Car rental Montreal

Driving is the best way to see all there is to see on this island city, with modern highways opening up the rest of Quebec too. Before you arrive, it’s worth knowing the rules of the road, some of which are unique to Montreal.

First things first, the city centre streets can be busy during the day’s rush hours, so try to plan your excursions to avoid the peak commuter times. Many of the signs will be in French alone, so it might be worth brushing up on what they mean before you arrive.

One peculiarity of Montreal driving is right turns – they’re illegal in Montreal when the light is red, but legal in the rest of Quebec. However, a flashing green light means you can turn left in both Quebec and Montreal. Speed limits are the same as in the rest of Canada.

The highway network is extensive here, a hub for many major routes in eastern Canada. Various autoroutes enter from north, south, east and west, including the A-40 (The Met) and the A-10 (Bonaventure Expressway). If arriving at the airport, situated south-west of the city, it’s about a 30-minute drive into the heart of Montreal via Autoroute 20.

The city itself has a grid system, with streets split into ‘ouest’ or ‘est’ by Saint Lawrence Boulevard. Bear in mind that the grid aligns to the island’s geography, which is perpendicular, rather than to actual compass points.

When parking in Montreal, you can choose from on-street parking and parking lots. There are four zones of on-street parking, which charge varying rates per hour.  Make sure you check the signs to find out the time limit. There are also a number of pay-and-go parking lots which you can find details on here.

Montreal is a smorgasbord of things to do, see and eat, all wrapped up with that distinctive French flair. One of the great island cities, the local calendar is bursting at the seams with events, exhibitions and festivals.

Step into the past 

While there’s no doubting Montreal’s credentials as a modern city – there’s constant innovation here – it also protects and preserves the very best of its past. The city was born next to the Saint Lawrence River, and Old Montreal still stands today.

Wander down Rue St-Paul and appreciate the beauty of the architecture, with cobbled streets spilling into grand squares, all lined with quaint stores and art galleries.

Just minutes away, the Notre-Dame Basilica effuses splendour with its unique star-studded blue ceiling and vast altar, intricate sculptures, massive bell and gleaming stained-glass windows.

Step outside onto the Place d’Armes and you’ll be greeted by the city’s first skyscraper – the red-brick New York Life Insurance Building built in 1888.

Another glimpse into the past is Chateau Ramezay, a lavish early 18^th-century mansion that once housed one of the city’s French governors. You’ll be walking in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin here, who once held meetings here during the American Revolution.

Poutine dreams

The culinary scene in Montreal is something to savour. It’s a truly international affair, with a strong vein of French influence but also superb local produce showcased in Jewish, Canadian, Thai, Chinese and modern English restaurants.

Joe Beef and Liverpool House – adjacent and owned by the same people – are two of Montreal’s most celebrated eateries. The latter hosted a dinner between President Trudeau and Barack Obama in 2017. Between them they deliver up some of the succulent steaks and seafood in the city, including a dream-worthy lobster spaghetti.  

There are some serious contenders for poutine too, as you’d expect in Quebec which is the dish’s spiritual home. The ultimate comfort food combo of fries, gravy and cheese curds has been turned out in fine style for nearly 50 years at Maamm Bolduc on Wakefield Street, a great place to start a poutine tour.

Those in the know also talk about Blackstrap BBQ, a spot in Verdun that adds burnt ends to the mix, while La Banquise is open 24-hours-a-day. They do a classic poutine, but also a couple of dozen twists on the classic, including a vegan option.

Festival City

Time your visit right, and you’ll be in town for one of Montreal’s many festivals. The most famous is the annual jazz festival, held every year since 1980. It attracts thousands of artists and millions of visitors, so make sure you book ahead to get your spot.

But it’s not the only show in town – there are noted festivals for film, comedy, beer, light, fireworks and more besides. It’s another sign of the city’s joie de vivre.

Car rental in Montreal is a great way to get into the swing of life in this beautiful, international city, as well as exploring the stunning surrounding area.