Travel To Montreal: What You Need To Know

Montreal, Canada's second-largest city, is a popular tourist destination. It is known for its rich history, culture, and diverse attractions. Visitors can explore the charming Old Montreal, with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings, and enjoy the city's vibrant culinary and nightlife scenes, including its renowned jazz clubs. Montreal also offers beautiful parks, such as Mont Royal, and a range of museums and art galleries. When planning a trip to Montreal, it is important to consider factors such as transportation, accommodation, and the best times to visit to make the most of your stay.

Travel to Montreal by air

As of October 2022, there are no COVID-19 pre-entry or arrival tests required for travel to Canada by air, land, or sea. However, it is recommended that you check for any updates to travel requirements before your departure.

When flying to Montreal, you will arrive at Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, located about 20 km from the city centre. The airport is the third busiest in the country and is a hub for Air Canada, Air Transat, and Sunwing Airlines.

To get to the city centre from the airport, you can take a 747 shuttle bus, which runs 24/7 with a frequency of 30 minutes during peak hours and every 60 minutes during off-peak hours. The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. There is also the option of taking a taxi or an Uber, which will take about 30 minutes.

Montreal is a vibrant city with a lot to offer. Known for its cobblestoned colonial neighbourhoods, historic churches, and thriving culinary scene, there is something for everyone. Here are some highlights and must-see attractions:

• Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal): Wander through the cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful 18th- and 19th-century limestone buildings. Don't miss Notre-Dame Basilica, Montréal City Hall, and the Bonsecours Market.
• Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal: Adorned with intricate statues and colourful stained-glass windows, this Gothic Revival church is one of the city's most visited sites.
• Parc du Mont-Royal: Designed by the same architect as NYC's Central Park, this park offers great views of the city and is a popular spot for joggers, picnickers, and dog walkers.
• Montreal Botanical Garden: With 10 large greenhouses and over 20,000 species of flora, this botanical garden is a great escape from the city.
• Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: Canada's most prestigious museum boasts a collection of over 45,000 paintings, sculptures, and decorative art objects.
• St. Joseph's Oratory: The largest shrine in the world dedicated to St. Joseph, this beautiful Italian-Renaissance-style building offers incredible views of the city.
• Jean-Talon Market: One of the largest and oldest public markets in North America, offering a unique shopping experience.

Montreal is a great destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, with its rich history, culture, and cuisine.

Travel to Montreal by land

If you're planning to travel to Montreal by land, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, make sure you have all the necessary documentation, such as a passport or other accepted identification, as well as proof of vaccination if required.

When driving to Montreal from the USA, there are a few different routes you can take depending on your starting point. If you're coming from New York City or the surrounding area, you'll cross the border at Plattsburgh and then take Autoroute 15 into downtown Montreal. This route offers a scenic approach to the city. Alternatively, if you're travelling from Boston, you'll take Interstate Highway 93 to Highway 89 as you cross into New Hampshire, then follow Interstate 89 north to the border, where it turns into Highway 133 and eventually Autoroute 10, which leads into downtown Montreal.

It's important to note that street signs in Montreal will be in French, so be prepared for that. Additionally, remember to follow all Canadian customs and immigration procedures when crossing the border. You may need to declare certain items and provide proof of your reason for visiting, such as hotel bookings or return travel.

Lastly, keep in mind that Montreal has a very walkable city centre, so you may not need a car once you arrive. The public transportation system, including the Montréal Métro and bus, is both convenient and affordable.

Travel to Montreal by sea

When travelling to Montreal, it is important to note that there are no longer any COVID-19-related travel restrictions or requirements in Canada as of October 2022. However, it is still recommended to wear masks on planes and trains.

Travel to Montreal by cruise ship

As of October 2022, there are no COVID-19 pre-entry or arrival tests required for travel to Canada by air, land or sea, including by cruise ship. However, it is recommended that you check for the latest updates on government websites closer to your date of travel.

Montreal is a popular cruise destination, with several cruise lines offering trips to and from the city. Cruises from Montreal often range from 10-14 nights, with prices starting at $729. Some of the popular cruise lines that operate from Montreal include Royal Caribbean Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, and Viking Ocean Cruises.

Montreal has a lot to offer for visitors, with its bustling culinary scene, cobblestoned colonial neighborhoods, historic churches, and vibrant festivals. Here are some of the top attractions to explore when visiting Montreal by cruise ship:

• Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal): Wander through the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, taking in the beautiful 18th and 19th-century limestone buildings. Highlights include Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal City Hall, and Bonsecours Market.
• Mount Royal: Located in the heart of the city, Mount Royal offers stunning views of the city skyline, port, and water. Don't miss the Cross, which was first placed on Mount Royal in 1643 and is illuminated nightly. Mount Royal Park is a popular spot for outdoor activities all year round.
• Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal: Adorned with intricate statues, colorful stained-glass windows, and a 12-ton bell, Notre-Dame Basilica is one of the city's most visited sites. It hosts an evening light and sound show that showcases its spectacular architecture.
• Montreal Botanical Garden: With over 20,000 plant, flower, and tree varieties, the Montreal Botanical Garden is one of the largest in the world. It features themed gardens, including Chinese, Japanese, and First Nations Gardens, and hosts various events, concerts, and festivals during the summer.
• Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal: Located on Mount Royal, Saint Joseph's Oratory is Canada's largest church. It is a popular pilgrimage site, welcoming millions of visitors each year to admire its timeless beauty and incredible views of the city.
• Old Port of Montreal: Take a spin on the observation wheel, shop at Marche Bonsecours, or explore the charming cafes and art galleries in this historic district.
• Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: Montreal's most prestigious museum houses over 45,000 paintings, sculptures, decorative art objects, and multimedia installations. It features works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, El Greco, Renoir, Cézanne, and Picasso.

Travel to Montreal from the US

Travelling to Montreal from the US is possible by air, train, bus, or car. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind, especially regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Measures

As of January 2021, travellers were concerned about potential changes in COVID-19 measures, including a mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine for travellers returning from abroad, which they would have to pay for themselves. This was in response to the spread of COVID-19 variants that brought "transmission that's almost exponential" to places in Europe and Ontario.

As of September 2023, tourists are once again allowed to enter Canada, and vaccinations are not required to visit Canada from the US. COVID tests are also no longer required, but masks are still recommended.

Air Travel

When travelling by air, it's important to note that Canadian international airports typically do not allow direct airside transit. This means that layovers at a Canadian airport can be time-consuming and expensive for citizens of certain countries. Most visitors to Canada, even those only transiting through an airport, are required to have a valid visa or, for citizens of select countries, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). The eTA costs $7 and is denied to people with a criminal record. US citizens and travellers with a visa are exempt from the eTA.

Train Travel

You can also travel to Montreal from New York by train. The journey takes approximately 11 hours and 23 minutes, and tickets can be purchased from Amtrak for as low as $74 one-way. Pets are allowed on these trains but must meet specific guidelines and requirements. Additionally, for trips that involve crossing the US-Canadian border, travellers need to carry a valid form of identification, such as a passport, military ID, driver's license, or birth certificate.

Other Considerations

Montreal is generally considered a safe destination for travellers, with one of the lowest crime rates among Canada's largest cities. However, petty theft is the most common crime, so it's important to keep an eye on your belongings and take normal travel safety precautions. Additionally, Montreal experiences severe winter weather, with temperatures well below -15° C / 5° F from mid-November to March. So, if you're travelling during this time, be sure to pack appropriate winter gear.

Frequently asked questions