Visitor Information
Welcome to Montreal, Canada! Here is some essential information to help you make the most of your visit to our beautiful city.
Getting Around
Montreal has a comprehensive public transportation system operated by STM. You can easily navigate the city using buses and the metro. The metro system consists of four lines that cover the city extensively.
For more information on public transit, visit the STM website.
Local Attractions
Montreal offers a variety of attractions for visitors:
Mount Royal Park
A beautiful green space with trails, a lake, and stunning views of the city from the Kondiaronk scenic lookout.
Old Montreal
Explore the cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica.
Montreal Botanical Garden
A popular oasis in the heart of the city, recognized as one of the world’s largest and finest botanical gardens.
Biosphere
Experience the ecosystems of the Americas, from the Tropical Rainforest to the Sub-Antarctic Islands.
Festivals and Events
Montreal hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs, and the Montreal World Film Festival. Check out Tourisme Montreal for the latest events and activities.
Dining and Cuisine
Montreal is famous for its diverse culinary scene. Don't miss trying local specialties such as poutine, Montreal-style bagels, and smoked meat sandwiches. For a taste of Montreal's food culture, visit Schwartz’s Deli, Fairmount Bagel, or La Banquise.
Shopping
Shop till you drop on Sainte-Catherine Street, one of the longest commercial streets in Canada. You'll find a mix of international brands and local boutiques. Major shopping centers include the Eaton Centre and Complexe Desjardins.
Practical Information
For general tourist information, you can visit the Montreal Tourist Information Office located at 174 Notre-Dame Street East, near the Champ-de-Mars metro station. They offer brochures, maps, and friendly advice to help you navigate the city.
Office Hours: May 1 to June 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; June 16 to August 31, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; September 1 to October 31, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; November 1 to April 30, Thursday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed from December 24 to January 3).
Time Zone
Montreal operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST) during the winter months and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during the summer. EST is UTC-5, and EDT is UTC-4. Daylight Saving Time starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.
Visa Information
Visitors to Canada may require a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). It is important to check the requirements for your country of residence well in advance of your travel. For detailed information and to apply, visit the Government of Canada's official immigration website.
If your travel is only for attending the ERMR 2025 conference, you can check Visit Canada on business. It is advisable to check processing times to ensure you can obtain the visa in time.
Invitation Letter
Participants requiring a letter of invitation for the VISA can contact the conference committee at ermr2025@encs.concordia.ca. The invitation letter will be sent to those who have registered.
As requested by IRCC, please provide the following information in your email:
- Complete name
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Company represented and position
- Address and telephone number (both work and home)
- The date you intend to leave Canada
If you are an author, also indicate:
- Paper title
- List of authors