{"id":1,"date":"2019-05-30T20:14:21","date_gmt":"2019-05-30T20:14:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.citybrewtours.com\/montreal\/?p=1"},"modified":"2025-10-31T01:56:29","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T01:56:29","slug":"what-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.citybrewtours.com\/montreal\/what-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"16 things to know before traveling to Montreal"},"content":{"rendered":"

Planning a trip to Montreal? <\/span>A stay-over or a stay-longer? <\/span>Here are a few things you should know before you pack your bag and book your stay!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Want to fit in smoothly? These are the things to know before going to Montreal<\/h2>\n

When first arriving in a foreign country, it can be a bit of a cultural shock. We gathered a maximum of\u00a0must-know things<\/strong>, so you are well-prepared to cross the borders. Discover our 15 things to know before about Montreal!<\/p>\n

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1. Bilingual city<\/h3>\n

\"Bilingual<\/p>\n

First thing to know about Montreal: it is famous for being a part of the French part of Canada<\/strong>. Many people speak French, but it is a very\u00a0cosmopolitan city<\/strong> where people come from many areas and cultures such as Asia, Europe and Latina America.<\/p>\n

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2. Commuting
\n\"Commutings<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

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A very important thing to know is that turning right at a red light is allowed everywhere in Canada and the United States, except in New York and on the Island of Montreal. Why is this\u00a0prohibited on the island of Montreal<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

Because there are too many people commuting, including millions of pedestrians crossing intersections, allowing people to turn right at a red light may lead to dangerous accidents.<\/p>\n

The best way to get other cars honking at you is by stalling at a green light when it\u2019s flashing. A green flashing light means that you have a turning priority. Keep this in mind when choosing your lane and pay attention to the signs.<\/p>\n

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3. Radars signs<\/h3>\n

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\"Radars<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

If you choose to drive into the city, watch out for the \u2018\u2019you\u2019re-on-camera\u2019\u2019 signs! They actually warn you that there is a\u00a0radar photo<\/strong>\u00a0nearby and that your plate will be\u00a0reported to the authorities<\/strong>\u00a0if you are driving over the speed limit.<\/p>\n

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4. Everything comes alive in the summer in Montreal<\/h3>\n

\"Things<\/p>\n

Montreal has tons of\u00a0festivals and outdoor activities<\/strong>\u00a0in the summer. It’s usually peak tourism season and for a good reason!<\/p>\n

In the summer, Montreal is also a\u00a0great destination for bachelor parties<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Every neighbourhood has its perks and interests. Participating in a city brew tour is a great way to see the best of the city!<\/p>\n

You’ll also get insider information on all the\u00a0best events happening<\/strong>\u00a0in the summer in Montreal.<\/p>\n

The southwest of Montreal near the\u00a0Lachine Canal<\/strong>\u00a0is particularly busy during the summer. It has been up-and-coming for a few years.<\/p>\n

Montreal’s summer liveliness often contrasts with its sub-zero winter temperatures.<\/p>\n

If you’re not a fan of the cold, you’ll find your experience of Montreal much more enjoyable during the summer and the fall.<\/p>\n

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5. Vast underground city<\/h3>\n
\"The
source: stm.info<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Play safe, take public transportation. It is\u00a0even cheaper<\/strong>\u00a0and the island has a vast network of transits. The subway is open from 5:30 am to 12:30 am\u2026 The city even has its own\u00a0underground walking system<\/strong>\u00a0filled with boutiques and shops for its residents.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s one of the great things to know before traveling to Montreal, especially with the city’s glacial winter temperatures.<\/p>\n

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6. No alcohol in public areas<\/h3>\n

\"things-to-do-in-montreal-randolph\"<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re more of a quiet type who indulges nature, Montreal has green areas all over the territory. Just remember that\u00a0alcohol is prohibited in public<\/strong>\u00a0areas unless you drink it at a picnic table installed by the City of Montreal or during an event that has been authorized by the borough council.<\/p>\n

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7. Eveybody moves to a new appartment the same day<\/h3>\n
\"Moving
source: wikipedia.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Be prepared to witness one of our longest-lasting traditions in Quebec:\u00a0Moving Day<\/a>. There is technically no legal requirement to move on July 1st (you may sign your rent any day of a given year), but you\u2019ll quickly realize that\u00a0everybody\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>moves on July 1st<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

One of the reasons is Canada Day, everyone is off work and can move while others gather for the festivities.<\/p>\n

Beers are probably sold more on July 1st in Montreal and all of Quebec than any other day of the year!<\/p>\n

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8. People swear<\/h3>\n
\"Slangs
source: mtlblog.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A few little things to know about Montreal so that you don\u2019t get caught by surprise. First,\u00a0people swear<\/strong>. And, like any other place, Montreal has developed its own French language and accent\u2026 even English is a little unique.<\/p>\n

So, better be ready than sorry. To avoid speaking any mistakes or to recognize quickly who is making fun of you,\u00a0learn the slang and swear<\/a>!<\/p>\n

