Québec is rightfully proud of its French heritage, and Montreal is the perfect embodiment of this pride. As the largest city in the province, Montreal’s official language is French, but English is also widely spoken throughout the city, especially in tourist areas, making it accessible to everyone.

Montreal is Canada’s bilingual jewel, known for its joie de vivre- a French term that captures the essence of the Montreal spirit: a passion for life, a love for good food, music, art, and community. It offers a rich cultural experience where both French and English coexist seamlessly. It's the largest French-speaking city in the world outside of Paris, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the French language and culture while still enjoying English-language comforts. Whether you're into the arts, film, food, or fashion, Montreal effortlessly blends both languages in its daily life, offering an experience that feels uniquely cosmopolitan.

While you’ll be learning French in school, it’s always helpful to pick up a few key French phrases before arriving. Many locals, especially in Old Montreal, will speak English, but making an effort to speak French, even just a little, will be appreciated and will enhance your experience in this wonderful city. Here are a few essential French phrases to get you started:

It is recommended to open a bank account upon arriving in Montreal. You can ask your guardian to assist you in setting up a personal account with your preferred Canadian bank. Having a local bank account will make it easier for your parents to transfer money to you and streamline payments for purchases. Montreal is served by all the major Canadian banks, including:

In Canada, addresses are written in the following format: 

Montreal has a clean, safe, and efficient public transportation system (STM) which also connects to the Greater Montreal regions.  As high school students with the EMSB, you will be using the STM to get to and from school as well as to navigate when you perform leisure activities around Montreal.  It is very easy navigate whether you are taking the subway (known as the Metro) and/or the city bus. 

For approximately $15.00CAD you will need to purchase an “OPUS” card, the official transit card to access our Metro system and city buses. It is a smart card in which you can charge all STM transit fares including your monthly transit fare.  The monthly fare will give you unlimited access to the bus and Metro system on the island of Montreal.  The monthly rate to reload the OPUS card is approximately $60.00CAD for students and it can be done at any Metro station or at selected convenience stores or pharmacies. The mobile Chrono application allows you to recharge your OPUS card electronically, but you will require access to a credit card.

For more details on locations offering the sale of STM transit fares click here. 

In Canada, sales taxes are added to the price at the checkout.

In Quebec, two taxes are applied to your purchase: the GST (Goods and Services Tax) is applied first, which is 5% of the selling price, and the QST (Quebec Sales Tax) is applied second, which is 9.975% of the selling price including GST.  Together, these taxes add approximately 15% to your total purchase cost.

Sales tax is generally applied to most purchases, with some exceptions such as basic groceries, most medical services, and prescription medication.

When dining at a sit-down restaurant, the bill typically does not include a tip for the server. It is customary to leave a tip of 10-15% of the total bill less taxes. Tipping is also common for services like haircuts, food deliveries and taxi rides.

Click on here for a Tip link:  Tip Calculator

Montreal is a vibrant city full of exciting activities and experiences for all types of travelers. Whether you're into arts, food, sports, or outdoor adventures, there’s always something happening. Here are some top activities to consider:

1. Explore Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)

• Wander through the cobblestone streets of this historic neighborhood, featuring charming boutiques, cafes, and landmarks like Notre-Dame Basilica and the Old Port.
• You can take a boat cruise along the St. Lawrence River or rent a bike to explore the scenic waterfront.

2. Visit Mount Royal (Mont Royal)

• For outdoor enthusiasts, this hill offers panoramic views of the city. You can hike, picnic, or even rent a paddleboat at Beaver Lake.
• In the winter, the mountain transforms into a snowboarding and skiing hub, while in the summer, it’s perfect for leisurely walks and outdoor concerts.

3. Try Montreal’s Food Scene

• Montreal is known for its incredible food scene. Don’t miss iconic foods like poutine, smoked meat sandwiches (especially at Schwartz’s Deli), or a classic bagel from either Fairmount Bagel or St-Viateur Bagels.
• Explore Jean-Talon Market or Atwater Market for local produce, cheeses, and artisanal goods.

