Travel Information

Weather in September: Montréal’s September weather is generally mild and pleasant. Average daytime temperatures range from 18-22°C, with cooler evenings around 10-14°C. Light layers are recommended, along with a jacket for evenings. Rain is possible, so an umbrella or raincoat is useful.

We recommend booking accommodations in Montréal’s downtown core or in neighbourhoods with easy access to the Square Victoria-OACI metro station (orange line), which serves downtown Montréal and Old Montréal (the Old Port). Hotels located too far east of downtown may require longer travel times.

There are many accommodation options in downtown Montréal, including McGill-affiliated hotels as well as other hotels and Airbnbs. All offer convenient access to the Plaza Centre-Ville by foot, taxi, or public transit.

Visitors can also choose to stay in the Old Montréal area, which offers historic charm, restaurants, and waterfront views while still maintaining convenient transit connections to the venue.

Yes! Montréal has an extensive and reliable metro and bus system operated by the STM, making it easy to travel between downtown, the airport, and major attractions.

Multi-day passes are available and offer unlimited rides, including:

• 24-hour pass

• 3-day pass

• Weekly pass (Monday-Sunday)

These passes can be purchased at any metro station or the airport from the automated machines or service counters. The metro is generally the fastest way to get around, and stations are well-connected to buses and key neighbourhoods.

Most international and domestic flights arrive at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL), located on the west side of the island.

The Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is approximately 30 minutes by taxi from the downtown core. Taxis offer a fixed fare to downtown. The 747 Express Bus provides direct service between the airport and several downtown locations.

Yes. The 747 Express Bus provides direct service between the airport and several downtown locations. The trip typically takes 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic. If you purchase a 3 day unlimited public transit fare at the airport, access to the 747 express bus is included in the purchase price.

Montréal is well connected by train through VIA Rail Canada (from major Canadian cities such as Ottawa, Toronto, and Québec City) and Amtrak (from the United States).

All trains arrive at Gare Centrale (Central Station), located in the heart of downtown Montréal.

Montréal has several vibrant areas worth visiting:

• Old Montréal / Old Port - Historic cobblestone streets, waterfront views, cafés, boutiques, and major attractions like Notre-Dame Basilica.

• Downtown - Shopping, museums, restaurants, and easy metro access.

• Plateau-Mont-Royal - Trendy cafés, murals, parks, and the iconic colourful row houses.

• Griffintown & Little Burgundy - Up-and-coming areas with great restaurants and galleries.

• Mile End - Artisanal shops, cafés, bakeries, and Montréal’s famous bagels.

Find more information here: https://www.mtl.org/en

Yes! Montréal is known for its parks and green spaces:

• Montreal Botanical Garden - One of the largest botanical gardens in the world, with themed gardens and greenhouses.

• Mount Royal Park - Scenic lookouts, walking trails, and panoramic city views.

• Old Port Waterfront - Walkways, riverside views, ziplining, and seasonal activities.

Montréal is famous for its nightlife, offering something for every taste:

• Saint-Laurent Boulevard - Bars, clubs, and late-night food.

• Crescent Street - Popular with visitors for its pubs, terraces, and restaurants.

• The Village - A vibrant district known for nightlife, patios, performances, and festivals.

• Quartier des Spectacles - Outdoor shows, concerts, and festivals throughout the year.

Everywhere! But a few classic Montréal favourites include:

• Bagels (St-Viateur, Fairmount)

• Poutine (La Banquise or Paul Patate)

• Smoked meat (Schwartz’s Deli)

• And excellent bakeries, cafés, and restaurants across the city.

Montréal operates BIXI, a large bike-share network with stations across the city.
It’s an easy, scenic way to explore neighbourhoods, parks, and the Old Port. Riders can purchase short-term passes directly at the stations or through the BIXI app.

Yes. Montréal’s tap water is safe, clean, and high quality. It is treated and monitored regularly, and visitors can drink it directly from the tap. Bottled water is widely available, but not necessary.