10 Tips for Your First Visit to Montreal
Montreal is a beautiful city in Quebec Province of Canada. Consider these ten tips to make the most out of your trip. Read Here!
Tips for Your First Visit to Montreal
In the province of Quebec, Montreal is one of the most attractive cities in Canada. You will find a lot to do, see, try, and enjoy. If it is your first time traveling, consider these ten tips to visit Montreal and enjoy your experience to the fullest. Read on!
1. Apply for ETA
The first of this list of tips to visit Montreal is probably the most important: apply for your ETA (electronic travel authorization). Although Montreal no longer asks for a visa from most countries, you have to do this process before traveling. To do so, you have to enter the official site.
2. Invest in Passeport MTL
If you want to stay in the city for several days, it’s a good idea to buy the Passeport MTL, which gives you access to 28 of the city’s most important attractions for 48 at the most affordable price. In addition, you can leverage the unlimited use of public transport.
3. Consider Taxes
In Canada, the prices of merchandise and food are not necessarily included in the label or menu and are added until you pay. In total, they add almost an additional 15% of the market price. Take it into account and avoid surprises.
4. Leave 10% to 15% Tip
In Montreal, the tip is not included in the restaurant bill. The usual percentage ranges from 10% to 15%. If you go in a large group, a tip of 15% to 18% is usually automatically added to your bill. If you go to a buffet, it is recommended to leave 2 CAD (if the waiter brings the drinks) or 1 CAD if it is self-service.
5. Choose the Traveling Season
Another of the best tips for traveling to Montreal is to choose the season of your trip well. Although the city is ideal for visiting all year round, it offers radically different experiences depending on the season.
Spring sees cool to warm weather when the city’s beautiful gardens and parks turn green. On the other hand, summer offers temperatures around 21 degrees Celsius, endless festivals, and high prices.
Fall has mild weather and spectacularly colored foliage. During winter, the temperature drops to -10 degrees Celsius, and it can snow a lot, but you can experience nature differently. The best season to visit Montreal is from March to May, and from September to November, the city has the best weather and the least crowds.
6. Prepare for the Winters
If you are not afraid of the cold, traveling to Montreal in winter is a great idea, as there are tons of activities to enjoy, from snow sports to festivals. However, traveling in the snow has its complications.
Remember, this doesn’t just mean a thick jacket, but garments created to protect you from sub-zero temperatures, the most normal during January and February. What you need to pack is warm clothing, long-sleeved shirts, a sweater or sweatshirts, and a snow jacket, as well as a scarf, gloves, and an umbrella.
7. Enjoy Free Events
Although Montreal is an expensive city, it has the enormous advantage that it offers a large number of free events and open-air festivals throughout the year. For example, you can see the fireworks of the International Fireworks Competition from the Old Port or the Jacques Cartier bridge
Don’t forget to enjoy free shows at festivals like the International Jazz Festival or Just For Laughs , explore city parks, stroll along the Lachine Canal, and more. Montreal offers something to everyone. So, it is wise to leverage the free events.
8. Take Advantage of Happy Hour
If you see a 5-to-7 sign outside a restaurant, it means the happy hour. It means discounts on alcoholic beverages and food and full menus in Montreal. Using it wisely, you can save a lot of money and make the most out of your trip.
9. Take the 747 Bus
Unlike other destinations, getting to and from the airport doesn’t have to be expensive. Just take the 747 bus; it connects the airport to downtown Montreal in 40 minutes. That way, you can save a lot of money and enjoy a cozy ride.
10. Learn Some French phrases
Although practically all Montrealers speak English, the city’s primary language is French. Therefore, it never hurts to know a few phrases to communicate. The locals are usually warmer and go the extra mile to help you or show you around the city.
Final Words
Montreal is one of the most attractive cities in terms of everything in Canada. It has unique architectural buildings, French-influenced culture, and delectable food. If this is your first time traveling to Montreal, consider these top tips. Good Luck!
- Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
- Photos from Unsplash & canva.
