Welcome to Montreal

Here you will find all of the necessary information to make the best of your time in Montreal. From arrival and departure information, daily tour pick up times, and general information about the city.

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About Montreal, Quebec

Montreal is commonly referred to as the Paris of North America as it is the world’s second-largest Francophone city. In Montreal’s downtown area, most people are fluent in both French and English so you will have no problems enjoying everything that it has to offer from its culinary, historical, cultural, romantic and trend-setting attractions.

Population – 4.2 Million

Arrival Information:

When arriving in Montreal by air, your best option for transportation is by taxi. Taxis are accessible at the arrivals section close to the central exit.

If we have arranged your hotel private transfer, you will find your driver holding a sign with your name right at the passenger exit.

If you are a visitor to Canada and you are not a citizen of the USA, you may be required to purchase an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This document can be purchased for CAD $7.00 and most applications are approved within minutes of applying. Please visit the following government site for information and to purchase this eTA: Electronic Travel Authorization.

If you are arriving in Montreal by VIA Rail train, the Montreal Central Station is located a short taxi ride away from all downtown hotels. If you are staying at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, the hotel is connected to the station. Right outside the Station exit you will find a taxi stand, if there is none, call Taxi Diamond at : 514 273 6331.

Departure Information:

When departing from Montreal, your hotel front desk staff will be happy to request a taxi. As of 2021, downtown Montreal hotel to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport fares will range between CAD $40-50 per taxi and take approximately 35 minutes depending on the time of service and traffic conditions. Taxis accept all major credit cards, CAD and USD.

If we have arranged your airport private transfer, you will find your driver waiting for you at the hotel lobby at the scheduled time.

If you are departing Montreal by VIA Rail train, the Montreal Central Station is located a short taxi ride away from all downtown hotels and your hotel front desk staff will be happy to request a taxi. If you are staying at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, the hotel is connected to the station.

Restaurant Recommendations:

The Old Montreal area near the downtown hotels offers a wide variety of international and domestic top-notch cuisine. Montreal is also a great place to try some well-known Canadian dishes such as poutine, Montreal smoked meats, or maple syrup-based foods as Quebec is responsible for 85% of the world’s maple syrup production.  Here are a few of our recommendations:

Barroco ~ A rustic traditional restaurant in a cozy and historic setting that is the hallmark of Old Montréal. South of France inspired market cuisine with Spanish influences. Attire: smart casual.
Address: 312 Saint Paul O

Taverne Gaspar ~ A gourmet tavern where you will feel just like at home Gaspar’s kitchen serves up fresh, pub-style cooking and a wide variety of local beers and spirits. Attire: casual.
Address: 89 Rue de la Commune E

Les Pyrenees ~ Authentic South France and Spanish cuisine made with the freshest ingredients in the heart of the Old Port. Attire: casual
Address: 320 Saint-Paul O

Bocata Restaurant Bar a Vin ~ A warm and inviting rustic traditional restaurant and wine bar that combines European and North American hospitality. Attire: smart casual. (Closed until September 1, 2022)
Address: 310 Saint-Paul O

Sightseeing Recommendations:

Discover Montreal by being chauffeured around in a London-style double-decker bus on this Step On, Step Off tour. Bask in the glory of the Notre Dame Basilica, stroll through Chinatown, and walk along the water of the Old Port. Be inspired and spend an afternoon at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Plan your evening and scope out the best bars and restaurants along Crescent Street. With 10 different places to hop-on or hop-off there is no shortage of things to do and places to see. This tour is a unique and informative way to experience Montreal! Highlights include Dorchester Square, Old Montreal, Place Jacques Cartier, Old Port, Square Victoria, Chinatown, Latin Quarter, Quartier des Spectacles, Downtown, Fine Arts Museum, Saint Joseph’s Oratory, and Mount-Royal Park. Buses run from 10 AM to 4 PM with a stop frequency of approximately 15 minutes.

If this has not been included in your tour package and you have free time in Montreal, you will be able to purchase tickets directly through your hotel concierge.

Mount Royal Park is Montreal's version of Central Park in New York. This magnificent urban green space features 200 hectares of astonishing biodiversity and natural beauty. There are a variety of hiking and biking trails, a man-made pond, and plenty of places for one to soak up the sun.

Old Montréal, home to the city's most historic and newest attractions, provides an unbeatable glimpse into city's many lives throughout its extensive history. While the memory of Jeanne Mance, Jacques Cartier and de Maisonneuve can still be felt on the cobblestone streets, Old Montréal and the Old Port make up one of the city’s most constantly evolving and dynamic quarters, with attractions ranging from cathedrals and museums to an observation wheel and river cruises.

A stone's throw from downtown, the Old Port offers something for everyone at any time of year.
Come for the history and admire the Old Montréal's unique architecture by foot, bicycle and even Segway.
Come for the culture and delight in the many restaurants, bistros, bars, cafés and food trucks that cater to all tastes day and night.
Come for the shopping and unearth exclusive items in the many artisans boutiques and galleries tucked away along the cobblestone streets.
Come for the river and cruise along the St. Lawrence, jetboat through the rapids or pedal-boat the day away.
Come to celebrate and partake in the many festivals, outdoor events, shows and more that light up the Old Port throughout the year.
Come to move and cycle on one, two or even four wheels!, squeeze sand between your toes at the Clock Tower Beach, test your courage on the zip lines high above the quays, or ice skate in winter.
Come to discover and learn at the Montréal Science Centre and IMAX® TELUS theatre.

No matter the reason or the season, the Old Port of Montréal is a must to visit!