Flights To Montreal Guide

The two vital airports managing Montréal’s international and domestic flights are the Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Montréal-Mirabel International Airport (YMX). 

Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is the main airport that operates in the city, situated in a proximity of about 20 km from downtown Montréal. YUL is equipped with extensive amenities including shopping, business lounges, and transfer facilities. Moreover, the Montréal-Mirabel International Airport (YMX) sits in Mirabel to the northwest of Montreal. Initially, this airport was reserved for handling international flights, however, it has now been reserved for cargo flights and aviation and space activities.

Air Transat, British Airways, Air Canada, and occasionally seasonal or codeshare flights with various airlines make up the predominant carriers that provide flights from the UK to Montreal.

London to Montreal direct flights generally require 7 or 8 hours. Depending on the extension of the layover, connecting flights to Montreal could take up more time.

Woking Travel presents a convenient transfer facility from Montreal airports to your hotel, promising a smooth journey for travellers. You can book our services beforehand to avoid any trouble upon arrival by visiting the Woking Travel Transfers Page.

Woking Travel presents a range of accommodations to your destination. You can browse hotels by visiting our Hotels page at Hotels-Woking Travel or explore our holiday packages at Packages-Woking Travel.

Montreal has a multitude of hotels, spanning from top-tier 5-star hotels to budget-friendly 4-3 star options. Here are our picks for your next trip:

1. The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal: A posh 5-star hotel with a stunning rooftop terrace, a bar, an indoor swimming pool and a lavish restaurant led by the French chef David Boulud.
   
   
2. Hotel Birks Montreal: A 5-star refurbished 19th-century structure with elegant rooms featuring a chic bistro, a sumptuous bar and a spa.
   
   
3. Warwick Le Crystal: A 5-star all-suite hotel with a deluxe spa and Thai restaurant, along with chic rooms with kitchenettes.
   
   
4. Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile: A modern 5-star lodging with a hi-fi restaurant, a fancy cocktail lounge and a fitness centre. This hotel also offers free amenities such as WiFi.
   
   
5. Le Mount Stephen: Lively suites and deluxe rooms in a 5-star upmarket establishment with a bar and an opulent spa and sauna.
   
   
6. Embassy Suites by Hilton Montreal: A contemporary 4-star hotel with polished studios and suites, a refined eatery, and complimentary free WiFi.
   
   
7. Hilton Garden Inn Montreal Midtown: Understated elegance portrayed in this 4-star hotel’s lavish rooms, a fancy pool, and a gymnasium.
   
   
8. Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth: This 4-star hotel provides its guests with opulent rooms, avant garde dining, and a chic cocktail bar.
   
   
9. M Montreal: Budget-friendly 3-star accommodation featuring trendy private rooms and dorms, as well as a hip pub with live music
   
   
10. Hotel de Paris: This elegant 3-star mansion features a Thai restaurant, laid-back rooms located in the heart of downtown.

Montreal possesses a well-structured transport system which includes a metro network, cycling infrastructure, ferries, and buses. Here is a rundown of these transportation options:

• Metro: Montreal’s metro system is swift, hygienically well-maintained, and secure. For getting around the city, particularly if you wish to commute around downtown, metro is a great option.

• Buses: Covering most of the city, Montreal’s broad network of buses are ideal to move about regions that are not served by the metro.

• Ferries: To enjoy the picturesque views of the St. Lawrence River and move across regions, ferries are a great choice of transportation.

• Taxis: Taxis operate throughout the city but can be on the pricier side when it comes to transportation.

• Car rentals: Several car rental companies function throughout the city and at the airport as well. Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, and Thrifty are among the most popularly used car rental services in Montreal.

• Cycling: For energetic travellers, Montreal has a well-managed bike-sharing option with extensive bike routes, plotted throughout the city.

• Ridesharing: Services like Uber and Lyft facilitate tourists with the convenient option of ridesharing. This option is ideal if tourists are not familiar with the public transportation routes and for travelling late at night.
• Exo: Exo is a train network that travels to the vicinities around Montreal downtown, convenient for day-trips and suburban excursions.

Here are the top 10 destinations tourists should not miss, when visiting the vibrant city of Montreal:

1. Old Montreal ( Vieux-Montréal): This cobblestoned region hemmed by 17th-18th century French architecture is an incredible sight to see.Place d’Armes, and the Bonsecours Market are the main attractions in the district.
   
   
2. Notre-Dame Basilica: This grandeur neo-gothic basilica is famous for its coloured glass windows, beautiful interior, and the harmonious pipe organ.
   
   
3. Mount Royal Park: Upon arriving at this magnificent location after a pleasant hiking or biking journey, tourists are encountered with striking views of the city. Boasting landmarks like Kondiaronk Lookout and Saint Joseph’s Oratory, this place is great for escaping from urbanisation and unwinding in the essence of nature.
   
