A perfect blend of past and present
Centuries of French Canadian history meet modern attractions when you book a flight from St. John’s to Montréal. With a combination of historical and cosmopolitan attractions, Montréal’s points of interest are the perfect mix of past and present.
Like St. John’s, Montréal boasts a bustling waterfront. On the shores of the St. Lawrence River, the Vieux-Port hosts busy street life, with markets and museums in the midst of 17th century architecture. Part of the larger Vieux-Montréal district, the port has been at the centre of city activity since it was first used in 1611.
Stay by the water with a stroll along the linear Parc Canal-de-Lachine. Spanning 14.5 km of canal waterfront with bike trails, walking paths, and greenery, this park is always awash with activity. Find even more urban green space in the popular Parc La Fontaine and Park Mont Royal, where you’ll find Montréal’s locals enjoying the outdoors.
Several of Montréal’s major nature museums are situated in Parc Maisonneuve Espace pour la Vie complex. Step inside the Biodôme de Montréal to explore ecosystems from across the Americas, or see insects in action at the Insectarium de Montréal. With the Jardin Botanique de Montréal and Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan also in the park, hours of great indoor attractions await your visit from St. John’s.
More Montréal museums are scattered throughout the city. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal and Musée d’art Contemporain de Montréal. If it’s architecture you’re after, Centre Canadien d'Architecture is your window into some of the country’s most intricately designed buildings, including those you’ll see as you wander through Montréal’s winding streets.
Before you fly back to St. John’s, make a stop at the Musée McCord. This museum dedicated to Canadian history can provide perspective on Montréal’s past, to better appreciate this history-rich city.
Quartier des Spectacles
A spectacular neighbourhood
Get a front row seat to the spectacular Quartier des Spectacles on your trip from St. John’s.
As Montréal’s main entertainment district, Quartier des Spectacles is home to a variety of venues. From the music of Club Soda, to the film of Cinematheque Québécois, to the experimental augmented reality of the Société des Arts Technologiques, this quarter of Montréal puts on a show in a broad variety of mediums.
Place des Arts spans a large area of the neighbourhood, hosting events throughout the year. As Canada’s largest arts and culture complex, this performance space always has seats available. At Place des Festivals, 4 light towers and 235 waterjets act as the backdrop to numerous public events, gatherings, and festivals.
The Quartier des Spectacle plays host to some of Montréal’s largest festivals year-round. Between the Just for Laughs comedy festival, Montréal’s International Jazz Festival, FrancoFolies French Music Festival, and dozens of other smaller festivals, there are events for every area of interest.
The performing arts are in the spotlight in Quartier des Spectacles’ numerous theatres. Choose from La Maison Théâtre, Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, or the crown jewel of the neighbourhood’s stages, the hundred year old Théâtre St. Denis.
After taking in a few shows, stretch your legs with a walking tour of the Quartier des Spectacles. Amble along charming side streets, or take in Rue Sainte-Catherine for Montréal’s best shopping and restaurants. Wherever this road takes you, you’ll be on your way to another amazing stop on your trip from St. John’s to Montréal.
Mile End
Miles of Montréal attractions
Often called Montréal’s coolest neighbourhood, Mile End is where Montréal’s hippest inhabitants hang out.
With a diverse collection of businesses and people, this hip neighbourhood has a little bit of everything. Established professionals and students can be seen side-by-side in Mile End’s bookstores and bars, contributing the the area’s varied character. A substantial population of artists adds to the area’s creative spirit, and helps to keep the neighbourhood colourful.
The neighbourhood’s array of art galleries are just one of many artistic avenues in the Mile End. While more established venues like Centre Clark and Atelier Circulaire have a winning combination of exhibits and emerging artists. With more experience than almost any other arts venue, the Theatre Rialto opened in the 1920s, and now shows a wide variety of performing artists.
After giving the Theatre Rialto a standing ovation, get a taste of what Mile End’s ovens are cooking up. Fairmount Bagel and St-Viateur Bagel are top competitors for the best bagel in Montréal. You can help settle the dispute with a bite of these Mile End favourites.
When the battle of the bagels is over, take a walk through Mile End to work off those calories. For the best strolling streets in the neighbourhood, try Rue Bernard and Rue Fairmount, where small businesses, cafés, and bookshops invite you to stop by during the course of your walk.
If you’re still hungry, be on the lookout for the area’s artisanal ice cream shops. A cone or cup from one of these shops will leave you with sweet memories to bring back to St. John’s.
How to get to St. John’s International Airport (YYT)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in the departures area.
St. John’s International Airport (YYT) is about 10 km / 6 mi from downtown St. John’s.
Transportation to St. John’s International Airport
Taxis from downtown cost about $25 CAD.
The Metrobus route 14 from downtown St. John’s costs $2.50 CAD.
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
St. John’s International Airport Parking
Driving to St. John’s International Airport? There are three parking options at St. John’s Airport close to the terminal. Choose from short-term parking for $2 CAD per half hour, long-term parking for a daily maximum rate of $16 CAD or weekly rate of $80 CAD, or Gold Pass Parking with a monthly fee of $120 CAD (requires a minimum 6-month contract). Pre-pay options are available at the six pre-pay stations in the Airport Terminal Building.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Landing in Montréal
There are many options for transportation to downtown Montréal from Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL).
The trip is about 20 km / 12 mi from downtown Montréal.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to Downtown
Car rental services are available at the kiosks on the ground floor of the multi-level parking complex, located in front of the passenger terminal building of Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL).
Taxis to downtown cost about $40 CAD. Car service costs about $50 CAD.
Uber pickup is available at Montréal Airport. To find your ride, exit through door 6 on the Departures level. Fares from YUL to downtown Montréal start at $36.
The 747 P-E-Trudeau Airport / Downtown shuttle bus provides service from the airport to downtown. The fare is $10 CAD.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) Parking
There are many parking options at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montréal. Choose from Terminal, Economy, or Indoor parking, with rates starting at $7 for 20 minutes and at $20 for 24 hours. The airport also offers the convenience of ValetParc parking for $42 for 24 hours.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Flights may be operated by Porter Airlines (Canada) Ltd or Porter Airlines Inc.
