Affordable Montréal: 17 Smart Tips to Save Money on Your Visit

Montréal has long been recognized as Canada’s most affordable major city – residents generally embrace a slower pace of life, focusing on enjoyment rather than the pursuit of excessive wealth or possessions.

Although this has begun to shift, particularly in relation to accommodation prices and rent during the pandemic, travelers can still find budget options and abundant free concerts and events. Here are the most effective ways to economize in Montréal.

Daily Costs

• Hostel room: $50–80

• Basic room for two: $150–350

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): $130–350

• Public transport ticket: $3.75

• Coffee: $3–5

• Sandwich: $10–15

• Dinner for two: $40+

• Pint of beer at the bar: $8–10

1. Brave the brr in Winter

Montréal experiences its peak tourism and pricing in summer; however, if you can tolerate the cold, the city offers a unique charm in winter. During January and February, the blanket of snow provides an ideal setting for cross-country skiing on Mont-Royal or in Parc Maisonneuve. Winter is also a wonderful time for indulging in a warm coffee or comforting hot chocolate, and you can take advantage of ice skating opportunities at Lac-aux-Castors or Esplanade Tranquille within the Quartier des Spectacles, the local entertainment district.

2. Take the Airport Bus

Utilizing a taxi or Uber from the airport can be costly – furthermore, the nearest metro station is accessible via a five-minute shuttle bus. Instead, opt for the bus service. The STM bus 747 connects the airport to Lionel-Groulx metro station and the principal downtown bus station, Gare d’Autocars de Montréal. A single-fare ticket (a Zone A ticket is sufficient) is valid for usage on both buses or metros.

3. Stroll Around the City

The most effective method to discover Montréal is on foot, incurring no cost. Explore the Le Plateau neighborhood and absorb the surroundings. Tucked behind the quaint residences in Le Plateau, you will find ruelles vertes, pedestrian-friendly alleys adorned with verdant plant life, offering a concealed route to navigate the city.

Numerous other delightful neighborhoods await discovery, including the Old Port, Petite-Italie, St-Henri, and the scenic Lachine Canal. A visit to Montréal would be incomplete without ascending “the mountain,” Mont-Royal, for panoramic vistas of the cityscape.

4. Ride a Bixi

Montréal is extremely bike-friendly, making the local bikeshare program Bixi an economical way to traverse the city. Single trips cost $1.25 plus $0.15 per minute ($0.30 for a blue electric bike). A $20 monthly membership with unlimited rides for up to 45 minutes may be advantageous for extended stays.

5. Take the Metro

Montréal’s metro (subway) system has held the title of Canada’s finest since its inception in the 1960s, comprising three lines that serve the majority of the island. A one-way ticket in Zone A is $3.75, or you can economize further by purchasing a 10-ride pass. Unlimited 24-hour, 3-day, evening, weekend, and weekly options are available. A $6 Opus card simplifies the experience if you choose to reload it, although it is not mandatory.

6. Attend Free Festivals

Montréal hosts numerous festivals throughout the summer, as well as at various times during the year, with many offering free entry. This could include live performances at the Festival International de Jazz (past performers include Aretha Franklin and Anderson Paak) or thrilling circus acts at Montréal Complètement Cirque.

During the summer months, Village au Pied-du-Courant presents a vibrant weekend festival on a man-made beach that showcases diverse cultures’ music and gastronomic offerings.

7. Enjoy Shows in the Park

Each summer, the lovely Théâtre de Verdure hosts complimentary concerts, film screenings, and performances, backed by the beautiful Parc La Fontaine. The local theater ensemble, Repercussion Theatre, also presents Shakespeare in the Park in various parks around the city.

8. Free Walking Tours

As is common in many significant cities, Montréal features free walking tours where visitors show their appreciation to the guides with gratuities at the conclusion, instead of purchasing a ticket in advance. Free Tours Montréal is a recommended option.

9. Tourist or Museum Passes

The Passeport Montréal allows selection from five attractions or tours at a single price point. For culture enthusiasts, acquiring a three-day Carte Excursion pass from Musées de Montréal could prove worthwhile, granting access to all member museums.

10. Avoid Old Port Expenses

While Montréal’s historic Vieux-Port (Old Port) spans over 400 years and is a necessary point of interest, it is essential to note that costs for accommodations and dining in this area can be significant, with the quality of food often lacking. Consider alternative neighborhoods such as Le Plateau, Mile End, or St-Henri for more budget-friendly options, although it may be more challenging to locate hotels in these areas. If opting for an Airbnb, confirm that they hold a CITQ city registration number.

11. Affordable Meal Options

While prices in Montréal have surged recently, budget-conscious travelers can still discover delicious, inexpensive meals. Drogheria Fine in Mile End offers scrumptious boxes of gnocchi in tomato sauce for $5, while Patati Patata serves up smaller portions of burgers and poutine that are easier on the wallet. If you find yourself out late on Blvd St-Laurent, consider joining locals relishing $2 peanut butter-coated noodles at Chez Mein.

12. Plan a Picnic

Economize while enjoying delicious food by preparing a picnic sourced from Montréal’s lively food markets, such as Marché Atwater and Marché Jean-Talon. After filling your tote bags with fresh fruits, baguettes, cheeses, and a bottle of wine, join the locals in one of Montréal’s picturesque public parks. It’s essential to remember that public drinking is permitted only when seated at a picnic table with a meal.

13. Explore Second-Hand Shops

The stylish inhabitants of Montréal often find treasures within local thrift stores, such as Renaissance and Eva B. Follow their lead and search for unique vacation apparel. While vintage stores generally offer a more extensive selection, they tend to be pricier.

14. Partake in 5 à 7 Happy Hours

Montréal’s version of Happy Hour is referred to as 5 à 7, denoting after-work drinks from 5 PM to 7 PM. Look out for establishments that promote specials during this timeframe, or enjoy beers at Helm’s Bar de Courcelle, or indulge in $2 oysters at Le Majestique.

15. Self-Guided Historical Tours with Apps

One of the most fascinating and innovative modes of experiencing Montréal is through the free Cité Mémoire app. This application allows users to scan QR codes, projecting narratives of the city’s history onto buildings and natural landscapes.

16. Visit Parc Jean-Drapeau

Cross the St. Lawrence River by metro or bicycle to Parc Jean-Drapeau, the site where the 1967 Expo World Fair was held. The partially artificial islands offer ample opportunities for waterfront strolls, biking along the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix racetrack, and enjoying a dip at the beach. The views of downtown from this location are awe-inspiring.

17. Embark on Scenic Road Trips

If you have access to a vehicle, consider taking a scenic drive to the Laurentians, a picturesque region filled with forests, hills, and numerous lakes. Alternatively, drive east to the Eastern Townships for a delightful excursion featuring wineries, breweries, and gourmet food options.