Montreal is a fairly accessible city, with a decent network of metro and bus lines (the STM) to get you to your desired destinations.

The fare for a single bus or metro usage is $3.50. This includes a transfer, so hold onto the little piece of paper you get and you’ll be able to hop onto another metro line or bus if you need to make a connection.

When it comes to taking the bus, you can use cash or a pre-paid ticket (which can be purchased in the metro). When paying with cash, make sure to have $1 and $2 coins handy (colloquially known as loonies and toonies), as well as quarters, as these are the only acceptable coins for paying for the bus while on the bus. In the metro, you can pay for fares with cash, debit or credit. All of the STM’s metro stops have automated machines with which you can buy tickets, and some metro stops also have an employee manning the ticket kiosk if you don’t want to deal with a machine. If all else fails and you get stuck, feel free to ask a local for help! Our system is not very complicated, but it never hurts to ask for help. Some metro stations also have little information booths, should you have further questions.

You can also take a look at the STM website, which has all the information you’ll need about our bus and metro system: https://www.stm.info/en/info

Getting to the Conference Site:

Now, regarding the conference site, here are a few key pointers that should prove to be useful for you.

First off, Concordia University is located at Guy-Concordia metro station, on the Green Line. You can either take the tunnel directly into several of Concordia’s buildings, or you can walk outside and head to your destination. Guy-Concordia metro station is in a pretty central location, so you can easily walk around the core of downtown Montreal from here.

Another point that might be useful to know is that the 24 bus passes right by Concordia University, so that is another option for getting to the conference site.

Now, in my opinion, because you will be in a very central location, I would not necessarily bother with a bus unless you needed to for two reasons: 1) You can easily walk to a lot of museums, parks, shops and restaurants from Concordia without needing to hop on a bus (and it’s typically a nice walk, at that), and 2) If the location is far enough away, taking the metro will probably be the better option (and it is the same price, so why not).

If you are feeling whimsical or like getting in some exercise, you could also take a BIXI bike. You’ll notice that BIXI bikes are located all across Montreal, and you can often find a bike available. Once you download the application on your phone, finding and paying for a bike isn’t such a complicated affair. And indeed, if this is your preferred mode of transportation, there is a nice, relatively safe bike path that runs along Maisonneuve (the street on which Concordia University is located) and a few BIXI stations located nearby. If you do decide to take a BIXI bike about town, there are different packages that you can get for the duration of your time here—some being quite affordable, actually. If biking is your thing, it is worth looking into.

Happy commuting!

Do you need numbers to be convinced of the importance of Quebec's social economy? According to the Institut de la statistique du Québec, there are more than 11,200 social economy enterprises in the province, representing 47,8 billions of dollars in business revenue and close to 220,000 jobs. Be they cooperatives, not-for-profit or mutual profit organizations, they are found in various economic sectors from daycare centers to video game design to tourism, printing, and maintenance and cleaning firms.

During your visit in Montreal, why not encourage local social economy enterprises? If you are looking for lodging facilities, why not investigate the possibility of reserving in a youth hostel of the type of Saintlo located near Concordia? Do you want to discover other Montreal neighbourhoods and enjoy the ambiance for which the city is well-known? Many options are possible: a dance evening at the Café Campus on the Plateau Mont-Royal, a coffee at the Rond-point in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district, a beer at the Sans-taverne in Pointe-St-Charles … To know more about the city, its neighbourhoods, its history, why not try an on-foot excursion with L'Autre Montréal, or a visit to the Écomusée du fier monde! To go from one place to the other, forget Uber and use EVA or Taxi-Coop. 

We wish you an enjoyable stay among us!

Montreal: Private Tour with a Local Guide

For a more personal tour experience, why not try going on a walking tour with a guide that will help you understand Montreal from a local’s point of view? While this tour might not hit all the tourist spots, it will give you a sense of what life is like for a Montrealer!

Website: https://www.viator.com/tours/Montreal/Montreal-Private-Tour-with-a-Local-Guide/d625-63661P8
Price: $45

Explore Old Montreal

If you are interested in learning more about Quebec’s past, as well as understanding the significance of its architecture and monuments, this is a great option for you. This tour of Old Montreal will help you get a better sense of Montreal and Quebec’s culture—all whilst seeing some truly beautiful spots!