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9. There are two taxes<\/h3>\n

\"Taxes<\/p>\n

Then, there are taxes. In other Canadian provinces, they have a Harmonized Tax; in Quebec, many things are different than elsewhere\u2026 and they\u00a0charge two taxes<\/strong>\u2026 one on top of the other.<\/p>\n

The good news is that you won\u2019t be taken by surprise, because it is all detailed on the bill: 5% GST (Canada) et 9.5% PST (Quebec). That\u2019s our way of collectively contributing to the common good.<\/p>\n

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10. Tipping in Canada<\/h3>\n

\"Tipping<\/p>\n

As it does not exist in many countries, this is a very important thing to know about Canada: you\u00a0have to tip<\/strong>\u00a0when in a restaurant or a bar. A good part of the employees\u2019 salary is based on that, and it is in their culture for Canadians to tip every time. Note that tipping isn\u2019t required for a take away.<\/p>\n

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11. Things to know before traveling to Montreal: the green spaces of Montreal<\/h3>\n

\"Green<\/p>\n

Designed by New York’s Central Park architect, Montreal’s Mont-Royal is the\u00a0perfect escape in nature<\/strong>\u00a0while staying in the city.<\/p>\n

While exploring the Mont-royal, you’ll cross bikers, runners, and people walking their dogs. The park floods with people tanning in the summer, and Sundays are the park’s busiest days.<\/p>\n

There’s tennis, volleyball, a baseball field, and multiple other attractions within walking distance from the park.<\/p>\n

If you want an\u00a0authentic experience of Montreal’s<\/strong>\u00a0cosmopolitan dynamic, spend a lazy Sunday at Mont-Royal, you won’t be disappointed.<\/p>\n

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12. Montreal is known for food<\/h3>\n

\"Food<\/p>\n

Montreal is\u00a0the<\/em>\u00a0foodie destination in Canada. The city is packed with\u00a0excellent restaurants<\/strong>\u00a0with menus from all over the world.<\/p>\n

Whether you’re looking for fusion cuisine or local hidden gems, there’s something for everyone.<\/p>\n

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13. Poutine, our famous must-try meal<\/h3>\n

\"Poutine<\/a><\/p>\n

Sample Quebec\u2019s\u00a0national delicatessen<\/strong>: fries, gravy and cheese curds,\u00a0The Poutine<\/a>. Everyone claims that they prepare the best one\u2026 which poutine will win you over?<\/p>\n

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14. Montreal is very famous for craft beer breweries<\/h3>\n

\"Craft<\/p>\n

The love affair of Montrealers with food extends to its liquors, spirits and beers.<\/p>\n

A must to sample some of the\u00a0best craft beer<\/strong>\u00a0is\u00a0The Sip of Montreal brew tour<\/a>\u00a0in the city and get a\u00a0local and authentic experience<\/strong>. Let City Brew Tours drive you through Montr\u00e9al\u2019s best breweries and learn cool stuff that you\u2019ll bring back home!<\/p>\n

You’ll learn about Montreal’s history and the art of beer making while immersing yourself in the culture and satisfying your taste buds.<\/p>\n

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15. Did someone say 5 \u00e0 7?<\/h3>\n

\"things-to-do-in-montreal\"<\/p>\n

Knowing what a 5 a 7 refers to is definitely on the list of things to know before traveling to Montreal.<\/p>\n

This is one of those uniquely Montreal terms and traditions that will make you fall in love with the culture. 5 \u00e0 7’s refers to “happy hour,” but we do it a little differently in Montreal.<\/p>\n

While these happy hours take place\u00a0all year long<\/strong>, they are particularly lively in the summer. Outdoor terraces are booming with people, music, and energy right after the work day finishes.<\/p>\n

Sampling\u00a0the best Montreal breweries<\/a>\u00a0during happy hour is the best way to\u00a0get a pulse on the local scene<\/strong>\u00a0while meeting tons of people.<\/p>\n

If you’re a beer enthusiast, personalize your experience of the city with City Brew Tours, where you’ll visit everything from independent nano-breweries to large-scale regional breweries.<\/p>\n

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16. Weed is legal but regulated by government services<\/h3>\n
\"Legal
\u00a9 Photo by Alexander Grey: https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/kush-in-close-up-photography-3676962\/<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Finally, you must have heard that\u00a0pot is legal\u00a0<\/strong>in Canada. Indeed, it is possible to buy it for recreational consumption But beware! There is a municipal ruling on smoking weed: if you are under 18 y.o., forget it. If you are 21 and older, you may purchase marijuana in legal shops<\/a>\u00a0in many Canadian cities.<\/p>\n

You may smoke weed in some public places, and you should\u00a0refer to your borough rules<\/strong>\u00a0before you light it up. Details can be found on the\u00a0City of Montreal\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Possession of certain quantities is also subject to law and regulations, and you should\u00a0never<\/em>\u00a0smoke and drive, just like you should never drink and drive.