Montreal becomes inefficient when you zigzag across the city. Keep Old Montreal and the Old Port together; combine the Plateau and Mile End; combine Jean-Talon Market with Little Italy; combine Atwater Market with the canal and Saint-Henri.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Plan a Montreal Trip
Most of planning Montreal comes down to picking a good base, grouping nearby neighbourhoods and leaving time for the city between the sights.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Core planning guides
Guide
Best time to visit
Compare Montreal by season.
Read guide →GuideHow many days?
Choose a realistic trip length.
Read guide →GuideGetting around
Metro, buses, walking, biking and taxis.
Read guide →GuideMontreal without a car
Why most visitors do not need a rental car.
Read guide →GuideAirport to Downtown
Compare practical arrival options.
Read guide →GuideWeather by season
Know what conditions can mean for your plans.
Read guide →PLAN YOUR TRIP
Build your days geographically
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Choose your trip length
Before you arrive
Check what you need to enter Canada on the Government of Canada site, since requirements depend on your passport. From the airport, the STM’s 747 bus runs to Lionel-Groulx and Berri-UQAM Metro stations, and its fare includes 24 hours of bus and Metro travel. The details are in airport to downtown.
Then decide on where to stay and how long. The trip tools help with both, and our itineraries keep each day in one part of the city. If the forecast looks bad, keep the rainy-day plan handy, and check Montreal by month to see what’s on. Only stopping for a few hours? See the cruise-day and layover plan.