Travel Information
Welcome to Montréal! Bienvenue à Montréal!
Welcome to the second largest French-speaking metropolis in the world, a city where hospitality has a very French tone.
Apart from the French language, don’t be surprised to hear more than 30 languages spoken in the streets of this culturally rich and diverse city. Such is the urban mosaic of this vibrant metropolis located on an island in the St. Lawrence River. Here, the “joie de vivre” is synonymous with festivals, gastronomy, music, history, museums, tarmacs, street artists and espresso bars.
Montreal is known as the hub of creativity and innovation in the development of the arts, multimedia and software, and is a leader in scientific research.
Its four universities attract a dynamic student population. This city of culture and creativity offers its visitors a range of exciting options to choose from – dance, theatre, music, lectures, shopping, gastronomy, outdoor recreation… or simply soaking up its unique atmosphere.
Visa Request Information : Travelling to Canada
Visitors entering Canada will be required to present a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. Canada has also introduced a new requirement, known as the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), for entry for some international travelers flying to Canada. All visitors must ensure that they have all the necessary documents in their possession before entering the country.
To check and find out all the requirements for travelling to Canada from your place of residence, please visit Immigration and Citizenship Canada.
If you need a visa to enter in Canada, we strongly encourage you start the procedure right now as processing times can be very long.
For additional information on how to request a visa / eTA read the IRCC Information document.
Insurance
It is important that you contact your insurance company before you leave to ensure that you have adequate medical coverage while in Montréal. If you are not covered by provincial health insurance, you will have to pay for medical services either through private insurance or out of pocket.
Getting to Montréal
Plane
Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is a 20-minute drive from downtown.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will find many options for getting to your hotel or the Palais des congrès. Car rental, limousine and taxi services are available, as is the 24-hour 747 Express bus. This option will cost you $11 and will drop you off at one of nine downtown stops in about 40-60 minutes. Taxis from the airport will range between 50-60$ (this does not include tip).
Direct bus from Montréal Airport to Berri-UQàM station (a 8-minute walk to the CHUM) : Bus 747 (a day pass is required at a cost of 11$)
Train
Montréal’s Central Station is located in the heart of the city. Connected to many Canadian and American cities, the station offers direct access to the underground pedestrian network as well as to the Bonaventure metro station and other public transportation such as buses and taxis.
Car
The island of Montréal is 75 kilometres (46 miles) from the US border and the Trans-Canada Highway runs through the city.
Traveler’s Tip: Canada uses the metric system so the speed limit is indicated in kilometres per hour (km/h) and gasoline is sold by the litre (L). It is also important to mention that Montréal is located in a French-speaking province, so most road signs are in French.
It is also strictly forbidden to turn right at a red light on the island of Montréal or to use a mobile phone while driving.
Bus
Bus travelers will arrive directly downtown at Montréal’s central bus station, with access to the Berri-UQAM metro station (and from there to the underground pedestrian network) as well as to city buses and taxis. The central bus station is a 15-minute walk from the CHUM or a 1 metro stop away on line 2 - Orange.