Website: https://www.viator.com/tours/Montreal/Walk-and-Explore-Old-Montreal/d625-124208P4

Price: $45

Haunted Montreal

If you are up for something unorthodox, I might suggest a spooky ghost tour. There are several ghost tours on offer which showcase some of the city’s spookier past. This is also a great way to see different parts of the city and stretch your legs. Personally I would recommend the Haunted Mount Royal tour, but the ones in Old Port and Downtown are equally interesting!

Website: https://www.viator.com/tours/Montreal/Haunted-Downtown/d625-37207P11

Price: Approximately $30.

Three Pines Tour

Are you a Louise Penny fan? Do you want to check out the stunning Eastern Townships? If so, then this is the tour for you! The Three Pines Tour will take you around some of the locations that inspired the international best-selling author’s books, whilst allowing you to take in the picturesque atmosphere of the Eastern Townships. This is a total must if you want to see where Armand Gamache came to life!

Website: https://www.threepinestours.com/

Price: Approximately $200-350, depending on the package.

Boat Tour of the St. Laurent

The final option for you—and a very enjoyable one at that—is to take a cruise down the St. Laurent (St. Lawrence) River. AML offers a range of boat cruises which will give you a panoramic view of the city and its surrounding areas. Personally, I have taken some of these tours and they are lovely. Depending on the package you go with, there will probably be a meal and entertainment. This is a great option for someone who wants to decompress and see the city from the water!

Website: https://www.croisieresaml.com/en/our-cruises/montreal/3-course-dinner-cruise

Price: Expect to pay upward of $100, depending on the cruise you choose.

Happy Touring!

Montreal International Jazz Fest:

I love, love, LOVE the Jazz Fest. You really can’t go wrong. There are free shows. There are paid shows. There are free, public activities. The whole city just comes alive and everyone is happy—perhaps slightly happier than normal due to the buzz of easily accessible beer, sweet treats and funky tunes floating around the air. Over the years, I have seen many amazing acts at the Jazz Fest, including: Stevie Wonder (FOR FREE), Aretha Franklin, the B-52’s (also free), and this year I’ll be seeing Ludovico Einaudi. There is really something for everyone. If you happen to be in Montreal a bit earlier than the conference, this is a must.

Dates: Thu, Jun 30, 2022 – Sat, Jul 9, 2022

Lineup includes: Gregory Porter, Ludovico Einaudi, Joss Stone, Macy Gray, Corinne Bailey Rae, The Roots, LÉON and so much more!

Where: Quartier des Spectacles

What: Range of free and paid public concerts.

Website: https://www.montrealjazzfest.com/en

Just for Laughs:

What a fun festival! Both local and international comedians congregate in Montreal for a roaring good time, filled with laughs and giggles! Come and check out a range of English or French performances—or bilingual performances—that will be sure to leave your belly aching!

Date: July 13^th to July 31^st.

Lineup includes: Kevin Hart, Bill Burr, Hannah Gadsby and more!

Where: A variety of theatres across town.
What: Comedians galore!

Website: https://montreal.hahaha.com/

L'International des Feux Loto-Québec : (International Loto-Quebec Fireworks Festival)

Who doesn’t love fireworks? The Fireworks Festival brings together some of the best fireworks makers in the world and has them compete for a prize! Each day typically represents a different country and the best they have to offer in terms of pyrotechnic mastery. I never miss this festival if I can help it!

Dates : June 25, July 2, 9, 13, 16, 20, 27, Aug 3 and 6, 2022.

What: Free fireworks!

Where to go: Head to Old Port to catch them for free, or if you want to catch the musical accompaniment that goes with them, head to La Ronde and book tickets. Although, if you are feeling crafty, you can catch the music that goes with them on a local radio station free of charge!

Website: https://www.mtl.org/en/what-to-do/festivals-and-events/l-international-des-feux-loto-quebec

Piknic Electronik:

If you like DJs and daytime dance parties that lead into the wee hours of the night, this is for you! Go, dance and be merry.

