How to Time Your Trip to Montreal

Montreal is the largest city in the mostly French-speaking province of Quebec. The city has retained much of its French appearance, feel and traditions. But English is spoken widely, and bilingualism is the norm downtown and through much of this hospitable city.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cameras
• Travel Clothes
• Film
• Travel Services
• Local Guidebooks To Canada
• Airline Tickets
• Maps

General Considerations

1. See Montreal at its best in summer and fall. Summer is exciting, and the fall leaves are brilliant. Spring weather is unpredictable, with low temperatures well into April. Winter is fun if you love snow and icy weather - and hell if you don't.

2. Learn about upcoming festivals, expositions and live performances (see below).

3. Take care of your flight, other transportation needs and accommodations (see the Related eHows).

4. Check the weather forecast for Montreal shortly before leaving, and pack accordingly.

Attractions and Seasonal Events

5. Chuckle, giggle, laugh or roar your way through the Just for Laughs Festival, the training ground for many of North America's greatest comedians. The touring festival normally hits Montreal in the second half of July.

6. Don't miss the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal in late June and early July. It also includes blues and African and Caribbean music. There are more than 400 concerts, three-quarters of which are free.

7. Walk or drive up Parc Mount Royal, the small mountain at the center of the city, for views of East Montreal, Olympic Village, downtown, the St. Lawrence River and distant horizons.

8. Wander past horse-drawn buggies down the cobblestone streets of Montreal's Old City, the source for all the comparisons to Europe. Don't miss Notre Dame Cathedral and Place des Armes. Wander north of Sherbrooke up chic St. Denis or bohemian St. Laurent.

9. Pack the plastic and shop till it drops. Montreal is a city of high fashion, with something for everyone. For Americans, the weaker Canadian dollar means that everything is 40 percent off - so why not? Winter shoppers can take refuge in an underground city of interconnected downtown malls and offices.

10. Catch some of Montreal's fabulous arts scene. A good start is the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Highlights include European masters and Native American art.

Tips & Warnings

• Montreal's Metro (subway) system is a great way to get around. From the airport, though, you must catch a shuttle bus or cab into the city.
• Montreal has a great underground arts scene. Find listings in the "Mirror" and "Hour" news weeklies.
• As of January, 2007, passports are required for US citizens traveling between the US and Canada by air. In January, 2008, the requirement will extend to include those traveling by land or sea.

on 11/22/2005 If you are planning a winter trip to Montreal, remember that most businesses, galleries, museums and restaurants in Old Montreal are closed from October/November to February.