Montreal

Canada·North America

Currency

CAD

Language

French, English

Timezone

Montreal

Continent

North America

Our guide

Discover Montreal

Montreal is an island, and the city organises itself around the hill that dominates it: Mount Royal, laid out as a park by Central Park's architect, its cross lit at night. Below, Old Montreal keeps its cobbles and the Notre-Dame Basilica, whose deep blue interior startles anyone who has only seen the façade. The Old Port opens onto the river. East, the Olympic Stadium and its inclined tower, the tallest in the world, sit beside the Montreal Biodome. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts leads on collections.

When to go

June to September: the city moves outdoors, terraces take over the streets and the festivals run without a break. September and early October add autumn colour, spectacular on Mount Royal. Winter is long and genuinely cold — weeks below −15 °C — but the city is built for it, and the underground network links much of downtown without going outside. April is the thaw, the one season to avoid.

Getting around

The metro, four rubber-tyred lines, is fast and heated, which matters from November to March. The underground pedestrian network links stations, malls and offices for kilometres. In the warm months, bike share is the best way to move: the lanes are plentiful and the island is flat away from the hill. Each district — the Plateau, Mile End, Old Montreal — walks well.

Where to eat

The Montreal bagel, smaller, sweeter and wood-fired, has argued with New York's forever; St-Viateur Bagel et Café is one of the historic houses. Smoked meat, cured brisket served in a sandwich, has its best-known address at Schwartz's. Poutine is everywhere and is judged on whether the cheese squeaks. Maple syrup is an ingredient here, not a souvenir. Twenty halal addresses are listed, the highest count of our North American destinations.

Good to know

French is Quebec's official language and service runs fluently in both; a French bonjour opens doors even when the conversation then switches. The Canadian dollar is the currency. Taxes are added to the displayed price, and a tip of around 15 % is expected in restaurants. In winter, equipment matters more than courage: boots, layers, and a coat built for wind.

Smart Planning