Dates: May 22^nd to October 2^nd.

What: DJ dance party. Typically runs throughout the day and into the night.

Where: Parc Jean Drapeau

Website: https://piknicelectronik.com/en

Nilufar:

If you like falafel and vegetarian options, Nilufar is a great restaurant to check out. Located close to Concordia’s campus, this restaurant is about a five minute walk around the block. You will find a nice variety of healthy (and less healthy) options—and at an affordable prices!

Address: 1923 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1M3

Website: http://restaurantnilufar.com/menu.html

Price range: $5-$15

Côte St Luc BBQ:

I am not going to lie: I live for this place. Côte St Luc’s food is the kind of comfort food that reminds me of my childhood. If you are willing to go a bit out of your way to get there, this is definitely a spot you need to check out. Go for the charcoal roasted chicken, the fries—THE GRAVY! You won’t be disappointed. Bonus: they now offer vegetarian burgers and gluten free options.

Address: 5403 Chemin de la Côte-Saint-Luc, Montreal, H3X 2C3

Website: https://cotestlucbbq.com/?lang=en

Price range: $15-$25

Come on! How delicious does this look!?

Omnivore:

This place is great. With multiple locations, including one just a few steps away from Concordia, this is an easy solution if you are in the mood for healthy, filling food. At Omnivore you will find a pleasing amount of vegetarian options; fun finger foods; tasty sandwiches; and even a few desserts and sweet drink options. Really, you can’t go wrong here.

Address: 2153 rue Mackay Montreal, QC H3G 2J2

Website: https://www.omnivoregrill.com/

Price range: $10-$20

Brit & Chips:

This is a restaurant that automatically brings a smile to my face. If you like different types of fish, battered in beer, maple or chipotle, topped with heaping mounds of deliciously-greasy fries, this is your joint. And—if you are feeling extra British—throw some mushy peas onto your order. Enjoy!

Address: 1390 Maisonneuve Blvd W, Montreal, Quebec H3G 0C8

Website: https://www.britandchips.com/

Price range: $15-$25

Campo:

Do you like eating flavorful chicken? Do you enjoy pretending to be healthy? This spot can help you achieve both of these objectives. With the most delicious chicken salad I have personally found on any restaurant menu for this price, Campo is such a fun find!

Address: 1108 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O, Montréal, QC H3A 1M7

Website:  https://campomtl.com/en/

Price range: Approximately $20

La Belle Province:

Ok, poutine time! If you want to be relatively old-school about it, go to Belle Pro’s and get yourself a poutine. Sure, there are fancier poutine establishments in Montreal, such as La Banquise. You could go fine-dining and get a poutine with lobster. But really, at the end of the day, you should leave Montreal having consumed a regular, curd-cheese and gravy “sauce brune” poutine. Don’t make it too complicated. Go, get a big one, and don’t eat for the rest of the day. You’ll be set. Also, because these restaurants are all over the place, one shouldn’t be hard to find.

Address: Everywhere.

Website: https://restaurantlabelleprovince.com/

Price range: $3-$20

Equally acceptable substitution: Restaurant Lafleur

Café Myriade:

I love this place. Café Myriade has a friendly, welcoming vibe, matched only by its high quality coffee. Socially conscious, Café Myriade offers a wide range of fair trade coffees at decent prices. This delectable little spot is a must for coffee lovers. Pro tip: Try their lavender latte. You can thank me later.

Address: 1432 Mackay St.

Distance from Concordia’s John Molson Building:  3 minute walk.

Juliette & Chocolat:

Are you a lover of all things chocolate? Appreciate a French feel for things? This faithful institution will deliver on both counts, and with more choices than you can think of! If you are in the mood for a sit down coffee and meal, this is a great option. With a variety of healthy meal options to counterbalance a multiplicity of decadent chocolate creations, you will leave here happy and satiated. Pro tip: the Café au lait comes in a mug dipped in chocolate.

Address: 1626 Saint-Catherine St W.

Distance from Concordia’s John Molson Building: 2-3 minute walk.

Like so.

