Montreal travel cost guide

Québec’s largest, French-speaking city, with a cobbled Old Montréal and Notre-Dame Basilica that feel European; famous too for bagels, smoked meat and poutine.

Suggested stay: 3–4 days

Estimate a 3-night, 4-day Montreal trip

When to visit Montreal

June–September: Outdoor festivals, Old Montréal strolls and Mount Royal Park. source
Late September–October: Autumn colour on Mount Royal. source

Weather: June–September is best, with summer festivals such as the jazz festival; December–March is sub-zero and snowy. source

Times to avoid: Winter (December–March) is sub-zero; plan around the underground city (RÉSO) and indoor sights. source

Weather varies from year to year; check the forecast before you go.

Don't miss in Montreal

Notre-Dame Basilica Old Montréal’s basilica, famed for its deep-blue interior, with the AURA light show in the evening. source
Old Montréal and the Old Port Cobbled streets and buildings dating back to the 17th century, down to the riverside port. source
Montréal bagels Boiled in honey water and baked in wood-fired ovens; St-Viateur and Fairmount bake around the clock. source

Where to stay in Montreal

Old Montréal (Vieux-Montréal): The historic quarter, a walk from Notre-Dame Basilica and the Old Port.
Downtown / Plateau: Well served by the métro; the Plateau is full of bagel shops and cafés.

What to eat in Montreal

Montréal Bagel — Small, sweet bagel boiled in honey water and wood-fired
Smoked Meat Sandwich — Spice-cured smoked beef piled on rye bread
Poutine — Fries with cheese curds and gravy, a Québec classic

Montreal tips and things to watch out for

Montreal travel tips

Menu prices exclude tax (5% GST + 9.975% QST) and tip; at least 15% of the pre-tax amount is usual. source
Airport to city: the 24-hour 747 bus costs $11.25 and doubles as a 24-hour bus and métro pass; on board it takes exact change in coins only. source

Good to know in Canada

Sales tax may be included in the displayed price or added separately; check your receipt. source
Contactless card payment works in most shops and on public transit. source

Watch out for in Canada

In parks and on trails you may meet bears and other wildlife; follow posted rules and never leave food out. source
In Canadian cities, do not leave bags unattended and keep valuables and your passport secure. source

General advice for the whole country. Check official government travel advice for entry rules and safety before you go.

Restaurant prices for Montreal are still being collected. The estimate also uses some official meal and transit prices checked in other cities in Canada.

Montreal attraction & theme park tickets

Official sellers’ prices for one adult admission. Select attractions in the calculator to add them to your budget.

Notre-Dame Basilica (Adult, plus tax): CA$16.00 · child CA$10.00

Estimate a 3-night, 4-day Montreal trip

Must-see spots, local tips, admission prices and foods to try in Montreal. Price data as of 2026-10-18.