General information in Montréal
Tips and practical advice in the General information category for Montréal.
Tips in this category
Alcohol consumption in public
View full tipWalking with an open alcoholic beverage or in a park is forbidden and can get fined for it. Make sure it’s hidden or if you are in a park, it has to be viewed as a picnic (so make sure you have food with you at the same time).
How to Get from Montréal-Trudeau Airport to Downtown Montréal
View full tipHow to Get from Montréal-Trudeau Airport to Downtown Montréal
Montréal-Trudeau International Airport is located approximately 20 kilometers from downtown Montréal. On average, the travel time to reach the city center can range from 20 to 45 minutes depending on the mode of transport chosen.
Fastest Way to Reach Downtown
Taking a taxi or rideshare is typically the fastest way to get to downtown Montréal, with an average travel time of about 20 minutes in light traffic. This option is suitable for those prioritizing speed and convenience.
How to Get from Montréal-Trudeau Airport to Downtown
View full tipHow to Get from Montréal-Trudeau Airport to Downtown
Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is located approximately 20 kilometers west of downtown Montréal. Depending on traffic and your chosen mode of transport, travel times can range from 20 to 45 minutes.
Fastest Way to Reach Downtown
The fastest option is typically a taxi or rideshare, especially during off-peak hours, taking around 20-30 minutes. Ideal for those in a hurry.
Cigarettes/ vape
View full tipCigarettes and vaping is very common but absolutely forbidden inside. When you smoke outside, make sure you are at a reasonable distance from the door since there’s a 10 meters minimum distancing requirement which is not really enforced.
Drugs
View full tipThe consumption of Cannabis is legal, and you can buy some at shops called SQDC. You can simply search SQDC on Google Maps. The legal age to buy and consume is 21 and make sure to have an ID. Public consumption is not allowed, but it’s not something you should too much worry about. More information here https://educaloi.qc.ca/en/capsules/7-things-you-should-know-about-cannabis-in-quebec/
Taxes
View full tipTaxes are most of the times not included in most of the prices you will see. Almost everything you will buy will cost you 15% more than what you see on the price tag (with some exceptions but it’s not even worth mentioning ).
CellPhone – Network
View full tipYou can buy a prepaid Simcard at the airport or at any mobile service provider. You won’t be able to buy them anywhere so buy it at the airport if you can. Data is expensive but you will have Wifi almost everywhere.
Police and emergency services
View full tipPhone number : 911 for anything
Police is very responsive and depending on the emergency will get there in no time
Pet Friendliness
View full tipMontréal is more or less pets friendly. Most of the restaurants will not allow you to get in with your dog, even on the terrace. There are many dog parks but just a few downtown.
Internet connection
View full tipInternet connection is usually quite good and very stable. With an average 120 mbits download speed
When to visit
View full tipSo winter is quite cold in Montreal and it lasts foreverrrr 🙂 Ok maybe not for ever but depending on what we consider winter, I would say from the end of November to the beginning of April. If you want to experience the Winter and the snow, you should plan your trip between mid January and beginning of Mars. Make sure you are well equipped. If you don’t have the right clothes, think about renting them for your stay. It will be way cheaper than buying them. There’s even a shop (link to the shop) that offers to pick you up at the airport and bring you your equipment upon your arrival!