All About Montreal With Kids: Important Information To Know

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Two girls, both in yellow, stand on a terrace overlooking the skyline of Montreal. — Photo Courtesy: Lia Kouri

If you want to know all about Montreal with kids, there’s some important information you should read first. From the local currency to health information, the official language, and even babysitting services, it’s important to do proper research on your vacation destination before booking your trip. Finding all the information in one place can be tricky, though, which is why we’ve compiled a list of things to know before visiting Montreal, including important information for you to reference. Plus, stay tuned until the end, since we also include things to do in Montreal with kids and the best hotels in Montreal for families. Keep reading for all about Montreal for families!

At a Glance

Two parents and their young daughter stand in front of Montreal's Biosphere. — Photo Courtesy: Christine Kim

Before you visit Montreal with kids, you should learn the basics. Keep reading for local currency, visa information, and more information all about Montreal with kids. If you need more help planning your Montreal vacation with kids, feel free to check out Montreal’s official tourism website for more information.

Local Currency & Time

Wondering all about the Montreal local currency and how families can get the best currency exchange rates? The currency in Montreal is the Canadian Dollar. It is widely accepted in many parts of the country. Most credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted as well. In case you need help figuring out how much money to bring with you, use this handy Currency Converter. Montreal operates in Eastern Time, in GMT -4. Click here to see Montreal’s current time.

Official Language & Visa Information

Canada is officially a bilingual country, which means it has two official languages: French and English. French is the official language in Québec and is often spoken by citizens in Montreal. If you’re planning an extended trip to Montreal or have a non-U.S. passport, you may also need to research obtaining a VISA before your visit. To learn all about the VISA policy in Montreal for families, click here.

Power/Standard Voltage

In Canada, there are two associated plug types, types A and B. The standard voltage is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.

Local Weather

Knowing about the Montreal climate will be helpful before you depart. Montreal has a semi-continental climate, with a warm, humid summer and a very cold winter. Winters in Montreal are severe. Snow depths of greater than 1 cm. Check the current forecast on Accuweather.

Health Information

Three kids throw rocks into the water. — Photo Courtesy: Stephanie Feingold

Having the correct information about health and safety is an important part of visiting Montreal with kids. If your children have allergies, might need medical attention, etc., be sure to keep this important information in mind.

Vaccinations, Health Tips, & Hospitals

Visiting Montreal with your young ones? Remember to check if your child has all the correct shots and vaccines. For a complete list of the recommended vaccines and more health information on all about Montreal with kids, including COVID-19 warnings and regulations, visit the official CDC website. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so you should also check out hospitals near your vacation destination just in case. Some accessible hospitals in Montreal include Montreal McGill University Health Centre, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montreal, and Montreal General Hospital.

COVID-19 Guidelines & Vaccination Information

If you’re planning a trip to Montreal soon, you’re probably wondering about Montreal’s COVID-19 guidelines. As of April 15, Montreal has no travel restrictions or requirements at this time. Please check the Consulate website to keep up-to-date on Montreal’s stay-at-home orders. We suggest making sure you’re fully vaccinated before traveling to Montreal with kids. For vaccination information, click here.

Emergency Services

A view of the Montreal skyline from across a lake on a fall day. — Photo Courtesy: Nancy Bourque

In case of an emergency, keep these numbers handy during your trip to Montreal with kids, as this is very important information when learning all about Montreal with kids.

Police, Fire Department, Ambulance

For emergency services in Montreal, dial 211.

Safety Issues

If you’re visiting with your kids and want to know all about your destination, you’re probably wondering: Is Montreal safe for families? The answer is yes! The crime threat in Montreal is generally considered to be on the lower side, and it is widely regarded as one of the safest cities in Canada. Montreal is overall very safe to travel to. Even though it’s sometimes dangerous, the criminal activities that occur only apply to dangerous parts of the city, which are rarely frequented by tourists.

You can review the current U.S. Department’s Canada Travel Advisory here.

Montreal for Kids

A woman and her daughter look out at a city skyline. — Photo Courtesy: Christine Kim

Visiting Montreal with kids brings its own set of challenges. Keep reading for comprehensive information on babysitting services, baby gear rentals, etc.

Babysitting Services & Baby Gear Rentals

Looking for a romantic evening alone in Montreal? Luckily, you’ll find plenty of babysitting services throughout the city in your search to learn all about Montreal with kids. We suggest Nanny Services. If you’ve left your baby gear at home, don’t worry! There are plenty of places to find baby gear in Montreal, including Babyquip.

Plan your next trip to Montreal with this Fantastic Three-Day Montreal Itinerary with Kids!

