EC Montreal Travel Guide and Activities

Beautiful, bilingual Montreal is where English and French cultures meet! Located on an island in the St. Lawrence River, Montreal is the largest fully bilingual city in the world, and a bit like a piece of Europe in North America. Montreal has recently been named a UNESCO City of Design and it is a safe city rich in culture and history.

Climate

Generally Canada enjoys four very distinct seasons, particularly in the more populated regions along the US border. Daytime summer temperatures are typically 26°C, while winters may reach -5°C. More moderate temperatures are the norm in spring and fall.

Money

Currency: Canadian dollar CAD$
Major credit card companies in Canada: American Express, Visa and Master Card.
Standard banking hours: Monday to Friday from 9:30 until 16:30. Some banks and specific branches may be open later and even on Saturdays and Sundays.

2024 Public holidays on a weekday

02 Sep, 30 Sep, 14 Oct, 11 Nov, 25 Dec and 26 Dec.

2025 Public holidays on a weekday

01 Jan, 18 Apr, 19 May, 24 Jun, 01 Jul, 01 Sep, 30 Sep, 13 Oct, 11 Nov, 25 Dec & 26 Dec.

Monthly Activities

Check out the Monthly Activities Calendar

5 things to see

Old Montreal
Notre-Dame Basilica
St.Joseph’s Oratory
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Cirque du Soleil

5 things to do

Hike up Mount-Royal
Shop in the underground city
Bike around Old Montreal
Visit any of the amazing festivals
Sugar Shack maple syrup visit

Telephone Country Code

Electricity

110 V; 60Hz – 2 flat-pin plug.

Tap water

Tap water is safe unless there’s a sign to the contrary.

Medical

If you have a medical emergency, go to the emergency department of the hospital closest to you. Take some identification with you, and your insurance policy number. Some hospitals may ask you to pay a fee. Keep the receipt to send to your insurance company for payment. For Emergencies call 911.
Go to a walk-in medical clinic for medical problems that are not emergencies. You do not need to make an appointment. You can simply go see a doctor. The closest walk-in clinics to EC Montreal is:
Clinique Medicale, 1253 rue Guy (corner of St. Catherine), Tel: 514-932-2122
Health & Insurance Requirements – CAD$19 per week
Public Transport Info
- One ride: C$3.25
- Weekly transit pass: C$25.75
- Monthly transit pass: C$83
- Public transport info

Useful Information

Driving Age

Most rental companies require that you be at least 23 years of age, have an international driving license, a second form of identity and a major credit card.

Alcohol Age

Legal age for drinking in Montreal is 18 and many places will ask for identification.

Smoking laws

Legal age for smoking in Montreal is 18. Smoking is prohibited in all buildings, including all restaurants and bars, unless a sign says that you may smoke. Smoking is permitted outside. If you smoke in a “smoke free” place, you may receive a fine of up to $5000.

Insurance

All EC Montreal students must be covered by health insurance for the entire length of their stay. EC can help students to purchase insurance upon arrival at the school. The cost of insurance is $14 Cdn per week. Students will be asked to show proof of coverage on arrival if they are not purchasing insurance through EC.

Useful Links

Visa

For Visa information please visit our Visa Requirements page

Cost of Living

Coffee/Cappuccino (Starbucks)

C$2.50-C$4.50

Bottle of water / soda (0.33 litre)

C$1.25-C$2.25

Fast-Food combo meal

C$8.00-C$12.00

Meal, inexpensive restaurant

C$12.00- C$18.00

Fitness club (monthly, 1 adult)

C$13.00-C$60.00

Public transport (local transport)

C$3.25

Public transport (monthly pass)

C$85

EC Partners