Activities & Attractions
Transportation
Public Transportation
Language | Currency | Tax | Tipping
Health Insurance | Driver's License

Montreal's Tourism Areas
Downtown | Plateau Mont-Royal | Latin Quarter | Old Montreal | Chinatown | The Village

Plateau Mont-Royal
A haven for students and commuters, Plateau Mont-Royal offers a diverse selection of shopping and dining opportunities.  Once a working class neighborhood, this area is now characterized by greystone houses, specialized shops and unique market places.

Latin Quarter
A popular area for students and tourists alike, Montreal ’s Latin Quarter offers a wide variety of cafes, bars, bookstores and theaters.  This area is a hub of activity as it is bordered by Plateau Mont-Royal to the North, The Village to the East, Rue Ste.Catherine to the south and boul. St-Laurent to the West. 

Old Montreal
Located between the river and the city center where by-gone eras are brought back to life.  The Old Montreal and the Old Port offer a wide variety of museums, boutiques, and side-walk cafes.

Chinatown
A residential district founded by transcontinental railroad workers in the late 19^th century, Chinatown is filled with restaurants, medicinal shops, and tourist-oriented wares. 

The Village
Gay-Friendly establishments, antique shops, and a kaleidoscope of restaurants, bars, and clubs characterize this colorful area of Montreal .  Once a neglected working class residential area, The Village is now a flourishing gay and lesbian neighborhood full of life and vivacity.  Renowned for it’s wild nightlife and lively unity events.

Activities & Attractions
Botanical Gardens | La Ronde | Casino De Montreal  | Molson Center | Grand Prix | Jazz-Fest

Botanical Gardens
Opened in 1931 and one of the largest in the world, the Botanical Gardens boast ten exhibition greenhouses and more than thirty outdoor gardens.  Enjoy the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, as well as the Tree House.
For more information on Botanical Gardens visit: http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/jardin.htm

La Ronde
Located near downtown Montreal, La Ronde has 35 rides for the whole family and free shows including the Haute Voltige divers.

Casino De Montreal
Five minutes from Old Montreal and open around the clock.  Free admission, great shows, restaurants, bars, and a boutique.
For more information on the Casino De Montreal visit: http://www.casino-de-montreal.com

Molson Center
The home of Montreal Canadiens, the Molson Center seats more than 21, 000 people and is the venue for rock concerts, classical music performances, and family entertainment.
For more information on the Molson Center visit: http://www.centrebell.ca

Grand Prix
The 4.4km (2.5mi) race track winds its way along Ile de Notre-Dame and draws thousands of fans in mid-June.  Rollerblades replace race cars when the track is not in use.
For more information on Montreal's Grand Prix visit: http://www.grandprix.ca

Jazz-Fest
Held yearly at the beginning of July, jazz-fest features over 400 Jazz performances, both free and ticketed.  Featuring the best in jazz, blues, and world music, this festival attracts nearly 1.5 million jazz enthusiasts every year.
For more information on Montreal's Jazz Fest visit: http://www.montrealjazzfest.com

Transportation
Airports | Trains | Buses | Taxis | Cars
Public Transportation (City Bus, Subway) | Ferries

Airports
Dorval International Airport is located 14mi. west of downtown, 25 minutes by taxi ($28 plus tip) to the city center.  L’Aerobus shuttles connect the airport to the Montreal Bus Central Station.  Shuttles leave Dorval every 30 minutes 7am-11pm.
For more information on Dorval or Mirabel Airports visit: http://www.admtl.com

Trains
Amtrak (US destinations) and VIA Rail Canada (domestic destinations) leave from Central Station at 895, rue de la Gauchetiere Ouest.
For more information on VIA Rail visit: http://www.viarail.ca/
For more information on Amtrak visit: http://www.amtrak.com/

Buses
Adirondack Trailways (US destinations) and Orleans Express (Canadian intercity service) leave from Bus Central Station at 505 blvd. De Maisonneuve E.
For more information on Greyhound Canada visit: http://www.greyhound.ca/
For more information on Orleans Express visit: http://www.orleansexpress.com/
For more information on Adirondack Trailways visit: http://www.trailways.com/members/adirondack.html

Taxis
Can be hailed from the street when the roof light is on.  The meter starts at $2.50 and adds $1/mi.
For more information on Montreal Taxi Service visit: http://www.taximontreal.com/

Cars
A car in Montreal is helpful but not essential, as public transportation reaches almost every tourist destination.

Public Transportation
City busses and Metro runs daily 5am to 12:30am .  The Tourist Card (1 day unlimited access $7 & 3 days $14) is available year-round at the Berri-UQAM metro station.
For more information on Montreal Public Transportation visit: http://www.stcum.qc.ca

Ferries
River Shuttles at the Pier Jacques-Cartier transport pedestrians and cyclists across the St. Lawrence to Parc des Iles and Longueuil.  Late May to mid October, daily every hour from 10:30am to 6:30pm ; $3.

Language
Although Montreal is the second largest French-speaking city in the world, most tourist signs are bilingual, as are most establishments in the accommodation-restaurant industry.  It is not essential to speak French while in Montreal , however any attempt to do so is greatly appreciated by the locals.

Currency
American currency is sometimes accepted however for the best value use the local currency or Canadian dollar.  Exchange rates fluctuate daily.

Tax
For products purchased for use outside Canada or accommodations , visitors to Canada can request a rebate of the 7% Goods And Services Tax.  Forms are available at the airport or border customs office.  There is also a %7.5 provincial sales tax that is non-refundable.

GOODS AND SERVICES TAX (GST) AND VISITOR REBATES
The goods and services tax (GST) is a seven per cent tax charged on most goods and services sold or provided in Canada. As a visitor to Canada, you will pay the tax on most of your purchases. Under the visitor rebate program, you may get a refund of the tax paid on goods you take home and on accommodations in Canada provided it is less than one month per lodging establishment.

YOU QUALIFY FOR A TAX REFUND IF 
You are not resident of Canada.
You spend $100 (Canadian) or more on qualifying goods and/or accommodation anywhere in Canada.
You have your original receipts.
.You apply for the refund within one year of purchasing the qualifying goods and accommodations.

For more information call: 1-800-668-4748 (within Canada) or 902-432-5608 (outside Canada). 
Rebate Program Address : Summerside Tax Centre 275 Pope Road, Summerside, PEI C1N 6N6
WebSite: http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/tax/nonresidents/visitors/tax-e.html

Tips
For wait staff, hair stylists, and taxi drivers, 15% is a customary gratuity amount.  For bellhops, doormen, and porters etc, a tip of $1 per item is customary.

Health Insurance
Canadian hospital and medical services are excellent. It is recommended that visitors to Canada obtain traveller’s health insurance before leaving their country because health insurance plans often do not extend coverage for services received outside the country of residence. Visitors may find they have either no health insurance or inadequate coverage when in Canada. Visitor taking medicine prescribed by a doctor should bring a copy of the prescription in case it needs to be renewed by a doctor in Canada.

Driver's License
American state driver’s licenses are valid in Canada for varying periods of time as legislated by individual provinces and territories. The 1949 International Driving Permit is also valid but it must be accompanied at all times by the visitor’s state or national driver’s license.