Discover Montréal
MicroCon is a biennial meet-up for micronationalists from around the world.
People of all ages are invited to share their experience, meet-up with fellow micronationalists
and meet the leaders of the world’s tiniest nations.
Montréal
Montréal is a fusion city of Europe and North America. Visit its big parks, large avenues and old town inspired from European towns or admire the mid-century modern architecture of its downtown and its skyscrapers inspired by North American cities.
Chloe has been a touristic guide at the Montreal Olympic Stadium for 7 years, let her guide you through what Montréal has to offer. (Come back later for more tips and tricks about Montréal).
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Society
Transportation
Society
Language
Montréal is located in the Province of Quebec and is the largest city in the province. Even if French is the sole official language of Quebec, English is quite commonly spoken in Montréal and most people, especially in the service industry will be bilingual. There is a semi-official division of the city, boroughs west of Saint-Laurent Boulevard will be predominantly English-speaking whereas boroughs east will be French-speaking.
Still, you will be able to get around without speaking French.
That being said, laws have been put in place by the province to enforce the use of French. Public displays will usually be in French only. If you have difficulty with French, Montrealers are friendly and love to help people who visit our city, don’t hesitate to ask.
Food
Montréal is renowned for the quality and diversity of its food. The local cuisine has been influenced by the many waves of immigration. Some staples of Montréal’s food come from the important Jewish population with classics such as smoked meat sandwiches and the famous Montréal style bagel. There is even a big “war” between Saint-Viateur and Fairmount bagel shops, for the best one in the city, try them both they are not far from each other (I side with Fairmount). Even though the poutine was not invented in Montréal it has become a standard dish that you can find at most, if not all restaurants (even McDonald’s, although I don’t recommend it) with many having put a twist to it.
Chloe’s recommandation
Orange Julep’s (next to the venue) is one of the best classical poutine in Montreal. You have to try it! It’s not fancy, but it’s tasty.
Nightlife and Festivals
Montréal is a city made for fun! During peak tourist season, many streets are closed to automobile trafic to make way for festivals and public animations. Wellington Street, in the Verdun neighbourhood and accessible by the De l’Église metro station, has been named one of the “coolest” streets in the world! Downtown Montréal in June is usually busy with people and you can expect to see a free outside show someplace. Also, Montréal is filled with many bars and clubs where you can enjoy classic drinks or try one of the busiest microbrewery economy in the world. The craft beer industry in Quebec has exploded over the past decade. A former prohibition city, there are many speakeasies too, some require a password or entering through a fridge!
Chloe’s recommandation
Le Saint-Bock (Berri-UQAM metro station) has specialized in brewing candy-flavoured and other sweet and sour beers. They even have one where it is served from a slushie machine that tastes just like a blue slushie. If you are more into traditional craft beers and having a good time, try the Terrasse Saint-Ambroise with their locally produced beer and one of the best outdoor dining/garden patios in the city!
Transportation
General
Montreal has an extensive road and transit network that moves people relatively quickly in and around the city. Montreal’s Downtown is located about 30 minutes by transit or 20 minutes by car from the MicroCon 2025 venue.
Thing to consider
Canada, like most of North America is big. Despite being generally “close”, when visiting Montréal, you probably won’t be able, over the course of a single weekend, go to Québec City (6h round-trip drive) or even Ottawa (4h round-trip drive). Plan the extra days if you wish to go there.
Airplane
The main airport of Montreal is Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL, CYUL). The MicroCon 2025 venue is located about 22 minutes by taxi/uber from the airport.
There is a bus line (747) that goes from the airport to Downtown Montreal and connects on the orange line at Lionel-Groulx station. It is usually crowded and takes you further south than the venue. It is also a much longer commute than the taxi/uber.
Thing to consider
There is another airport MET–Montréal Métropolitain Airport and we do not recommend landing there for it is not located on the main island of Montreal.
Transit
Getting around Montreal in transit is quite easy. The metro network gets you to most popular landmarks and the bus network has some surprises for you such as going to the summit of Mont-Royal or down to Habitat 67 and Jean-Drapeau Park (which is also accessible by metro).
The 24h fare is only 11.00 CAD$.
Thing to consider
In the metro, if you don’t intend to walk up or down the mechanical staircase, stay on the right. Also, people will queue up to take the bus. Boarding the bus first and jumping the queue is frowned upon.
Download the metro map (on the Société de transport de Montréal – STM website)
Car
Montreal is at the convergence of many highways that lead to the province of Ontario in Canada or to the states of New York and Vermont in the United States.
Driving in Montreal is not necessary, the metro network connects most major landmarks and free parking can be difficult to find, especially on weekends.
Thing to consider
In Montreal, it is forbidden to make a right turn on red lights, on the entire island territory. Other cities in Quebec will have trafic signs indicating where it is forbidden.
