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GENERAL INFORMATION ON MONTREAL
Montreal - C'est magnifique!
Montreal is a thriving cosmopolitan city full of Latin ambiance and
"joie de vivre" rarely found anywhere else. From its roots as a small
French colony founded in 1642, Montreal first developed into a bustling
trade center at the hands of British merchants. The city subsequently
became a multicultural center, enriched by the dedicated work and
tradition of immigrants from every continent. Montreal is one of the
largest bilingual cities in the world, and the language of the majority
is French. Collectively, Montrealers speak 35 different languages and
practice 30 different religions. People living here have arrived from
at least 80 diverse countries. English is very much in evidence as
well. The downtown core lies between the St. Lawrence River and Mount
Royal. Old Montreal was the earliest settled section of the city, but
over time the city expanded uphill toward the mountain (Mount Royal).
Today, Old Montreal is a virtual outdoor museum of historic buildings
and monuments commemorating many events depicting Montreal's
three-and-a half centuries of growth. In honor of the city's 350th
birthday, the Old Port waterfront was renovated in the summer of 1992,
giving one access to the Lachine Canal with its bicycle path, walking
trails and breathtaking scenery. Montreal certainly can boast a rich
and colorful history unique in its charm and in its European flavor.
Climate and dress
At the end of August, the weather is usually very sunny and warm with
high temperatures between 70-80 degrees F (22-27 degrees C). A light
sweater or jacket might be needed for evenings.
Language
French and English
Currency
The Canadian currency units are dollars and cents, with one
dollar equalling 100 cents. Approximate rates of exchange in early
March 1995 were:
US$1.00 = CAN$1.40
100 Yen = CAN$1.47
1 German Mark = CAN$0.97
1 English # = CAN$2.26
1 French Franc = CAN$0.27
All major credit cards are accepted in all hotels, most restaurants and
department stores.
Banking
Banks in downtown Montreal are usually open Monday-Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm.
Automatic teller machines are available throughout town.
Metric Conversion
Canada operates on the metric system of weights and measures. Visitors
will find weather temperature reports given in degrees Celsius, gasoline
sold by the litre (milk and wine by millilitres and litres) grocery items
in grams and kilograms, fabric lengths in metres, and road speeds posted
in kilometres per hour.
Taxes
A federal tax (GST) of 7% is now applied to most goods and
services in Canada. A Quebec provincial tax of 6,5% is added to all
goods and services. Non-residents can apply for a GST rebate on most
goods (there are exceptions) purchased for use outside Canada as well
as on short-term accommodations. Rebates can be claimed in person at
participating Canadian Duty Free Shops at border crossings or
airports, or by completing and mailing the rebate form. Refunds of the
6,5% provincial taxes are also available for purchases exceeding
CAN$500. Retailers have forms available.
Tipping
In general, a tip of 15 percent is given to waiters,
waitresses, hairdressers, taxi drivers, etc. Bellhops, doormen,
porters, etc., at hotels, airports and railway stations are generally
paid CAN$1.00 per item of luggage.
Visitor Information
Infotouriste is an international tourist information center in downtown
Montreal. This one-stop center provides visitors with tourist information
and services such as travel planning, information on activities, and
attractions. Infotouriste, 1001 Square Dorchester, Montreal, Quebec,
Canada H3B 1G2 Phone: 514-873-2015 Toll free: 1-800-363-7777
Restaurants
Restaurant category Breakfast Lunch Dinner
FastFood CAN$3-4 CAN$5-8 CAN$7-10
Economy CAN$5 CAN$8-12 CAN$10-20
Deluxe (hotels only CAN15-25 CAN$15-35 CAN$25-50
for breakfast)