4. Attend Festivals

• Montreal is a festival hub. You can experience the world-renowned Montreal International Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs (Comedy Festival), Montreal en Lumière (Montreal’s Winter Festival), or Fête des Neiges (Snow Festival).
• Join movie goers in Movies in the Park, OSHEAGA music festival at Parc Jean Drapeau or events and festivals during Grand Prix weekend

5. Explore Montreal’s Museum Scene

• Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des beaux-arts) or the Musée d'Art Contemporain free of charge for students 18 years old and under for impressive collections.
• If you're into history, the Pointe-à-Callière Museum and the McCord Museum are must-sees.

6. Biodome, Botanical Garden, and Insectarium

• The Biodome is a fantastic indoor nature exhibit that takes you through several ecosystems, including a tropical rainforest and the polar regions.
• The nearby Botanical Garden is a tranquil spot to explore thematic gardens, while the Insectarium is a unique and fun place to learn about insects.

7. Underground City (RESO)

• Montreal has one of the world’s largest underground complexes. In winter, it’s a great way to navigate the city without battling the cold.
• The Underground City connects shopping centers, metro stations, and offices, and it's perfect for rainy or snowy days.

8. Catch a Canadiens Game or Outdoor Sports

• If you’re a sports fan, attending a Montreal Canadiens hockey game at the Bell Centre is a must, or an Alouettes game at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium or enjoy CF Montreal game at Saputo Stadium
• In the summer, consider renting a bike to ride along the Lachine Canal or even try a kayaking session.

9. Take a Day Trip to Mont-Tremblant

• If you're a nature lover, take a short trip to Mont-Tremblant, located just 90 minutes outside the city. This charming town offers year-round activities such as hiking, skiing, zip-lining, and even a vibrant village to explore.

10. Explore Saint-Denis Street and Le Plateau

• Stroll through the Plateau Mont-Royal area, a trendy neighborhood known for its bohemian vibe, murals, boutiques, and cafes.
• Saint-Denis Street is a hot spot for restaurants, theaters, and nightlife.

11. Biking on the Lachine Canal

• Rent a bike and enjoy the Lachine Canal’s scenic route. It's perfect for both leisurely rides and more intense cycling, with views of the river, parks, and urban spaces. 

12. Try Zip-lining at La Ronde

• For an adrenaline rush, head to La Ronde, Montreal's amusement park, where you can try out exciting rides, including zip-lining across the park. 

13. Joseph’s Oratory

• This stunning basilica perched on Mount Royal offers breathtaking views of the city and is a peaceful place to visit for those interested in architecture or spirituality.

Whether you're there for a weekend or a longer stay, Montreal always has something new to discover. Its mix of cultures, history, art, and modernity make it a city that never gets boring. What kind of activities are you most drawn to?

Visit https://www.mtl.org/en for your next Montreal adventures.

Below are different types of food and drink that are home to Quebec and to Canada.  You can find them across the nation and are a must try during your stay.

BEAVERTAILS		Deep-fried, hand stretched, oval-shaped, dessert pastry resembling a beaver’s tail.  Typically served hot with decadent toppings.
POUTINE		Deep-fried potatoe strips (French fries)  topped with cheese curds and gravy
BUTTER TART		Small, sweet pastry tart, known for its flaky crust and a gooey, buttery filling made with butter, sugar, syrup, and eggs, often with added raisins or nuts
TOURTIÈRE		Traditional French-Canadian meat pie, typically made with ground pork, spices, and sometimes beef or veal, and baked in a flaky crust
MILK IN A BAG		Milk packaged in flexible plastic pouches and served using a pitcher with a corner cut off for pouring
SMOKED MEAT		Smoked beef brisket seasoned with spices served as a sandwich with mustard
BAGEL		Bread roll, traditionally shaped into a ring, made from yeasted wheat dough that is boiled before baking, resulting in a dense, chewy interior and a crisp, shiny crust.
MAPLE SYRUP		A sweet, natural syrup made by concentrating the sap of maple trees, particularly sugar maples, into a thick, golden-brown liquid with a distinctive flavor. Can be served with everything and anything.
POUDING CHÔMEUR		The pouding chômeur is a basic cake batter onto which a hot syrup, typically maple or caramel is poured before baking. The cake then rises through the liquid which settles at the bottom of the pan, mixing with the batter and creating a distinct layer at the bottom of the dish.
TIRE SUR LA NEIGE		Also known as maple taffy, this seemingly miraculous candy is made from only two ingredients: maple syrup and snow. To make it, confectioners simply boil maple syrup until slightly reduced, then pour it onto clean snow

The EMSB is very lucky as the Alouettes (football team) and the Impact (soccer team) are both actively involved in the community and have developed partnerships with the EMSB. Both teams regularly visit our schools and students. Their main goal is to encourage our students to stay in school, to inspire our students to make the right choices, and to motivate our students to reach their full potential through hard work and dedication.