Café Aunja:

I cannot express how much joy this place brings me. Please, if you want to try something special, stop by Café Aunja for a taste explosion. This Persian café has a wondrous menu that blends spices such as Persian rose, orange blossom, and saffron in ways that will undoubtedly leave a smile on your face. You can also find a wide range of yummy meals and vegan dessert options here. Pro tip: Try the Persian Fog. It’s like a London Fog, but make it *saffrony*.

Address: 1448 Sherbrooke St W.

Distance from Concordia’s John Molson Building: 5 minute walk.

Mr. Puffs:

Ok, hear me out. Recently voted as one of Quebec’s key comfort foods, this is a place you need to visit if you are in the mood for a sugar overload. While the Puffs themselves are one standard flavor, it is the toppings that make the experience something special. Personally, I would suggest the classic Sugar Cinnamon, but the Choco Loco is equally divine. Top if off with an iced Greek coffee and you are in business. I assure you that you won’t regret it. Well, maybe you will. But it will be the good kind of regret. Pro tip: You can mix-and-match your Puffs’ toppings.

Address: 1500 Boulevard de Maisonneuve W.

Distance from Concordia’s John Molson Building: 2 minute walk.

Who can say no to loukamades (Puffs)? I can’t.

Café Humble Lion:

If you are in need of a little pick me up, take a stroll down Sherbrooke (going east from Concordia) and grab yourself a coffee at this little gem of a coffee shop. Top it off with one of their scrumptious scones, walk around Sherbrooke and McGill College, and you’re sure to have yourself a nice little afternoon! Pro tip: If you walk up (and slightly east) from there you will find yourself at Mount Royal Park—which is the perfect place to sip a coffee!

Address: 904 Sherbrooke St W.

Distance from Concordia’s John Molson Building: 14 minute walk.

Covid-Testing:

Should you need to find a Covid-testing location, here are a few places close to Montreal’s downtown core in which you can get a variety of Covid-tests done:

Elna Medical – Downtown:

Location: 1538 Sherbrooke Ouest, Suite 519, Montreal, QC, H3H 2L9 

Phone Number: 514-700-3346

Website for booking: https://covidtest.santemedic.ca/providers-geo/4/en/montreal

Clinique A – Downtown : 

Location : 407 Rue McGill #900, Montréal, QC H2Y 2G3

Phone Number : 514-700-3346

Website for booking: https://covidtest.santemedic.ca/providers-geo/4/en/montreal

RPD : Rapid Testing Solutions:

Location: 1187 Saint-Catherine St Ouest, Montreal, QC H3B 1K6

Email: info@rpdtesting.com

Whatsapp: +1 (438) 820-5695

Website for booking: https://www.rpdtesting.com/tests-pricing

You may also need to take a rapid test that meets travel requirements before departing Montreal, there is testing available at the Montreal-Trudeau Airport:

Biron Testing

Location: Montreal-Trudeau Airport

Website: https://www.biron.com/en/laboratory/covid-19/travel/yul/

Pharmacies:

Should you be feeling under the weather and need to purchase any medicine, we recommend finding the nearest Pharmaprix or Jean Coutu. They are dotted all over Montreal, so it really shouldn’t be difficult to find one. They carry a wide range of medicine, with a pharmacist typically available to answer any of your questions.

Useful Websites:

https://www1.pharmaprix.ca/en/home

https://www.jeancoutu.com/en/

Clinics and Hospitals:

Clinics:

If you really find yourself under the weather, there are local clinics called CLSCs which provide typical health services. Again, there are many located all around the city, but it is wise to put in a phone call first or to go early (there is usually a line).

