Montreal is a city that one could visit year-round, so finding that ideal travel time comes down to your travel budget and expectations. Peak tourist season is seen from June – September when North American schools are out on summer break and the Old Montreal festivals are going strong. The average temperatures during the summer months are humid and warm, boasting about 27 degrees Celsius. Winter gives you the city more to yourself, and also brings cheaper hotel accommodations as well as flight fares. Expect some snowfall during your wintry visit, and temperatures average -9 degrees Celsius. Overall, the best times of the year to visit are March – May or September – November when school is back in session and the weather is still favourable.
Users booking trips to Montreal from Toronto found flights 81% cheaper than the average price of flights to Montreal. To find the cheapest price to Montreal from your area, use momondo’s Airport-to-Airport Pricing Tool.
The month of April is, on average, the cheapest month to fly to Montreal from Canada, with most prices found around 180 C$. If you’re not able to fly to Montreal in April, then August is your next best option. Flight prices from Canada to Montreal during August average around 205 C$.
Most flyers found that booking tickets 54 days in advance of their planned departure date is the best time to get cheap flights to Montreal. During this timeframe, flight prices are around 213 C$. Keep in mind that you might also find cheap flights to Montreal outside of this time window. In fact, momondo users recently found flights from Canada to Montreal for 165 C$.
The cheapest day to depart from Canada to Montreal is on a Tuesday when prices can be found for as low as 215 C$. When flying out on a Wednesday, the most expensive travel day of the week, you can expect to see flight prices from Canada to Montreal for around 232 C$.
In the afternoon is the cheapest time of day to fly from Canada to Montreal when you can find flight prices for as low as 194 C$. Flying to Montreal in the afternoon is an ideal time because this is during off-peak travel hours. Try not to purchase tickets in the morning because they tend to be around 235 C$. Of course, these prices can vary depending on the time of year and what airport you fly to.
Montreal has a lot of good places to hike, such as Mont Saint-Sauveur. Many locals, as well as tourists, enjoy hiking the mountains near Montreal, especially in the colder months for more of a challenge and some beautiful scenery. The months of April and October seem to be the most ideal times to visit Montreal if you’re looking to fully experience hiking a mountain and walking a beautiful nature trail. Hikers looking for a more family-friendly day in the great outdoors would be best suited to plan their flight to Montreal for September, when they can visit Vieux-Port de Montréal and enjoy all that the park has to offer.
Yes, La Ronde is close to Montreal and is a great place to spend time with the family when the weather is right. Those looking to fly to Montreal to visit these parks would likely find that the best time to do so is during July, when there is only a moderate chance of rain and the weather is typically above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21°C).
Typically, the best ski conditions are found in January or December, when the temperatures are lower and there is a chance of fresh snow. Popular places to ski in the Montreal area include Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort. Many momondo users planning trips to multiple ski mountains or resorts in the Montreal area will check out Mont Sainte-Anne as well.
Finding an alternative and possibly cheaper destination airport near Montreal is possible. If you are planning a flight to Montreal, consider booking flights to Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl Airport (15 km from Montreal city centre).
You can find deals at Montreal St Hubert Airport for 663 C$pp on average, but that price can change based on your departure airport. To save money, try momondo’s Airport-to-Airport Pricing Tool.
Direct flights into Montreal are plentiful and include Air Canada, WestJet Airlines, Air Creebec, First Air, Air Intuit, Porter Airlines, and Provincial Airlines.
Travelling from the airport to city centre is quite easy, and there are plenty of options for the journey.
Bus
The 747 P-E Trudeau Airport/Downtown Express runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from the airport to city centre. In Downtown Montreal, the bus stops at the corner of Berri and Sainte-Catherine at the metro station. Fare is $10 CAD for unlimited travel through the STM. You can purchase tickets ahead of time, at the metro station, or using the exact change when boarding the bus. The bus leaves every 15 – 30 minutes and the ride takes 20 – 40 minutes depending on traffic.
VIA Rail Canada
VIA Rail Canada serves more than 450 locations. You can ride from the train station at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport to city centre for $12 CAD one-way in both directions. You must purchase the ticket from a VIA Rail Ticket agent booth at the airport. The Dorval railway station is 10 minutes from the terminal. You can take Bus #204 Eastbound to the station too.
Taxi
Taxis are found at the outside lower level and include Taxi Diamond, Taxi Champlain, Taxi Expert, and Co-Op Taxi. Fixed fare to Downtown Montreal is $40 CAD with a minimum rate of $17 CAD. Dispatchers are found at the ground level.
Limo
Private limo services are available from dispatchers on the ground level as well, with a fixed fare to Downtown for $55 – $60 CAD.
Rental Cars
Rental cars could be the easiest way to get to Downtown Montreal and surrounding city attractions. At the airport you will find Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. While it is recommended you book your rental ahead, you may be able to get a car at the airport. Be sure to look for affordable pricing on rentals cars with momondo.
Montreal is a city you could easily explore on foot. However, there is a plethora of Montreal transportation options for those who prefer to get around faster than walking.
The Metro
The Metro is just 10 minutes from local museums and Old Montreal. It is also the more affordable option for getting around the city centre. It operates Monday – Friday and on Sundays from 5:30am – 1:00 am and on Saturday from 5:30 am – 1:30 am. Wait time between trains is 8 minutes, but only 3 minutes during rush hour. Fare for a one-way 120-minute trip is $3.25 CAD for adults, $2.25 CAD for children ages 6 – 17, and $2.25 CAD for ages 65 and older. A 1-day unlimited pass is best, and costs $10 CAD. A 3-day pass is $18 CAD for unlimited trips.
Taxi
Taxis are easily flagged anywhere in Montreal, and taxi stands are located throughout downtown. Fare depends on the destination and travel time.
Bike
Bike stations are located in many areas of Montreal, and the city is cyclist-friendly. While the city does not provide a bike rental program, you can rent a bike from Ma Bicyclette, Fitz & Follwell, and Ca Roule Montreal.
No visa is required for domestic travelers within Canada. For foreign nationals, please check the Government of Canada Immigration website.
Montreal is home to numerous festivals throughout the year, events, and more than enough attractions to let everyone in your group have a good time. No matter the time of year, you will have a full itinerary. Places to visit include:
La Ronde
This amusement park is a must-see for anyone new to Montreal. The rides are always thrilling, and you could easily spend an entire day here. If travelling with the family, La Ronde is the place to go.
Montreal Biodome
The Montreal Biodome is in the former Olympic bicycle-racing stadium, and it features 4 breathtaking ecosystems, including polar bears.
Museums
Museums are plentiful in Montreal, including the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Archaeology and History.
Notre-Dame Basilica
Tour the majestic Notre-Dame Basilica created in 1824. Even if you are not drawn by the religious significance, you will definitely be in awe and admire the architectural beauty of this structure.
Enjoy Old Montreal
You cannot visit Montreal without going into Old Montreal. This is the original city and accessible by the metro. Here you will find quaint, cobblestone streets speckled with boutiques, eateries, and plenty of shops.
Montreal’s coordinates are based on the river as its reference point. So, you might find yourself a little confused to learn that north is west, and south is almost east! Using the city app will help you find your way around with ease. Montreal is home to some of the finest restaurants, and Schwartz’s is a must-see while you are enjoying the gastronomy of Montreal. Do not forget to see the “Underground City, where you find clothing stores, metro stations, and plenty of unique sights while walking under the city.