Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada and the biggest in the Quebec province. It is one of the country's most popular travel destinations, offering a unique combination of old and new architecture with some historic French and British influences. These unique features have also contributed to Montreal being named a UNESCO City of Design.
Some of the key attractions in the city include Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal and Mount Royal Park, while the Old Montreal neighbourhood is also home to some of the most unique hotels in Montreal. Take a look at our deals on flights to Montreal, and use our travel tips to start preparing for your trip.
Before booking Montreal holidays, travellers need to know key information about the city. The following travel tips will help you to know what to expect when you visit and will help you make the necessary preparations to get the most from your trip.
Flight duration (from London): 7 hours, 40 minutes
Main airport: Montreal-Trudeau International Airport
Population: 1.8 million
Official language: French
Currency: The Canadian dollar (CAD)
Socket type: Type A and type B (adapter required)
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time / Eastern Daylight Time (4 hours behind the UK)
Direct flights to Montreal take less than eight hours, with all passenger flights landing at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport. The availability of flights without a layover makes it an ideal option for family holidays. Direct flights are available from London Heathrow Airport, with services offered by British Airways and Air Canada.
Montreal is the largest city in Canada's Quebec region, where the official language is French. However, Montreal is a very bilingual city, with more than half of all residents speaking both French and English. You should find the city easy to navigate, even without any knowledge of French. Nevertheless, it's important to be aware that English is not the primary language in the city.
Navigating the city is relatively straightforward, as Montreal has a robust public transport network, including buses and a metro system. If you're interested in Montreal's nightlife, it's worth noting that the legal drinking age is 18.
Before booking your flight to Montreal, it's a good idea to build up a list of possible things to do during your stay. Here, you will find some suggestions for things to keep you occupied during a Montreal holiday:
One of the most famous attractions in the city, Notre-Dame Basilica is a Gothic cathedral with a spectacular interior that has earned the admiration of designers around the world. The building attracts more than 10 million visitors every year.
Notre-Dame Basilica has a history dating to the 1820s. There are a variety of options for visitors, including organised tours and even musical performances. The cathedral also houses sculptures, paintings and other artefacts.
Like all the best city breaks, Montreal has plenty of shopping options, and many are within walking distance of the most popular Montreal hotels. Sainte-Catherine Street is one of the main shopping streets in the downtown area, while the Eaton Centre is a downtown shopping mall. If hand-made items are what you're looking for, Old Montreal has a number of shops offering accessories and clothing.
The Underground City is an underground network that houses a variety of shops, including clothes shops, jewellers and a number of places to buy souvenirs for your loved ones back home.
One of the most memorable experiences for many visitors to Montreal involves taking in the views of the city from La Grande Roue de Montreal, the largest Ferris wheel in Canada. Perfect for couples, families or solo travellers, the wheel reaches a maximum height of around 200 feet, providing excellent views into the distance.
Each of the climate-controlled pods on the wheel can hold up to eight people. You'll have a 360-degree view of Montreal and various islands.
If you're travelling to Montreal for a spring or summer holiday, make sure to visit Mount Royal Park. One of the largest green spaces in the city, it's home to the picturesque Beaver Lake and a forest with walking trails.
Alternatively, if you visit the park during the winter months, you may enjoy the cross-country skiing opportunities on offer or the toboggan run. Another key feature of the park is a sculpture garden, and it's possible to ice skate on Beaver Lake in the winter.
A: Although Montreal is suitable for visits all year round, May could be the best month of all. You'll usually have pleasant spring weather, while the cost of hotels and flights to Montreal will generally be lower than during the summer months. Early May also includes the back end of tulip season, and the city often hosts related events.
A: The majority of people will either stay in Old Montreal or downtown Montreal, as these two areas are where most of the top hotels are located. Both areas are within easy distance of the main attractions. In general, Old Montreal will offer more unique hotels, while downtown is where the majority of chain hotels are found.
A: It's usually recommended to spend at least three or four days in Montreal, and the city is suitable for short breaks of this kind. However, staying for a week may be preferable if you want to truly experience what the city has to offer.
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