   
4. Montreal Botanical Garden: With over 21000 species of plants spanning over 190 hectares of land, these themed gardens are an ideal spot to explore botanical biodiversity. The gardens include Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, and the First Nations Garden.
   
   
5. Jean-Drapeau Park: With attractions like Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Formula One Racetrack, Montreal Casino, and the Biodome, a nature’s archive, this massive island park flaunts diverse biospheres.
   
   
6. La Ronde Amusement Park: To live a day filled with adrenaline rush and thrills for a solo or a family trip, this amusement park is the place to go for water diversions, rip-roaring rides, and exciting events.
   
   
7. Olympic Park: To relive the nostalgia of the 1976 Summer Olympics, also known as Montreal 1976, Olympic Park serves every tourist with a piece of historical allure. Tourists can also view the Biodome, Olympic Stadium, and the Montreal Tower here.
   
   
8. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: Art aficionados can head to the Museum of Fine Arts to view 45,000 works of art originating from different eras and cultures.
   
   
9. Underground City (RÉSO): To escape the freezing temperatures of winter, exploring Montreal’s RÉSO is an exciting venture for tourists to unravel. The massive network of subterranean tunnels linking commercial buildings, shopping centres, and metro systems is an unusual yet exciting sight to take in.
   
   
10. Lachine Canal National Historic Site: Experience the industrial grandeur of Montreal by drifting along the 14-kilometre prehistoric Lachine Canal. Sail, bike, stroll, kayak, or take a canal boat getaway.

1. Au Pied de Cochon: This venturous late-night spot is not for the faint of heart. Step into a world of offal and French-Canadian cuisine like foie gras poutine and sweetbreads with a regional brew. 
   
   
2. Olive et Gourmando: Your go-to Parisian escape in Montreal. This charming Parisian bistro offers perfectly cooked mussels drenched in white wine. Savour decadent steak frites, and finish with a slice of their divine chocolate cake.
   
   
3. Joe Beef: This Mile End eatery serves a unique combination of comfort food and haute cuisine. Devour unusual dishes like foie gras tortellini with duck ragu or slow-roasted lamb shoulder, all presented in a cosy, inviting ambience.
   
   
4. Toqué!: Embark on a contemporary gastronomic journey with Toqué’s multi-tasting menu. Chef Normand Laprise takes diners on a seasonal adventure through modern and creative interpretations of Quebec cuisine, focusing on locally produced ingredients and aesthetically artistic presentation.
   
   
5. Schwartz’s Deli: No Montreal tour is complete without visiting Schwartz’s. This legendary deli serves up iconic smoked meat stacked high on rye bread with mustard, a side of pickles, and a cold beer – pure definition of Montreal’s comfort food.
   
   
6. Restaurant Marconi: Marconi offers a creative twist on classic Italian cuisine.  Freshly handmade pastas, unusual seafood dishes, and a refined collection of the famous Italian wines is what Marconi brings to its visitors, all in a chic environment.
   
   
7. Masi: A whiff of Moroccan flavours and aromas in Montreal is what Masi is all about. Dive in fragrant tagines simmered with slow-cooked meats, nutty couscous, and sweet pastries topped with honey, all in a traditional Moroccan setting.
   
   
8. Marguerita: This Mexican fiesta is a heaven for your senses. This eatery serves original Mexican cuisine with strong flavours, from sizzling fajitas and zesty ceviches to fresh guacamole and margaritas made from scratch.
   
   
9. Ateliers & Saveurs: Contributing to a worthy cause while you devour a scrumptious meal is what Ateliers and Saveurs serves. Instructed by renowned chefs, a team of underprivileged individuals prepares incredible tasting menus with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. A fine-dining experience with social conscience is what makes this eatery stand out.
   
   
10. ITHQ: For a precisely cutting-edge culinary experience, head to ITHQ, an eatery and teaching establishment run by the prestigious Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec. ITHQ is where innovation blends with tradition.

1. Unleash Your Inner Artist at Mural Mania: Montreal is a canvas, and its streets are adorned with phenomenal street art.  Enrol in a mural tour and explore hidden alleys bursting with vibrant hues of art and intriguing messages.
   
   
2. Brunch Like a Maharaja at Cacao 70: Experience an indulgent brunch unlike any other. Cacao 70 transforms into a chocolate wonderland on weekends, offering a buffet brimming with sweet and savoury edibles infused with the finest cocoa.
   
   
3. Hike Through Time at Mount Royal: Take a break from the metropolitan jungle and climb Mount Royal, a verdant retreat in the heart of the city.
   