Transportation

A young girl runs through a field alongside a lake in Montreal on a crisp, fall day. — Photo Courtesy: Lia Kouri

Transportation is another thing to consider when vacationing in Montreal with kids. Whether you need information about car seats or all about local airlines in Montreal for families, you’ve come to the right place.

Car Seat Laws

If you plan to ride in a car during your Montreal vacation with kids, keep reading for important car seat information and all about Montreal with kids. According to Canadian law about passenger safety, children must ride in a car seat until they’re at least 40 lbs. Children must also ride in a booster until age 7, or until 80 lbs and 4’9”. A “child” is considered anyone under 6 years old.

Transportation Services

Public transportation is an affordable way to get around Montreal. The metro (subway) system is clean, safe, and fast. As a bonus, the public transit network is relatively simple, with just four lines connecting the downtown center to major tourist sites, bus stops, and train stations.

Local Airlines

To get into the city, many travelers fly to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL).

For more information on transportation in Montreal, click here.

Other Things to Know Before Visiting Montreal with Kids

Pre-teen and toddler girls holding hands and waking around a large Canadian city. — Photo Courtesy: Lia Khan

Searching for more tips all about Montreal with kids? Between tipping customs, important holidays, and other safety issues, there are still a few things left you should know. Keep reading to learn all about Montreal with kids!

Tipping Customs

In Montreal, like many popular travel destinations, tips and gratuities are discretionary and dependent on the service quality you’ve received. Tipping throughout Montreal is very common, just like in the USA, so expect to tip when visiting salons, spas, and other service industries. Normally the rule of 10%-20% of the total bill is the general rule. Tipping shuttle drivers, cab drivers, hotel workers, and other local employees might not always be expected, but is most certainly appreciated.

Important Holidays

If you’re still searching for specific dates to visit Montreal, you may want to determine whether your vacation will fall on a public holiday. This can greatly diminish the number of attractions or points of interest you see, so it’s important information to know about visiting Montreal. Check out the Montreal National Holidays for more information here.

Things to Do in Montreal with Kids

A dad and his two young kids play with snow tubes in Montreal. — Photo Courtesy: Émilie Brillon

Once you’ve read our Montreal important information and all about Montreal with kids, look up what to do. As the largest French-speaking city in North America, Montreal stands out as a unique and historic metropolitan area. Its French Canadian charm is mixed with many immigrant cultures, making this city in the Quebec province a lively mix of people, food, and cultural attractions.

Enjoy a European ambiance, charming cobblestone streets, and lots of history when you explore the quaint streets of Old Montreal. Don’t miss visiting the Old Port to ride La Grande Roue de Montréal! On a sunny day, enjoy the weather by packing a picnic lunch and heading to Parc du Mont-Royal. Kids will love the amusement rides at La Ronde, roaming around the Jardin Botanique de Montréal, and seeing the massive murals in Le Plateau.

Reserve your tours and things to do in Montreal here with Viator or Getyourguide.com!

Planning a trip to Montreal? Check out these 19 Best Things To Do In Montreal With Kids (All Ages)!

Where to Stay in Montreal with Kids

The exterior entrance to the The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal. — Photo Courtesy: The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal

Looking for the best places to stay in Montreal with kids? Once you’ve learned all about Montreal with kids, it’s time to decide on a place to stay. For an upscale hotel in downtown Montreal, families love staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal. It has an indoor pool, plus other kids’ amenities. Families interested in larger suites that can sleep six may prefer L’Appartement Hôtel instead, which also has an indoor pool.

Some other fantastic hotels in downtown Montreal include AC Hotel by Marriott Montreal Downtown, Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown, and Hotel Bonaventure Montreal. Families who want a more traditional stay in Old Montreal will love Hotel William Gray, which has an outdoor pool for kids to splash in.

Other options in Old Montreal include the InterContinental Montreal, an IHG Hotel, Le Westin Montreal, and SpringHill Suites by Marriott Old Montreal.

Find more family-friendly hotels in Montreal on our list of 16 Best Hotels In Montreal For Families!

Book your next stay in Montreal using Hotels.com now!

Get a discount on your next Montreal family vacation by using Expedia today!

Happy Travels!

A family of fives stands with a cit view behind them. — Photo Courtesy: Stephanie Feingold

We hope you liked this article All About Montreal With Kids: Important Information To Know! Between how to get around the city, things to do, and more important information, we’ve compiled everything your family needs to know about visiting this beautiful destination. Enjoy Montreal with your kids!

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed or may have reduced services. Please ensure availability before making your decision.

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles.

Families Love Travel is not liable for any injuries and/or damages to persons or property occurring as a result of your vacations influenced by the suggestions on this website. We are not responsible for any information on this website, such as recommendations for babysitting services, car rentals, or accommodations. All content provided is for informational and review purposes only. The information we provide is to make it easier for families to travel together and nothing more. Try the suggestions at your own risk.