Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.
Although I was raised in Ottawa, my father grew up in Montréal, so we frequently visited the city during my childhood.
I can still recall the thrill that ran through me each time we traveled there.
Montréal left an indelible impression on me—from the French spoken with a distinct Québécois accent, to the aggressive drivers who never allow a right turn on red, to the city’s overall playful atmosphere. At 17, I moved to the city to study at Concordia University and have spent most of the past 15 years there. It remains one of my favorite places on Earth.
Is English enough to get around? Yes. How frigid does it become? Extremely, though not all the time. Keep reading for additional tips before you travel to Montréal.
Planning for your trip to Montréal
1. Plan to spend at least three days for any visit
When your Quebec trip includes both Montréal and Québec City, allocate extra days for Montréal. The larger city offers a greater variety of sights and cuisine, and its finest experiences often come from taking it slow—whether relaxing on a terrace or strolling through a park.
2. Go in early summer or fall to escape the cold
Montréal can be brutally cold. During January and February, wind‑chill values may plunge to –40 °C (–40 °F), covering the city in snow and icy streets. Residents cope by dressing in layers and hopping between warm cafés and other indoor spots. Although it’s a myth that locals hide underground all winter, there are indeed subterranean walkways linking downtown malls and office towers.
The city does warm up. In June through August, temperatures can reach 30 °C (86 °F), offering pleasant summer relief after the severe winter. September and October are also lovely, with foliage turning vivid yellows and reds.
November and March often bring rain and overcast skies. Outside those periods, many visitors find themselves grumbling about the lengthy winter.
3. Montréal has its own definition of east and west
Many Montréal streets display “est” (east) or “ouest” (west) signs, showing their position relative to Boulevard Saint‑Laurent (The Main)—for instance, Rue Sherbrooke O and Rue Sherbrooke E. However, on a map those directions are more accurately northeast and southwest because of the island’s tilt. It’s best not to overthink it and simply follow the locals.
4. Don’t spend all your time downtown
Visitors often concentrate on the Old Port and downtown, but focusing solely on those busy zones means missing the city’s vibrant neighborhoods such as Le Plateau, Mile End, and St‑Henri. Allocate ample time to explore beyond the central area.
5. Ditch the car and explore by bike or Metro
Having driven in many countries, I find Montréal’s traffic among the most challenging. Drivers frequently cut in without warning, and many streets are either blocked by orange cones or closed to pedestrians during summer. Understanding the parking regulations feels like earning a PhD—always read the signs and avoid spots where arrows indicate restrictions. Should you decide to drive, remember that right turns on red are prohibited on the island.