Destinations / Montreal
Destination guide · Canada
Planning a corporate meeting in Montreal
When to go, where to meet, what to know about language and winter, and what US attendees need to cross the border. A practical guide for meeting and event planners.
Why hold a meeting in Montreal
Montreal brings a European feel to North America. Its historic old town, food scene and festivals make it a memorable choice, and it is a short flight from most cities in the eastern United States.
It suits conferences, association meetings and leadership offsites. The city’s convention center sits between downtown and Old Montreal, so attendees can walk to hotels, restaurants and evening venues.
When to go
Late spring through early fall is the most popular time to visit. Winters are long and very cold, but the city is well prepared and often better value.
April–MayCool, warming upGood value early on; May is popular for meetings.
June–AugustWarm and livelyFestival season. Hotels fill quickly around big events.
September–OctoberMild, with fall colorsA favorite for conferences.
November–MarchVery cold, with snowBetter rates. Plan indoor activities and use the underground network.
Planner tip: summer festivals and the Canadian Grand Prix in June can make hotels scarce. Check the city’s event calendar before you commit.
Getting there
Most attendees fly into Montréal-Trudeau.
- Montréal-Trudeau International (YUL), west of downtown. Allow 25 to 45 minutes by road. The 747 express bus runs to downtown around the clock.
Entry for US attendees: US citizens need a valid passport, or another accepted travel document, to enter Canada by air. Attendees of other nationalities may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visa. Always check the latest rules on canada.ca before you travel.
Where to meet and stay
Most groups stay downtown or in Old Montreal, both close to the convention center.
Business hotels, shopping and the underground pedestrian network.
Cobblestone streets, boutique hotels and historic venues near the Old Port.
The entertainment district, with theaters and festival sites.
Lively neighborhoods with restaurants for group dinners.
Montreal’s underground network links many hotels, offices and metro stations, which is useful in winter.
Team building ideas in Montreal
Old Montreal’s streets and the Old Port suit outdoor formats in the warmer months, with indoor options for winter.
Teams explore Old Montreal and the Old Port with a tablet app, solving challenges at each stop.
Pathfinder GPS Adventure → A checkpoint raceA story-driven race between checkpoints that clears a team’s name, one clue at a time.
Stolen Diamond Alibi → Indoor team gamesSix rounds of simple but tough team games, ideal for a hotel ballroom in winter.
Playground Trials → A food challengeIn a city known for its food, teams brand a food truck concept and cook for the judges.
Rolling Kitchen Challenge → A give-back sessionTeams build and decorate wooden toys that are donated to children in need.
Little Makers Charity Build →Group dinners and evenings
Montreal is known for its restaurants, and dinners are often a highlight of the program.
- Private dining in Old Montreal, in historic stone buildings.
- Receptions at the Old Port, with views of the St. Lawrence River.
- A visit to the Mount Royal lookout for a view over the city.
- Festivals and shows in the Quartier des Spectacles during summer.
Practical tips for planners
- Know the language. French is the official language of Quebec. English is widely spoken downtown, but bilingual signage and materials are a nice touch.
- Check travel documents early. Remind attendees about passports and, where needed, an eTA or visa.
- Budget in Canadian dollars. Agree in your contract which currency you will be invoiced in.
- Sales tax applies. Quebec adds federal and provincial sales tax to most goods and services; include it when you compare quotes.
- Tipping is expected. Around 15 to 20 percent in restaurants is customary.
Sample itineraries
Morning: sessions at the convention center
Lunch: working lunch on site
Afternoon: a GPS hunt through Old Montreal
Evening: dinner in a historic building
Day 1: arrivals, welcome reception at the Old Port
Day 2: facilitated sessions, team challenge, group dinner
Day 3: Mount Royal visit, departures
Frequently asked questions
Do attendees need to speak French?
No. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and downtown businesses.
Do US attendees need a passport for Montreal?
US citizens need a valid passport or another accepted document to fly into Canada. Check canada.ca for the latest rules.
When is the best time for a meeting in Montreal?
May to October is the most popular period. Winter can offer good value if you plan indoor activities.
Which currency will we be quoted in?
Prices in Canada are in Canadian dollars. Agree the invoicing currency in your contract.
Planning a program in Montreal?
Share your dates and group size, and we’ll suggest venues and a full budget.