Our Confab Host Wes Tyrell has sent along a Cartoonist’s Guide to Montreal, which you can download here: The AAEC-ACC Guide to Montreal —or just keep reading:
The AAEC-ACC Guide to Montréal
Montréal is often considered half European and half American, a multicultural hub where French mingles with the accents of some 80 other ethnic communities. The city charms visitors with its mix of Old-World allure and North American energy. As the second-largest city in Canada and the second-largest French-speaking city in the world (after Paris), Montréal offers a vibrant downtown at the foot of Mount Royal, while its rich history is rooted in the old neighborhoods along the river. The best part? You don’t need a car to explore its charm—Montréal is easily walkable.
Things to know before visiting Montréal:
You don’t need to speak French (but it’s appreciated). French is the official language, but you’ll have no problem getting by in English as a visitor. However, it’s always a nice gesture to sprinkle in a “bonjour” or “merci” when you can. Don’t be surprised if locals switch to English—it’s not rude, just an effort to make things easier for you.
October is a great time to visit. You’ll witness the vibrant fall colors as the trees on Mount Royal, in the heart of the city, turn majestic shades of yellow and red.
Expect lineups at popular restaurants, regardless of the weather. Iconic spots like Schwartz’s Deli (for smoked meat) and La Banquise (for poutine) are always busy. Be prepared to wait at places that don’t take reservations, and book ahead at those that do.
Tipping is customary. It’s standard to tip at least 15% on your total bill after tax unless the service was terrible. Servers often rely on tips as they are paid below minimum wage.
Cannabis is legal for those 21 and older but can only be purchased at SQDC government stores. Smoking in public spaces, including parks and streets, is illegal.
Montréal is generally safe to walk around, but it’s always smart to walk in pairs at night. If you need to visit a hospital, ensure you have travel insurance—the Canadian province of Quebec healthcare is only free for RAMQ cardholders, and medical costs can be very high if you’re paying out of pocket.
The tourism bureau of Montréal has a wonderful website where you can download a large array of information about the city: https://meetings.mtl.org/en/toolkit/promotional-materials
The Important Stuff
- Official Registration will be 3-5 p.m. at the McCord Stewart Museum (690 Sherbrooke St. West, 20 minutes walk from Hôtel Zero 1)
- Get your badge which is giving you free access to the Museum exhibitions and don’t forget to take your gift bag
- Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening receptions at 5 p.m. at the Museum
- AAEC meeting on Saturday at 9am(ish) at Hotel Zero 1. (Exact room TBA)
Transportation
From the airport:
747 YUL Aéroport Montréal-Trudeau/Centre-ville bus
The 747 runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, between the airport and Lionel-Groulx and Berri-UQAM métro stations (Gare d’autocars de Montréal).
Airport → Downtown (Berri-UQAM métro station and Gare d’autocars de Montréal)
11 stops – 45 to 70 minutes
Stop for Hotel Zero 1 : Saint-Laurent (across the Hotel)
Continuous service to the airport
Downtown (Berri-UQAM station and Gare d’autocars de Montréal) → Airport
11 stops – 45 to 70 minutes
Stop for Airport: Saint-Laurent (On the other side of the hotel)
The fare is $11 for unlimited travel throughout the STM bus and métro network and is valid for 24 consecutive hours.
Hungry? Eating options
Breakfast
- Eggspectation – Complexe Desjardins (8-minute walk from the Hotel)
Stylish chain offering an extensive egg-centric breakfast menu, as well as American dishes for lunch and dinner.
OPENING HOURS: 7 am – 8 pm
190 Rue Sainte-Catherine, (514) 288-6448 - https://www.eggspectation.ca/complexe-desjardins/
- Universel Déjeuners et Grillades (11-minute walk from the Hotel; 11-minute walk from the Museum)
Located in the heart of Downtown Montreal, close to the Quartier des Spectacles, very close to the Place-des-Arts metro station, it is an ideal place for breakfast to start the day on the right track.
OPENING HOURS: 7 am – 10 pm
359 Ste-Catherine Ouest,
https://www.resto-universel.com/emplacements/ste-catherine/
Lunch & Dinner
- Bouillon Bilk (3-minute walk from the Hotel):
Modern, French-inspired eclectic cuisine served in a bright, minimalist chic space. Vegetarian dishes available
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Monday to Sunday: 5:30- 11 pm
22 St-Catherine Est, (514) 845-1595, https://www.bouillonbilk.com/
- Da Giovanni (5-minute walk from the Hotel):
Classic North American red sauce restaurant filled with kitsch, nostalgia and ancient red booths and tables. Between Rue Saint-Hubert and Rue Berri, across from the Jardin and Berri-UQAM Metro stop.
OPENING HOURS: 11 am – 8 pm
572 St-Catherine Est, 514-842-8851, info@dagiovanni.ca
- La Banquise (10-minute car ride from the Hotel):
Small restaurant open 24 hours offering microbrewery beers, numerous choices of poutines and hearty breakfasts.
994 Rachel Est, (514) 525-2415 - Poutineville Bishop (6-minute car ride from the Hotel)
Simple mini-chain offering custom poutines with premium toppings and American dishes.
OPENING HOURS: 11:30 am – 11 pm
1228 Rue Bishop, (438) 380-9130 - Restaurant l’Express Montreal (7-minute car ride from the hotel)
Iconic chic Parisian-style bistro with checkerboard floor and bar, serving refined classics.
OPENING HOURS: Closes at 2 am
3927 R. Saint-Denis, (514) 845-5333, restaurantlexpress.com
WHERE TO WANDER AIMLESSLY
- Montréal neighbourhood: Discover Chinatown
Montréal’s Chinatown or Le quartier chinois is situated close to the Hotel. The neighborhood occupies roughly one square block – Saint Dominique Street to the East, René Lévesque Boulevard to the North, Viger Street to the south and Jeanne-Mance Street to the West – four corners of which are marked by large ornate Paifang Gates (the most of any Chinatown in Canada.)
- Vieux-Montréal
Old Montréal is a district of contrasts. Alongside the stately grace of the Notre-Dame Basilica and the Bonsecours Market’s glistening dome awaits a wealth of cutting-edge design shops and forward-thinking restaurants.
- PLACES TO BE A FULL-FLEDGED TOURIST
Rue Saint Catherine is a hip shopping and night life zone studded with trendy restaurants and venues.