   
4. Get Lost in The Underground Maze: Montreal’s RÉSO is a lot more than just a subterranean network linking metro stations. It’s a swarming underground city with a happening life of its own, awe-striking tourists as they go.
   
   
5. Catch a Flick Under the Sky at Cinéma sous les étoiles: The magical essence of an unforgettable film experience under the blanket of stars is truly an experience every tourist must undergo. This open-air theatre is the perfect place to visit in summers.
   
   
6. Tour the World at Jean-Talon Market: Stall after stall overflows with fresh products from local farms, international specialties from around the globe, and the aromatic scent of freshly baked bread wafting from local bakeries.
   
   
7. Kayak with Beavers at Lachine Canal: Paddle through Montreal’s past on the Lachine Canal.  This historic waterway, once an operational transportation path, is now a haven for urban wildlife.
   
   
8. Sing Your Heart Out at Planeta Burgos: Immerse in the electrifying dynamic of a Latin night at Planeta Burgos.  This invigorating bar pulsates with salsa rhythms, prompting everyone to hit the dance floor with moves.
   
   
9. Cheer Like a Local at a Montreal Canadiens Game: Feel the heart-pounding sensation of a Montreal Canadiens hockey match.  The Bell Centre transforms into a sea of red as devoted fans cheer on their beloved Habs. This is definitely a touristic sight that is not to be missed.
   
   
10. Travel Back in Time at Pointe-à-Callière: Ferret around the rich history of Montreal at Pointe-à-Callière. This prehistoric museum portrays the city’s riveting past, from its Indigenous roots to its French colonial origination.

Montreal handsomely experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own peculiarities and charm. Here is a detailed breakdown:

• Summer (June to August): Summer in Montreal is warm and humid with high temperatures going up to 26°C (79°F). Tourists can bask under the sun at Jean-Dore Beach, watch an open-air movie at Cinéma sous les étoiles, or people-watch at cafes with exquisite outdoor patios. Summertime in Montreal is the peak tourism season hence finding a cheap flight may come as a challenge.
  
  

• Fall( September to November): Fall comes with crisp and vibrant hues with temperatures ranging from 17°C (63°F) and 5°C (41°F). Tourists can tour Royal Park and take in the vibrant fall greenery, visit a pumpkin patch, or attend the International Jazz Festival.
  
  

• Winter (December to February): Winter in Montreal is snowy with average high temperatures of -3°C (27°F) and lows of -11°C (12°F). Visitors can go ice skating on the glistening rink at the Old Port, build a snowman in Mount Royal Park, or warm up in a cosy sugar shack and enjoy a classic Canadian maple syrup treat. During wintertime, tourists can find the cheapest flights.
  
  

• Spring (March to May): Spring could be quite an unpredictable season for Montreal, with its occasional snowfall to warm and humid days. Temperatures from 10°C (50°F) and 2°C (36°F) are observed. Visiting the Montreal Botanical Garden and the Lachine Canal are perfect activities for the spring season. Spring also features lower airfares for tourists. 

Tourists can refer to this Montreal Weather Guide to stay updated with the weather and prepare well for their trip.

• Standard Time (GMT): There is a 4 hour difference between the UK and Montreal.

• Daylight Saving Time (BST): There is a 5 hour difference between the UK and Montreal.

Currency:

The currency used in Montreal is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Moreover, Montreal operates on a mostly card-based system. Credit and debit cards are accepted at most stores, eateries, and service providers. However, it’s a wise idea to carry some cash when purchasing from small kiosks and street vendors or when tipping.

Language:

The official language spoken in Montreal is French. However, Montreal is a bilingual city, and English is also extensively spoken and understood in most of the city. 

Local Customs

Montreal’s allure extends beyond poutine and cobblestones. Picture a metropolitan where greetings come along with a handshake and a “Monsieur” or “Madame,” and tipping reflects an appreciation for good services. Though French is the soundtrack, English flows freely throughout the city. Moreover, for clothing, pack for all weather’s whims and embrace a touch of casual elegance. Be mindful about respecting Montreal’s culture and you’re set to experience Montreal like a local, not just a tourist.

Laws:

To learn about the laws pertaining to visitors in Montreal, please refer to the following links:

• Montreal Official Website/ Quebec Official Website
• UK Government Travel Advice for Canada

With its blend of history, culture, and modern cosmopolitan delights, Montreal is a destination that promises a rich travel experience. From the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal to the vibrant energy of the city’s festivals, every corner of Montreal weaves a story waiting to be discovered. Take the first step in your Montreal odyssey and book your flights with Woking Travel. Your adventure begins the moment you decide to soar to new heights in the heart of Canada’s Quebec province.

Book your flight to Montreal with Woking Travel and enjoy a seamless travel experience!