Montreal, Canada

• Montreal is Canada's second-largest city, officially French-speaking but functionally bilingual in most areas you'll visit. Winter is no joke here - temperatures regularly hit -25°C (-13°F) and sometimes colder, though the Underground City (a network of tunnels connecting downtown) means you can get around without freezing.
• The cafe culture is strong, and sitting alone with a laptop or book for hours is standard behavior, not something that'll get you strange looks. The metro recently added security measures like text reporting and safety ambassadors after some incidents, but it's still generally reliable for getting around.
• Neighborhoods vary widely - Old Montreal is touristy with cobblestone streets and higher prices, while Plateau and Mile End have more of the local artistic scene. Summer brings constant festivals, which means crowds and higher accommodation prices from June through August.
• Most service workers speak English, but starting with a "bonjour" rather than "hello" makes interactions go more smoothly.

French is the official language but most people in tourist areas and downtown speak English. Emergency services (911) have English-speaking operators. Starting with basic French phrases ('bonjour', 'merci') gets you a warmer reception than jumping straight to English.

• Say 'bonjour' when entering shops or starting conversations. People will usually switch to English if you need it, but starting with English without trying French first can get you a cold reception, especially outside downtown tourist areas.
• Sitting alone in cafes with a book or laptop is normal here. Places won't rush you to leave. Same with restaurants - eating alone doesn't get you weird looks.
• Tip 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars. Only some high-end places include service in the bill.
• People dress more stylishly here than in other Canadian cities. Not formal, just more put-together. This goes for Plateau and Mile End too, despite the artsy vibe.
• The city has a large LGBTQ+ community and one of the biggest Pride events in North America. The Gay Village has had some safety issues lately with homelessness and drug activity though.

• The STM metro has four lines covering most areas. Single fare is $3.75 CAD, or get a weekend pass for unlimited rides. They added security measures recently (text reporting at 1-888-786-1119 and safety ambassadors) after some incidents. The 'Between Stops' program lets you ask bus drivers to drop you off between regular stops at night.
• BIXI bike-sharing runs April-November with stations all over. The city has good bike lanes and cycling is popular. You can technically bike in winter but it's not pleasant - snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
• Uber works here but there aren't many near the airport, and prices surge during busy times. Taxis charge a flat $42 CAD from airport to downtown. For short trips (under 15 minutes), taxis and Uber end up costing about the same - around $20 CAD.
• The city is walkable in summer. Downtown, Plateau, Mile End, and Old Montreal are all within walking distance of each other. Winter is different - you'll need good boots and warm layers. Sidewalks get cleared but still end up icy.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Montreal with local guides and curated experiences.