MONTREAL TRAVEL TIPS
To make sure you've got everything you need for your trip to Montréal, we've put together a starter list to help you pack. Once you've
got the basics, you can adapt your list based on when you're travelling (winter or summer), and the reason for your trip (business or
pleasure).
Remember, your hotel likely provides personal items like soap and shampoo, basic maps of downtown and sights, as well as an iron, hair-
dryer, alarm clock and laundry service (great if you're staying longer than a few days); you can always call ahead to find out what is
provided in your room. In any case, you can easily pick up almost anything you need in town.
Essentials
- Photo ID
- Money - cash, bank card, credit cards, traveller's cheques
- Medications (if any) - always good to keep in the original packaging for identification purposes
- Plane ticket/frequent flyer cards / travel insurance documents / itinerary
- Extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts
- Calling cards / cell-phone
- Address / contacts for hotel, conference, friends in town, etc.
- Business items (if applicable) - lap-top, agenda, extra cards, presentation documents, etc.
Sight-seeing
- Camera (digital, video etc.), film, tapes, cards, batteries
- Guide book or maps
- Small day pack or fanny pack
Clothes
Montrealers have a great sense of fashion, from funky hats in winter to breezy sandals in summer, so you might want to pack something
besides jeans and sneakers. This unique Montréal style also makes the city a great place to shop, so leave some room in your suitcase!
Spring / Summer: Montréal can be surprisingly hot and humid, so dress accordingly. On the warmest summer days, it doesn't really cool down
at night. Early spring and late summer, though, be sure to bring along something extra to pull on if it cools down during the day or later
in the evening. Comfortable walking shoes are an absolute must.
Fall / Winter: Montréal can be cold, but you'll be fine as long as you've got warm, dry feet, so pack your boots. Layered outerwear is the
best way to go; wear something warm like wool, and something to cut the wind like nylon. Don't forget your scarf, gloves, and especially a
hat - it can make a big difference.
Accessories
- Sunglasses (practical and a fashion essential)
- Watch
- Jewelry
- Hats / scarves / hair accessories
- Evening purse
- Belts
Miscellaneous
- Umbrella / rain-coat (year round)
- Reading material
- Swimsuit and plastic sandals and / or work-out wear, if your hotel has facilities
- Personal listening device / CDs
- Sunscreen
- Vitamins
Reminder
If you're travelling to Montréal from another country, certain items aren't allowed
Wining and Dining
Montréal has excellent restaurants for every taste and budget, including "bring-your-own-wine" restaurants – they usually have a sign in the
window to identify them. These are primarily located in the Plateau area on Prince-Arthur and Duluth Streets. You can pick up beer and wine
at convenience and grocery stores until 11 p.m., but for a greater selection of wine, stop by a Société des Alcools du Québec (SAQ). These
stores, with the square burgundy logo, are open weekdays and Saturdays, with some outlets open on Sundays. Most SAQ's are closed on
holidays.
Bars and restaurants serve alcohol from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., with the exception of beer halls (brasseries) which serve liquor from 8 a.m.
to 1 a.m. The legal drinking age in Québec is 18 years old.
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