Take a bite out of Montréal
Brush up on your French during your flight from Washington, DC to Montréal.
Stroll through the streets of Vieux-Montréal or study world-famous works in Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal to experience the charm of this historic and artistic city. French inspired culture and cuisine await down every narrow street, adding a European charm to this Canadian city.
While their names are similar, the Biodôme de Montréal and Biosphère are two very different Montréal attractions. The Biodôme recreates different ecosystems under one beautifully designed roof. Wander from the tropical forest to the arctic in a day with the Biodôme’s dense collection of environments.
The environment as a whole is the focus of the Biosphère. This museum dedicated to the environment is housed under the delicate (but durable) lattice dome that was built for the 1967 World’s Fair.
Parc Jean-Drapeau surrounds the Biosphère. In this park, you’ll find some of the most exciting things to do in Montréal. From the fast paced fun of Casino de Montréal, to the wild rides of La Ronde amusement park, Parc Jean-Drapeau is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
If you’re looking for a night of refined entertainment, the Place des Arts will be music to your ears. Montréal’s thriving arts scene takes to the stage with jazz, pop, and French language musical performances.
While you’re here from Washington, DC, take advantage of Montréal’s shopping opportunities. Between the big name brands of the Montréal Eaton Centre and the Quèbec-made wares of the historic Marché Bonsecours, you’ll wish you brought an extra suitcase.
Griffintown
Back and bustling
After your flight from Washington to Montréal, make sure you drop by Griffintown.
What was once an industrial neighbourhood has become an artsy, tasty gem along the Lachine Canal.
As you walk around Montréal, it’s hard not to notice the sheer density of art galleries. In Griffintown, this artistic spirit is particularly evident. Heritage sites now serve as performance venues and small galleries decorate many of the neighbourhood’s streets. Take a look inside Griffintown’s converted factory spaces to see Montréal’s art in action.
After an art day’s work in the galleries, take a break at one of Griffintown’s restaurants. Trendy French fare and Quebecois classics fill the plates of the area’s eateries.
Once you’ve eaten, burn off the calories of a Québecois pea soup with a walk along the Lachine Canal. Point your shoes toward la Pointe des Seigneurs to see ongoing archaeological work, as excavators work on uncovering the history of this 150-year-old waterway. Continue past the canal’s hidden past to Bassin Peel. This waterfront gathering space hosts arts events, turning the canal into a cultural hotspot.
Spanning over 14 km, the Lachine Canal waterfront park extends into several more Montréal neighbourhoods. From Griffintown, you can follow the canal by foot, boat, or bike to get to Petite-Bourgogne and Saint-Henri, or go further inland for even more amazing areas of Montréal.
Wherever you go next on your visit from Washington, DC, Griffintown gets you off on the right foot.
Le Plateau
Flat out cool
Spend a day in le Plateau and add some chic charm to your trip from Washington, DC.
Le Plateau’s artistic inclinations are evident everywhere in the neighbourhood. From the fashionably dressed denizens, to the cafés run by creatively-minded residents, le Plateau is a true artistic haven. As you walk through the neighbourhood, street art turns public spaces into galleries.
Catch a show at one of le Plateau’s many theatres where music, films, and plays light up the stage. Whether you’re enjoying open-air performances in Théâtre de Verdure, or the rich history of the hundred year old La Tulipe, these varied venues provide the perfect backdrop to a night enjoying the arts.
Parc la Fontaine surrounds Théâtre de Verdure with 84 acres of urban green space.Take time out of your busy trip from Washington, DC to enjoy Montréal’s second largest park. Cycle or stroll along the paths or just lounge along the shores of la Fontaine’s two ponds. After a few hours outside, cool off or warm up in Espace la Fontaine. This café and art gallery offers a refreshing change of pace and refreshments after a day in the outdoors.
After leaving la Fontaine, take a walk along le Plateau’s more residential streets. These quiet avenues hold a wealth of wrought iron detailing and old stone houses. Take note of the picturesque terraces, before venturing out onto le Plateau’s busier streets. Saint Laurent Boulevard is a busy collection of cultural events and culinary delights that are sure to catch your eye.
Montréal’s most mouth-watering establishments are lined up along Saint Laurent Boulevard. Stare in awe of the sky-high sandwiches offered at Schwartz’s Deli. You only need a little mustard to top off the stacks of smoked meat served at this Montréal institution.
If you have any room left in your stomach, prepare for the battle of the bagels. Fairmont Bagels and St. Viateur are both in the running for the title of Montréal’s best bagel. Have your say before you go back to Washington, DC by taking a bite out of this longstanding rivalry.
How to get to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in Terminal A.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is about 44 km / 28 mi from downtown Washington, DC.
Transportation to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Uber and Lyft are available at Washington Dulles International Airport. Exit on the arrivals level where all ride-sharing vehicles meet travellers.
The Silver Line Express shuttle bus provides service to the airport from Wiehle Avenue Metrorail Station, on the Metro Silver Line. The fare is $5 USD.
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Taxis from downtown cost about $55 USD. Car service costs about $80 USD.
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.
