European charm on every corner
Flights from Windsor to Montréal land in the heart of French Canadian history.
The cultural capital of Québec, Montréal combines old and new with ease. Whether you’re shopping for something new on 300-year-old streets, or eating reimagined French fare in Montréal’s restaurants, you’ll find the best things to do in Montréal somewhere between the past and present.
Situated on the Île de Montréal, this island city is part of the larger Hochelaga archipelago. With attractions like La Ronde, the Biosphère, and Parc-nature de l'Île de la Visitation spread across these islands, you’re only ever a short river ride away from more of Montréal’s points of interests.
The highest point in the city, the 234-metre Mont Royal, is home to even more of Montréal’s activities. Admire the architecture of the largest church in Canada, Oratoire Saint-Joseph, or cut through the snow on Parc Mont Royal’s cross-country ski trails. Take a break near the summit at the Chalet du Mont-Royal, for snacks and a sweeping view of the city below.
After a trip to the Chalet, take a tour of the city’s Châteaux. The stately Château Dufresne and Château Ramezay offer a look back at the city’s history. Acting as a portal into the past, the Château Ramezay holds 30,000 artifacts and artworks, which can be explored with the help of guides in 18th-century garb.
The city’s other museums can add an educational appeal to your trip from Windsor to Montréal. From the fine arts of the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal to the creepy crawlies of the Insectarium, Montréal has museums on almost any topic. Montréal itself is the subject at the Pointe-à-Callière museum and archaeological site, which uncovers Montréal's past.
Whether you spend your trip from Windsor to Montréal in the city’s art galleries or its parks, this French Canadian city is sure to charm.
Vieux-Montréal
Getting better with age
Venture into the past, in Montréal’s original neighbourhood, Vieux-Montréal.
History is alive and well in Vieux-Montréal. While the original city walls no longer stand, this circa 1640s section of the city still has plenty of its heritages on display.
The clock on the Seminaire Saint-Sulpice is one of the oldest of its kind in North America and has been giving people the time of day since 1701. Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours is one of Montréal’s oldest churches and its current 1771 structure is build atop an even older church. Perhaps the most famous church in Montréal, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal towers over Vieux-Montréal, with its gorgeous Gothic Revival architecture.
See all these buildings and more while you’re in town from Windsor with a walking tour of Vieux-Montréal. The best way to explore these cobblestone streets is by foot. During your tour, be sure to stop in at the Vieux-Port’s Place Jacques Cartier. One of Vieux-Montréal’s main gathering spaces, this area regularly host talented street performers and fun festival events.
After passing structures from the 1600s as you stroll these streets, get in depth with old Montréal, in one of Vieux-Montréal’s museums. At the Pointe-à-Callière Museum and archaeological site, the whole history of the city is unearthed, from First Nations to French settlers. Beyond the so-called “birthplace of Montréal”, the Centre d’Histoire de Montréal offers an in-depth look into Montréal’s multicultural heritage.
At the end of your tour through Vieux-Montréal’s history, head to one of the neighbourhood’s restaurants or cafés for a taste of the trendy food scene that has grown in this heritage-rich neighbourhood.
Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
HoMa to some of Montréal’s best attractions
The up-and-coming Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighbourhood is a must-see stop on your visit from Windsor.
While Hochelaga-Maisonneuve has been a decidedly working class neighbourhood for most of its history, this area has gained a hipper reputation over the past few years, along with the new nickname of HoMa.
This new reputation is well-deserved, with trendy restaurants along Rue Ontario Est signalling the neighbourhoods reinvention. But when it comes to food, HoMa hasn’t forgotten its roots. Old HoMa eateries, like Restaurant La Pataterie and Gerry’s Delicatessen have kept their place in the hearts (and stomachs) of locals with menus filled with classic comfort foods. Since the 1930s, Bar Davidson has been serving drinks to Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. This well-aged bar is worth a visit, to toast to the old and new HoMa.
One of the most formative events in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve was the 1967 Olympics. The 165-metre tall leaning tower of the Stade Olympique is one of the neighbourhood’s most prominent landmarks, acting as a standby for navigating the area. Get a view over the whole city from the stadium’s Montréal Tower Observatory.
From the top of the tower, you’ll probably notice the sweeping expanse of green that is Parc Maisonneuve. This park was designed in an early foray into urban planning by the Dufresne brothers. These brothers also built a market, theatre, and public baths that still stand in HoMa today. The enduring appeal of this 63-hectare park comes from its balance of green spaces and urban arts events.
Get a different angle on nature at the nearby Espace pour la Vie. An educational triple threat, this space hosts the Biodôme, Jardin Botanique, and Insectarium of Montréal. Looking at the link between humanity and nature, these collections can get you in touch with your wild side.
Whether you spend your time in HoMa eating or getting some greenery outdoors, this neighbourhood will be a highlight on your trip from Windsor to Montréal.
Getting to Windsor International Airport (YQG)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in the departures area.
Windsor International Airport (YQG) is about 10 km / 6 mi from downtown Windsor.
Transportation
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Taxis from downtown cost about $25 CAD. Car service costs about $35 CAD.
Take the Transit Windsor 8 Walkerville bus to the airport stop. The fare is $3.00 CAD.
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.
