Officially founded in 1832 but boasting a history dating much further back, Montreal is the largest city in Canada's province of Quebec. The city, anchored on the Island of Montreal and the banks of the incredible St. Lawrence River, is named after Mount Royal, which dominates the heart of the city.
A weekend in Montreal, Canada's second-largest city, offers plenty of entertainment for international visitors. The history of the Old Town brings a very European vibe to Montreal, while hip new restaurants, bars and art galleries provide a modern backdrop.
Your flight to Montreal will likely land at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL). British visitors arriving by air from London or from Manchester will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation to enter Canada, which can be obtained in advance from the Canadian government's website. British citizens do not require a visa for short stays in Canada.
Montreal is a bilingual city, with most of its residents speaking French as their first language. As the city sees many international visitors each year, most service workers will have a working knowledge of both English and French. The official currency is the Canadian dollar.
Given Montreal's location in Eastern Canada, you'll be treated to spectacular views on a weekend in Montreal during autumn. This leafy city becomes a bounty of reds and oranges as the trees begin to turn in September and October. The city is great to explore on foot or by bicycle, and visiting in the spring and summer months will give you the chance to sit outdoors on a patio or alongside the river.
A flight to and hotel in Montreal for the winter also have their charms. As long as you dress warmly for the Canadian weather, you'll enjoy French Canada's many lovely winter traditions and sports. Several festivals also occur in Montreal in the winter months, such as the Fête des Neiges and Montréal en Lumière, where the whole city is illuminated with amazing displays.
Book a flight and hotel in Montreal to experience Canada's cultural hub. Some of the city's many activities include:
Montreal is a great place to enjoy the finer things in life. Whether you're enjoying short city breaks or longer package holidays in Montreal, the city has a great mix of historic sites and modern activities.
A visit to the Old Town, known as Vieux Montreal, is a must-do for any visitor. Enjoy the cobblestoned streets and travel back to a simpler time. Visit the famous Notre-Dame Basilica, built in 1656; stroll through by the vendors at Place Jacques-Cartier; and finally, end your day with a walk through the Old Port of Montreal.
For a more cultural visit, be sure to add the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to your list, as well as the Pointe-à-Callière Museum to learn about local history.
Package holidays in Montreal are best enjoyed by exploring the various neighbourhoods, which each add personality to the city. Great areas to explore on foot include Le Plateau-Mont-Royal for colourful architecture, Mile End for art galleries and Little Burgundy for jazz music.
Many of Montreal's best dishes are linked to the traditional neighbourhoods from which they come. Visit the Historic Jewish Quarter to try famous bagels and smoked-meat sandwiches from Schwartz's Deli, a Canadian institution. The Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy is one of the city's most colourful places for fresh produce. Little Italy also boasts the city's most famous fried chicken, at Dinette Triple Crown.
Arguably the best-known dish from this part of Canada is poutine. Made with chips, gravy and cheese curds, poutine can be found in most delis and markets in Montreal – don't leave without giving it a try!
Don't return from city breaks in Montreal empty-handed! Be sure to bring home some famous Canadian maple syrup, produced in the Montreal area. You'll also see plenty of souvenirs with the Quebec flag, celebrating the city's independent spirit and unique role in Canada's heritage.
Planning on flying to Canada? If a city break in Montreal doesn't quite convince you, why not explore other exciting cities in Canada ? Check out our amazing flight and hotel packages for your next holiday adventure!