CA
Montreal
A French-speaking island city with a historic old port, festivals and a famous food scene
A French-speaking island city with a historic old port, festivals and a famous food scene
Cobbled streets, stone buildings and the Old Port on the river, with Place Jacques-Cartier, restaurants and the Pointe-à-Callière archaeology museum.
Photo: Tony Webster, CC BY 2.0
A Gothic Revival church completed in 1829, with a deep blue, gilded interior. It hosts a sound and light show in the evenings.
There is an entry fee.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
The hill that gives the city its name, with a park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. The Kondiaronk Belvedere has the classic view over downtown.
On summer Sundays, drummers gather at the Tam-Tams by the George-Étienne Cartier monument.
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0
One of North America’s largest open-air markets, in Little Italy, with Quebec produce, cheese, maple products and food stalls.
Photo: Jeangagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0
Try Montreal-style bagels (from St-Viateur or Fairmount), smoked meat sandwiches, poutine (fries with cheese curds and gravy) and maple treats.
The Plateau, Mile End and Little Italy have many restaurants, and you can bring your own wine to many of them (look for “Apportez votre vin”).
Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is about 30 to 45 minutes from downtown by taxi or the 747 express bus. The metro is efficient, and the underground city links many downtown buildings.
Most visa-exempt visitors flying to Canada, including EU, UK and Australian citizens, need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which costs CAN$7 online. US citizens need only a valid passport. Some nationalities need a visitor visa instead. Check current rules before you travel.
Montreal is a little cheaper than Toronto or Vancouver. Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAN$). Prices are usually shown without sales tax, which is added at the till, and tipping of 15–20% is expected in restaurants.
Hotels fill up during the Grand Prix and summer festivals.
Old town, the mountain and food.
Explore Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica and the Old Port.
Walk up Mount Royal for the view, then explore the Plateau and Mile End for bagels.
Visit the Jean-Talon Market, then the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts or the Botanical Garden.
🛂 Entry rules: Canada eTA
Visa-exempt visitors flying to or through a Canadian airport, including UK, EU, Australian and Japanese citizens, need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). It costs CA$7, is usually approved within minutes and lasts five years or until your passport expires.
You don’t need one if you arrive by land or sea, and US citizens and US green-card holders are exempt. Apply only on the Government of Canada website.
Official information: Government of Canada: apply for an eTA · Reviewed September 2026
Sales tax is added at the till, and restaurants expect a 15–20% tip.
French is the main language; a “Bonjour” before switching to English is appreciated.
Winters are very cold; the underground city helps you get around downtown.
Book early for the Jazz Festival (late June–early July).
Quick answers for planning time in Montreal.
Most visa-exempt visitors arriving by air need an eTA (CAN$7, applied for online). US citizens do not need one; some other nationalities need a visa.
Yes, most people in central Montreal speak English as well as French.
Bagels, smoked meat sandwiches and poutine.
By the 747 express bus or by taxi, in about 30 to 45 minutes.
May to October, especially summer for festivals and autumn for colours.
English is the main language, but in Quebec French dominates; a translation app helps with menus and signs.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Canada travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.