Hospitals:

If you really find yourself in need of urgent care, there are many hospitals which you can visit. The two largest ones are:

The CHUM:

Location: 1000 rue Saint-Denis, Montreal (Quebec)  H2X 0C1

Website: https://www.chumontreal.qc.ca/joindre-le-chum

The Glen:

Location: 1001 Decarie Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1

Website: https://muhc.ca/glen-site

Visit Mont-Royal

It is an ideal site for admiring a wide variety of plants and birds or for enjoying outdoor activities. There are several great lookouts along the way to the top offering beautiful views of the city. Les amis de la montagne offer a variety of services and activities, including the new permanent exhibition at the Maison Smith and interactive terminals and map. You can visit Les amis de la montagne website at https://www.lemontroyal.qc.ca/en/

Photo Credit: Instagram @memmtl

The Centre d’histoire de Montréal

335 place D’Youville

The idea behind the Centre d’histoire de Montréal was born in the early 1980s out of a need to find ways to help the city interpret its history and diverse heritage. The museum takes an interest in both the city’s tangible and intangible heritage, as well as that of its citizens, and often works in partnership with groups that wish to retrace and share their history.  Located in a former fire station, the Centre d’histoire de Montréal works to promote the cultural diversity of the city and encourage intercultural understanding among its people. To find out more, visit http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/portal/page?_pageid=9077,101943699&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL.

Notre-Dame Basilica

110 Notre-Dame St W.

Montreal's oldest Catholic church, built in 1656, situated in the historic district of Old Montreal. It is known for its intricately designed interior, which includes stained glass chronicling the history of the city. Further details can be found at http://www.basiliquenotredame.ca/en/.

Jean-Talon Market

7075 Casgrain Ave

Located in the Little Italy district, the market was opened to the public in 1933. It's open year-round, even during Montreal's severe winters, and during the peak summer period, between May and October, its open-air arcades are occupied by around 300 vendors. To find out more, visit https://www.marchespublics-mtl.com/en/marches/jean-talon-market/.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musee des Beaux-Arts)

1380 Sherbrooke St W.

Founded in 1860, the Musee des Beaux-Arts museum was created by a group of Montreal art collectors and patrons with the purposed of encouraging an appreciation of the fine arts among the city’s inhabitants. Its collection currently holds over 41,000 works spanning from Antiquity to the present day including paintings, sculptures, graphic arts, photographs and decorative art objects which are displayed in four pavilions. For more information, visit https://www.mbam.qc.ca/en/.

Old Port of Montreal

The Old Port of Montreal is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, attracting about six million visitors every year. The historic port stretches over two kilometres along the St-Lawrence River and was used as early as 1611, when French fur traders used it as a trading post. Today, it hosts many attractions, including the Montreal Science Centre. For more information, visit http://www.oldportofmontreal.com/.

Lachine Canal National Historic Site

105 Rue McGill

This 14.5-kilometre urban route runs between the Old Port and Lake Saint-Louis and is lined both with green urban park and the vestiges of the industrial era when the canal boomed. The Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling offers a walking audio tour “that takes listeners from the Atwater Market to the Saint Gabriel Lock (2.5km). Over the course of the walk, memories of residents and workers from the area guide the listener through history.” The MP3 is available for free at https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/qc/canallachine/activ/sentiers-trails/decouverte-tours/multimedia.

The Botanical Gardens

4101 Sherbrooke St. E.

The Botanical Garden is part of the Montréal Space for Life, Canada's largest natural museum science complex and offers a variety of programs, exhibitions and activities all year long. The Garden hosts a collection of 22,000 plant species and cultivars, 10 exhibition greenhouses, Frederic Back Tree House, an Insectarium, and more than 20 thematic gardens spread out over 75 hectares. To find out more, visit http://m.espacepourlavie.ca/en/botanical-garden.

Photo Credit: localfoodtours.com

Try the Mile End Montreal Food Tour

The Mile End is vibrant neighbourhood with a thriving foodie and artistic scenes. The food tour takes about 3 hours and includes 6 stops, a visit to a historic theatre, and a stop at the classic St. Viateur Bagel shop. Prices start at $52.00 CAD. For more information visit http://localmontrealtours.com/food-tours/mile-end-montreal-food-tour/.

McCord Museum

690 Sherbrooke St W.

The McCord Museum was originally founded in 1921 by David Ross McCord and was based in his personal collection, primarily reflecting his interest in First Peoples and Canadian history. The museum’s holdings have expanded considerably, with artifacts ranging from textiles, photographs, art, indigenous creations, and more, and the museum has since shifted its focus towards the local history of Montreal. To find out more, visit http://www.musee-mccord.qc.ca/en/.

