attractions in the city over a two- or three-day period.

Montreal winters are harsh, with average high temperatures in the upper 20s F from December through March. Spring and fall bring cool, crisp temperatures and fewer crowds. Festival season goes into full swing during summers, thanks to warm and sunny weather, so book accommodations well in advance.

Visas

Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. If they’re visiting Canada for less than 180 days, U.S. citizens do not need visas.

Money

The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD), which is roughly equivalent to the U.S. dollar, and ATMs are widespread.

Travel Health

Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

Getting Here

Fly into Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL), 20 minutes from downtown. If you arrive by bus, the main station is downtown’s Montréal Bus Central Station.

Getting Around

The metro (subway) system is reliable, clean, safe and fast. The simple public transit network (just four lines) connects the downtown center to major tourist sites, bus stops and train stations. Taxelco (eco-urban electric taxies) and chauffeured limousine service can also get you where you want to go. Plus, the pedestrian-friendly streets and BIXI public bike-share service make Montreal a walkable, bikeable city.

Local Lingo

Because Montreal is located in the French-speaking province of Quebec, it helps to know a few French phrases, such as bonjour (hello), au revoir (good-bye), s’il vous plaît (please), ami (friend) and merci (thank you).

Must-Have Apps

Air Canada; BIXI; Google Translate; Montreal Underground City; P$ Mobile Service; Transit; WhatsApp; Uber

Insider Tip

Your best bet for exploring Montreal? The affordable Passeport MTL, which gives you access to up to 23 key attractions in the city over a two- or three-day period.