Montreal

Montréal offers unique experiences in every season:

• June–September (Summer): Best for festivals, outdoor dining, and exploring the city on foot.
• October–November (Fall): Ideal for fall foliage, fewer crowds, and cooler weather.
• December–February (Winter): Perfect for winter festivals, ice skating, and holiday markets.
• March–May (Spring): A great time for blooming gardens, maple syrup season, and mild temperatures.

• Old Montréal & Old Port: A historic district with cobblestone streets, charming cafés, and scenic waterfront views.
• Notre-Dame Basilica: A stunning Gothic Revival church with breathtaking stained glass and ornate interiors.
• Mount Royal Park: A beautiful urban park offering panoramic views of the city from the summit.
• Jean-Talon Market: A must-visit for fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and authentic Québécois specialties.
• Musée des Beaux-Arts (Montreal Museum of Fine Arts): A world-class museum showcasing fine art and contemporary exhibits.
• Saint Joseph’s Oratory: A magnificent basilica perched on Mount Royal, known for its impressive dome.
• Underground City: A vast network of tunnels connecting shopping centers, restaurants, and metro stations—great for winter visits.
• Biodome & Botanical Gardens: A family-friendly attraction with diverse ecosystems and beautifully curated gardens.
• Plateau Mont-Royal: A trendy neighborhood known for its colorful murals, indie boutiques, and vibrant nightlife.
• La Ronde Amusement Park: A fun-filled theme park with roller coasters and carnival rides, open seasonally.

• Poutine: Crispy fries topped with cheese curds and savory gravy—a Montréal staple.
• Montreal-Style Bagels: Smaller, denser, and sweeter than New York bagels, best from Fairmount or St-Viateur.
• Smoked Meat Sandwich: A must-try from Schwartz’s Deli, featuring tender, spiced beef on rye.
• Tourtière: A traditional Québécois meat pie, often served during the holidays.
• Maple Syrup Treats: From maple taffy on snow to maple butter, a sweet Québec specialty.
• Beaver Tails: Deep-fried pastry shaped like a beaver tail, topped with cinnamon sugar or chocolate.
• Cretons: A spiced pork spread often eaten at breakfast.
• Tire d’érable (Maple Taffy): A winter treat made by pouring hot maple syrup onto snow.
• Foie Gras & Duck Confit: French-inspired delicacies that Montréal excels in.
• Craft Beer & Ice Cider: Québec’s craft beer scene is booming, and ice cider is a local specialty.

• Flights: Arrive at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL).
• Metro & Buses: The STM (Société de transport de Montréal) offers a reliable metro and bus system.
• BIXI Bike Rentals: A fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city.
• Walking: Many neighborhoods, including Old Montréal and the Plateau, are best explored on foot.
• Taxis & Uber: Both are available and convenient for getting around.
• Train & Bus: VIA Rail and intercity buses connect Montréal to other major cities in Canada and the U.S.

• For Canadian travelers: No special documents required.
• For U.S. travelers: A valid passport is required for entry into Canada.
• For international travelers: Check Canada’s visa requirements based on your nationality.
• eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): Required for visa-exempt travelers flying into Canada.

• Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD).
• Credit cards: Widely accepted, especially Visa and Mastercard.
• ATMs: Available throughout the city, offering competitive exchange rates.
• Cash: Useful for small vendors, food markets, and tips.

• French is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
• Bilingual signs are common in major areas, and most service staff are bilingual.
• Learning a few basic French phrases (like “Bonjour” and “Merci”) is appreciated by locals.

• Politeness matters—always greet with “Bonjour” before speaking in English.
• Tipping is customary (15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars).
• Public displays of affection are common—Montréal has a European-style social culture.
• Recycling and composting are encouraged—follow waste disposal guidelines.
• Cafés often have self-seating—waiters will approach you for orders.

• Restaurants: 15–20% tip is standard, but some places include a service charge.
• Bars: $1–2 per drink or 15% of the total bill.
• Hotels: $2–5 per bag for bellhops, $2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis & Rideshares: 10–15% tip is appreciated but not required.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: $10–20 per person for great service.

• For peak travel season (June–September): Book 6–12 months in advance for hotels and flights.
• For festival season (July – Just for Laughs, Jazz Fest, etc.): Book accommodations as early as possible.
• For winter travel: Booking a few weeks ahead is usually fine.
• For top-rated restaurants: Make reservations a few days to weeks in advance.

• No COVID-19 test is required for entry, but check for updates before traveling.
• Some attractions and restaurants require reservations, especially during peak season.
• Outdoor activities are weather-dependent, so check conditions before planning hikes or river cruises.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com