Montreal Canadiens (HABS)

National Hockey League - NHL

Hockey is the national sport of Canada. The Montreal Canadiens play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League. The Canadiens are the longest operating professional ice hockey team founded in 1909 and have won the Stanley Cup more times than any other franchise earning 24 championships.  

CF Montreal

Major Soccer League - MSL

Montreal Football Club is a Canadian professional soccer club based in Montreal. The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1992 as the Montreal Impact, they began playing in the MLS in 2012 as the league's nineteenth franchise and third Canadian club. 

Montreal Alouettes

Canadian Football League - CFL

The Montreal Alouettes are a professional Canadian Football League (CFL) team based in Montreal, Quebec, founded in 1946.  They compete in the East Division of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and last won the Grey Cup in 2023, defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 110th Grey Cup Game.

Public holidays in Canada, like in many countries, celebrate or commemorate a variety of events, including religious observances, national milestones, and events of historical significance.  There are many holidays in Canada that are not public holidays; but are recognized as a day to honour and observe.

Valentine’s Day – February 14^th

A day to express love and affection, often through cards, gifts, and romantic gestures, and is a cultural and commercial celebration of romance and love.  

St. Patrick’s Day – March 17^th

A cultural and religious holiday that honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and is marked by parades, music, and celebrations of Irish culture. Montreal has a very large parade downtown on the Sunday closest to March 17th. The traditions include the color green and shamrocks, which are symbols of Ireland. 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – September 30^th

Is a day to honor the survivors and victims of Canada's residential school system, their families, and communities, and to commemorate the history and legacy of these schools. 

Halloween - October 31^st

First, it is a celebration of the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the dark, cold winter. Second, it is a time to remember the dead and to protect oneself from evil spirits. People carve and decorate pumpkins, their homes and yards with bats, spiders, ghosts, skeletons, grave yards, and haunted houses. Children dress up in costumes and go door to door in their neighbourhood to receive trick or treats. 

Remembrance Day – November 11^th

A national holiday in Canada that commemorates the end of hostilities in World War I and honors those who have served in the nation's defense, with a focus on remembrance, reflection, and respect.  Veterans, retired soldiers, sell red poppies to the public which symbolizes the memory of those who fought and sacrificed their lives for their country.  

Boxing Day – December 26^th

Is a holiday celebrated after Christmas Day, occurring on the second day of Christmastide. Boxing Day was once a day to donate gifts to those in need, but it has evolved to become a part of Christmas festivities, with many people choosing to shop for deals on Boxing Day

Labour Day - Celebrated on the 1^st Monday in September

It is the last long weekend of the summer celebrating workers and their contributions to society, with origins rooted in the efforts of Canadian trade unions to improve workers' rights.   

Thanksgiving - Celebrated on the 2^nd Monday in October

It is an annual holiday that celebrates the harvest and all the blessings we are thankful for of the past year. A time for families and friends to gather, express gratitude, and enjoy a traditional meal. Traditional foods served are turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy. 

Victoria Day - Celebrated on the Monday preceding May 25

A day to honor Queen Victoria, who was the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom and Ireland when Canada became a country in 1867. It marks the end of winter and the unofficial start of the spring/summer season.  

St. Jean Baptiste Day - Celebrated on June 24^th

Also known as Fête nationale du Québec, is a national holiday only in Quebec, Canada, honoring the birth of Saint John the Baptist and Québécois culture, marked by festivities like parades, concerts, and bonfires. 

Canada Day - Celebrated on July 1^st

Canada's national holiday commemorating the anniversary of the country's Confederation in 1867, when the British North America Act united several colonies into a single dominion within the British Empire. Most communities organize outdoor public events such as parades, BBQ’s, free concerts, and fireworks. One of the most moving and traditional celebrations is the citizenship ceremonies that take place at our City Hall for our new Canadian citizens. Canada Day also coincides with Quebec’s Moving Day.