Directions to Concordia University and hotels nearby

(download this document below to pack and bring)

Flights arrive at the Montréal-Trudeau Airport (YUL), 22 kilometres west of downtown. There are several ways you can get to the conference centre from the airport.

BY BUS FROM THE AIRPORT

The Montreal Centre-ville 747 Express bus runs 24 hours a day between the airport and downtown Montreal. There are two routes which you can take:

Destination Centre-ville / Downtown (recommended)

This route will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Take this bus till the stop Guy / René-Lévesque. From this stop it’s about a 5 minute walk to the conference centre on Concordia campus (crossing Boulevard René-Lévesque and walking towards Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest).

Destination Terminus Lionel-Groulx

This route will take you to Lionel-Groulx metro station in roughly 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic, where you will transfer to the Green line in the metro station (direction Honoré-Beaugrand) to Guy-Concordia, located in the heart of Concordia’s SGW campus. The conference centre is directly across from the metro station in the John Molson School of Business building.

The fare for the 747 bus is $10.00 CAD and gives you 24 hours unlimited travel through the STM (la Société de transport de Montréal) bus and metro network for the day. You can pay this by cash aboard the bus using Canadian coins (bills are not accepted). You may also purchase a reusable OPUS card for $6.00 CAD which can then be used to purchase a variety of passes, such as the 3-day pass for $20.50 CAD, which may suit your needs better and will also be accepted on the 747. Fares can be purchased from the automated dispensers on the international arrivals level. You can also ask for help at the STM information desk in the international arrivals area.

For more information about fares, visit: http://www.stm.info/en/info/fares/transit-fares

To view maps of STM’s network, visit: http://www.stm.info/en/info/networks/maps

BY TAXI FROM THE AIRPORT:

Taxi fare from the airport to downtown is approximately $41.00 CAD, payable by cash or credit card.

BY RENTAL CAR FROM THE AIRPORT:

There are a variety of car rental services available at the airport with cost ranging between around $38.00 to $60.00 CAD per day.

Metered street parking is available throughout the downtown core and the J.W. McConnel (LB) Building has a public underground parking lot which can be entered from Mackay Street (a one-way heading south). You may want to check with your hotel to ensure they offer parking for their guests.

For more information about booking a rental car at the airport, visit: http://www.admtl.com/en/access/car-rental

It’s important to note that Quebec and Montreal have some unique driving laws. Please see our “Tips for Driving in Quebec and Montreal” document for more information. 

DIRECTIONS FROM THE TRAIN STATION:

If you’re travelling by train, you’ll arrive in Montreal at Gare Centrale. It’s about 20 minute walk from the train station to campus or a 6 minute taxi costing around $8.00 CAD.

DIRECTIONS FROM THE BUS STATION:

If you take a bus to Montreal, you’ll arrive at the Gare d’autocars de Montreal (1717 Rue Berri St.). To get to campus from the bus station, walk about 4 minutes to the Berri-UQAM metro station and take the Green line (towards Station Angrignon) to the Guy-Concordia station. An STM transit pass can be purchased at any metro station.

You could also take a cab which would take 10 to 15 minutes and cost approximately $13.00 CAD.

Driving distances and times from:

1. Turning right on a red light is allowed in Québec, EXCEPT in Montréal where it is illegal.
   
2. As is the case everywhere in Canada, distances are marked in kilometers, not miles.So too therefore are speed limits. Remember that 8 kilometres is equal to about 5 miles and that a speed limit of 100 km/hr is a limit of 62.5 mph.
3. In addition, gas in Canada is sold in litres, not gallons. 1 US gallon is equal to about 3.8 liters.
4. In general, there are no tolls on Québec highways, save for one on the A-30 expressway south of Montréal. The fee depends on your category of vehicle but a passenger vehicle with a height lower than 230 cm will pay $2.25 CAD per crossing.
5. Keep in mind that road signs throughout Québec will be in French, although most also use internationally familiar pictograms so you should have no difficulty understanding them. One useful pointer is that freeways are called “Autoroute” are numbered with the letter A.