Flights to Montreal

Getting into Montreal

The 747 express bus runs around the clock between the airport and downtown, finishing near Berri-UQAM metro station, and taxis charge a flat fare to the city centre. The journey takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic. Signs and menus are mostly in French, so a friendly bonjour goes a long way, though hotel and shop staff usually switch to English easily.

Old Montréal and the Plateau

Founded by French settlers in 1642, Old Montréal has cobbled streets, stone warehouses and the Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica, with its deep blue and gold interior. The Old Port has a waterfront promenade, an observation wheel and boat trips on the St Lawrence. Climb Mount Royal for the view over downtown, then wander the outdoor staircases of the Plateau and Mile End, home of the city's wood-fired bagels.

Food, festivals and Québec City

Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy is one of the largest open-air markets in North America, and Montreal is known for poutine, smoked meat and maple treats. Halal butchers and restaurants are common in neighbourhoods such as Côte-des-Neiges and Parc-Extension. In summer, the city hosts a big jazz festival and the Just for Laughs comedy festival, and VIA Rail trains reach Québec City, with its walled old town, in about three and a half hours.

When to book

Summer is warm, around 26°C, and full of festivals, while autumn turns Mount Royal red and gold. Winters are long and cold, often below -10°C in January, but the underground city, a network of tunnels linking shops and metro stations, keeps you out of the snow. Fares are usually lower outside the summer holidays and Christmas, so spring and late autumn can be good value.

Want to add Toronto or Québec City to your trip? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll plan the route.