Old Montreal Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Attraction Passes

Explore the Passeport MTL for access to various attractions and public transit.
Calculate pass value based on your planned visits.
Discover free attractions like Place Jacques-Cartier.
Stroll along the Old Port promenade without cost.

Savvy Dining

Seek "5 à 7" (happy hour) specials for reduced drink and appetizer prices.
Enjoy more affordable lunch "table d'hôte" (fixed-price) menus.
Consider "Bring Your Own Wine" (BYOW) restaurants for dining cost reduction.
Look for local bakeries for affordable breakfast or snacks.

Transportation Tactics

Purchase a multi-day STM pass for frequent public transit use.
Walk short distances instead of using taxis.
Rely on the Metro system for efficient city travel.
Avoid driving in Old Montreal; parking is challenging and costly.

Accommodation Options

Explore hostels or guesthouses outside the immediate core for lower rates.
Consider B&Bs slightly removed from the historic district.
Book accommodation well in advance during peak travel periods.
Compare prices across different booking platforms for lodging.

Time-Saving Tips

Streamline your visit to Old Montreal with smart planning, optimizing your exploration time.

Queue Bypassing

Purchase tickets online for Notre-Dame Basilica to avoid lines.
Book AURA show tickets for Notre-Dame Basilica far in advance.
Acquire Pointe-à-Callière tickets online before your visit.
Online ticket acquisition facilitates bypassing long queues.

Timing Your Visits

Visit Notre-Dame Basilica early morning or late afternoon.
Experience Place Jacques-Cartier weekday mornings for tranquility.
Avoid peak times for a calmer sightseeing experience.
Weekends and evenings feature the highest visitor numbers for popular areas.

Smart Exploration Routes

Group nearby attractions for seamless transitions between sites.
Plan your walking route with a map for logical flow.
Combine visits to Notre-Dame Basilica and Place d'Armes.
Integrate Pointe-à-Callière into your nearby explorations.

Advance Booking

Reserve popular restaurants, especially for weekend dinners.
Secure your AURA show tickets as soon as travel dates are firm.
Early reservations confirm preferred times and availability.
Consider booking private walking tours for group flexibility.

Local Insights

Gaining familiarity with local customs and navigating common oversights deepens your Old Montreal experience.

Visitor Oversights

Do not underestimate walking distances or uneven cobblestones; wear proper shoes.
Avoid relying solely on taxis; public transit connects the city well.
Attempting a few basic French phrases garners appreciation from locals.
Old Montreal navigation is easiest on foot; avoid driving within the district.

Local Traditions

Tipping for service is standard practice and greatly appreciated.
Many "Bring Your Own Wine" (BYOW) restaurants are available, reducing dining costs.
Embrace fixed-price lunch menus for value.
Observe quiet contemplation in churches during non-tour times.

Polite Interactions

Adhere to queuing norms in lines for services or attractions.
Canadians exhibit politeness; reciprocate this social norm.
Acknowledge greetings from shopkeepers upon entering stores.
Respect private property and residential areas during your visit.

Phrases

Use "Bonjour" for greetings throughout the day.
Express gratitude with a simple "Merci" (thank you).
Politely request with "S'il vous plaît" (please).
Apologize or excuse yourself with "Pardon".

Group-Specific Travel Guidance

Adjusting your Old Montreal exploration based on your travel companions fosters a smoother experience.

For Solo Adventurers

Old Montreal has a very safe environment for solo exploration.
Hostels provide social opportunities and organized activities.
Pubs and cafes maintain a welcoming atmosphere for solo diners or drinkers.
Consider joining walking tours to connect with other travelers.

Family Exploration

The Montréal Science Centre exhibits are excellent for families.
Old Port activities include ziplining and the Grande Roue, popular with children.
Cobblestone streets challenge strollers; an Baby carrier aids navigation for infants.
Select family-friendly restaurants or those with a casual atmosphere.

Group Coordination

Make dining, tour, and accommodation reservations well in advance.
Booking private walking tours customizes pace and interests for your group.
Confirm group numbers for all activities to secure capacity.
Communicate meeting points and schedules clearly within your group.

Accessibility Planning

Consult section 11.4 for detailed accessibility information prior to your visit.
Confirm accessible routes and facilities at specific attractions.
Verify Metro station accessibility for mobility considerations.
Plan routes that accommodate varying mobility needs within your group.

Good to Know

Staying informed on local subtleties transforms a good trip into an exceptional one.

Essential Information for Your Journey

A selection of further practical advice to guide your visit to Old Montreal.

Advance Planning

Strategic reservations for flights and lodging secure your desired itinerary.

Efficient Movement

Utilize public transit and walking for exploration within the city.

Cultural Awareness

Familiarity with local customs deepens interactions and cultural understanding.

Considerations for Your Trip

Pre-Travel Preparation

Familiarize yourself with Old Montreal's layout and Metro stations.
Learn a few basic French phrases like 'Bonjour' and 'Merci'.
Research local customs and appropriate tipping practices.

Home Readiness

Secure your home before leaving for your trip.
Arrange for pet care if necessary during your absence.
Pause mail delivery or arrange for collection.

Pro Tip

A well-researched trip facilitates greater enjoyment and fewer surprises.

Old Montreal Travel Hacks