Montreal Lodging in a Nutshell
An island city with a mountain at its centre, Montréal is truly an experience: old world charm, French joie de vivre and a modern style all its own. Simply unique, Montréal is a true modern metropolis, aggressively cosmopolitan but of breathtaking beauty. Don't miss Old Montréal, a remarkable monument to the city's origins and the panoramic view from Mount Royal. Or, like Pavarotti, make a pilgrimage to Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal, the lookalike little sister of Notre-Dame du Paris. And remember, wherever you are in the city there is sure to be a memorable restaurant nearby.

Language: French, one of Canada's two official languages, dominates in Montreal but English is spoken everywhere. Embrace the opportunity to try a few words in French; you'll be surprised how warmly this small courtesy is greeted.

Weather
Spring and Summer: In summer, Montréal can be hot and humid and on the hottest days doesn't cool substantially overnight. In early spring and late summer be sure to bring a sweater or light jacket as it can cool down rapidly during the day or evening. Comfortable walking shoes are a Montreal essential as the city's charm lures travellers into street excursions.

Fall and Winter: Montréal can be cold and humid. A winter coat is a must at least in in December and January and don't forget your scarf, gloves and hat.
Tip: Like most Eastern Canadian cities, Montreal uses a lot of road salt which can ruin leather shoes very quickly; rubbers or synthetic shoes or boots are a good idea.

Transportation
Montréal is served by two international airports: Dorval (soon to be renamed Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport) and Mirabel. Montréal-Dorval International Airport has recently undergone major renovations.

Taxis and limousines ensure quick service to and from Montréal’s downtown core. There is also shuttle bus service - l’Aérobus - linking the airports to connecting points in Montréal.

Montreal is also served by an excellent subway system: the métro.
Click for a map of the métro

Montréal's Gare Centrale, with rail connections from New York or Washington, is also a major stop for domestic trains from Eastern or Western Canada. The downtown station is connected to Bonaventure underground métro station by a pedestrian passageway.

The Montréal Bus Central Station is downtown and is connected to the métro.

Montréal is 47 km (29 miles) from the New York border. The New York State Thruway (I-87) becomes Route 15, and U.S. I-89 becomes two-lane Route 133 which joins Route 10 at the border. From I-91 in Massachusetts, Routes 55 and 10 lead to Montréal. Highways 20 and 40 provide access from Eastern or Western Canada.

Québec speed limits are in kilometres (100 kph equals about 62 mph). Gasoline is sold in litres (3 3/4 litres equals 1 U.S. gallon).

Currency and Tax
What U.S. visitors sometimes call the Northern Peso makes U.S. dollars worth almost twice that of Canadian currency. U.S. dollars and Japanese yen are easily converted at banks, with hotels, restaurants and shops offering comparable rates.

There is a 7.5 percent sales tax on retail goods and services including hotel rooms and, as in all provinces, the 7 percent Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). Make sure you obtain the readily available booklet, “Tax Refund for Visitors." Keep all your receipts and the Canadian government will reimburse the GST paid, which can add up to a hefty fee as it is included on all goods and services. (Think of the U.K. VAT.)

Click Here for additional Tax information and a downloadable GST Rebate Form