Everything Montreal

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• About Montreal
• Accommodation Information
• Travel and Transportation Information
• Tourism Information (separate page)

Montreal – A Unique City

Vibrant nightlife, eclectic cuisine, and cobblestone streets. Here in Montreal, the old city blends seamlessly into a modern metropolis of glass and steel, where trendy boutiques sit side-by-side with quaint bistros and brasseries. Surrounded by the mighty St. Lawrence River and more than 400 islands, Montreal buzzes with energy and excitement all year long. Festivals abound, celebrating the power of laughter, reworks, diversity, fast cars and cool jazz, a wintertime fusion of performing arts, reworks and fine wine and dining.

The world’s second-largest French-speaking city, Montreal is renowned for its numerous universities, medical, and scientific research centers, as well as for its cultural and artistic life, excellent restaurants and hotel network. While French is the official language of the Province of Québec, English is also widely spoken. You can enjoy the artisan studios of the Old Port, or the shops, theatres, and major department stores of the underground city. Montreal’s artistic scene includes one of the world’s leading orchestras, an internationally-renowned ballet company, English and French theatres, comedy clubs, and dozens of museums and galleries.

Enjoy the city’s mixture of European and North American charm that both surprises and enchants participants of the Summer Institute year after year. The Infotouriste Centre, located near the Summer Institute, and in the heart of the city, offers free tourism information about Montréal, and the rest of the province of Québec. You can find out about guided bus tours, STM transit fares, Montréal Museums, cruises and car rentals. The Infotouriste Centre is located at: 1255 Rue Peel suite #100, Montréal, QC H3B 4V4. Additional Information about activities can also be found at the Tourisme MTL website.

Accommodations

The following hotels are all within walking distance of the McGill Campus. If you are looking for more economical options, you may also want to consider options such as Airbnb or hostels. Remember to check that the hotel you select is close to the McGill campus! Please note that Grand Prix Week will be happening in Montreal June 7-9, 2024. Hotel rooms will be filled more quickly and will be more expensive on those days. For more information about the event visit the Grand Prix site.

Guests will be individually responsible for payment of their own room, taxes, and incidental charges.

Travel and Transportation Information

Airport

For more information about the Montreal-Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau International Airport, we invite you to visit their website. A taxi trip between the airport and downtown Montreal will cost you a flat rate of $41 - not including tip. Alternately, there is a 24/7 bus route aptly named the 747 which connects the airport to downtown Montreal. Learn more about the 747 bus service. Uber is also available from the airport.

Getting Around Montreal

Public transport is a great way to see the city. Hop on the metro and in just 10 minutes you’re at a museum, restaurant or in Old Montreal. Affordable and reliable, the metro can be accessed via the city’s Underground Pedestrian Network: two of the four main lines connect downtown to major tourism sites, as well as to numerous bus stops and train stations. Daily and weekly passes are available. 

If you prefer getting around by taxi, it’s easy to flag one down on the street. You’ll also find them at one of the city’s many taxi stands or in front of most major hotels. Some taxis will also transport bicycles.

Do you want to explore the city a ‘’greener’’ way? Try the BIXI bikes. You will find them all over the city!

Car Rentals

Cars can be rented in Montreal from local or international companies. The average cost per day for a medium-sized car is $85. All cars are left-hand drive.