Is Montreal safe? What you should know

Montreal is a city that speaks two languages and dances to its own beat! It's a major city that's nestled on an island in the Saint Lawrence River. Montreal is a place where cobblestone streets meet towering skyscrapers and shopping malls, and poutine is as beloved as fine wine! The locals? They’re a charming mix of laid-back and lively and always ready to debate hockey, art, or the best bagels!

When you explore Montreal, safety takes center stage. Whether you’re wandering the historic Old Port or tackling the trails of Mont Royal, we’ll share tips to keep things stress-free. Want to know how to navigate a bilingual city? We’ve got you covered! Curious about the safest spots for outdoor adventures or what to expect when trying new foods? Look no further!

Fun fact: Montrealers celebrate winter with a festival where they build an ice hotel and race canoes over frozen rivers! Yes, they’ve mastered turning cold into cool! So grab your walking shoes (or snow boots), and let’s make your Montreal visit unforgettable and safe! Because nothing ruins a good poutine like an avoidable mishap!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Montreal

Here are some safety tips for your trip to Montreal so you can enjoy it worry-free! This is a very safe city on its own, but just like other major cities, it's got some petty theft with pickpockets here and there. No need to worry about violent crime in this big city though, so rest easy and start packing!

Getting from the airport to Montreal city center

Did you just touch down at Montreal airport? It's basically in the city, so if you want to get to downtown Montreal, just hop on the 747 bus and you'll get there in just 35 minutes! You'll end up near some top tourist attractions so you can start exploring right away!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Montreal

Street performers are pretty common in touristy cities, and Montreal is no exception! Just keep in mind that after the show ends, they might push for a tip like it’s a must! Some might also ask for money if you snap a picture or record them. So if you're enjoying a show, it's best to enjoy it from a distance (unless you’re ready to chip in)!

Exchange rate scams in Montreal can happen at sketchy kiosks or with people claiming they’ll give you “the best rate.” These spots might flash tempting signs with great deals, but they often sneak in extra fees or shortchange you. Some even pull sneaky math tricks to confuse you. So, stick to banks, ATMs, or apps to check rates before swapping your cash.

Is tap water in Montreal safe to drink?

Yes, Montreal tap water is completely fine! If you're not used to the taste, it's usually because of different mineral and pH content. The city keeps a close eye on water quality, and issues warnings if any contamination pops up.

Safe accommodation options in Montreal

Looking for where to stay in Montreal and safe accommodation options? We've got you covered!

1. Outremont is a safe, peaceful, family-friendly residential area that's full of tree-lined streets! It's also right next to Mont-Royal (in French, or Mount-Royal in English)! Here you can stay at the Hotel Le Germain Montreal for around 350 CAD per night.
2. Westmount is an upscale neighborhood with a quiet atmosphere. But if you're looking for shopping ops in Montreal, the Underground City is the place to go! It's also close to Old Montreal that's perfect for port-side walks and seafood restaurants! You can crash at La Tour Belvédère Hotel for around 150 CAD a night.
3. Plateau-Mont-Royal has a mix of lively and quieter spots, but all of it has charm, murals, and trendy cafes! Auberge de la Fontaine Hotel is about 200 CAD and it overlooks La Fontaine Park.

Pro tip: Whether you want to hike across Mont-Royale or shop in the Underground City, you're going to want to leave any extra stuff behind. That's where Bounce comes in! Dump your extra toasty coat before you enter the heated mall, or stash your new clothes before you go for your big hike! Remember that you're covered with the $10,000 Bounce protection plan so that you can feel as safe as possible!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

Cultural callouts? Check these out:

• French is the default language in Montreal, but most locals also speak English. If you want to blend in, you can use phrases like: Bonjour (Hello); Merci (Thank you); Excusez-moi (Excuse me); Parlez-vous anglais? (Do you speak English?).
• Just like in other Canadian cities, the people here are very nice and laid back! You can basically strike up a conversation with anyone and they'd be happy to talk to you!
• Montreal is a diverse city with an equally diverse population!

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Want to navigate the city and keep safe at the same time? It's easy! Just follow these tips:

• You can use the metro as a quick way to get around the city. It's clean, reliable, and safe at night. Just a heads-up: The announcements are in French though, so you'll have to look at the signs to know where you're at. The buses are also a good option and the OPUS card is an easy way to pay for tickets!
• BIXI makes bike renting easy. You'll see a bunch of BIXI bike stations around that you can rent through their app. You can also walk around town, but whether you’re on foot or on wheels, watch out for slippery cobblestones when it's raining or freezing.
• If you decide to drive, watch out for those pesky potholes! The rapid temp changes make it hard to maintain roads. If you're here in winter, drive extra safely if it's snowing and there's ice on the roads!

Nature and Montreal: Tips to keep in mind

It's never a bad time to explore nature! Check out some of the top ways to enjoy it safely:

• If you're looking for beaches near Montreal, Jean-Doré Beach, Parc Jean-Drapeau, and Verdun Beach are great options for a day at the beach! They're sandy, have lifeguards on duty, and you can kayak there!
• Montreal is practically the only city with such a large park right in the center! Mount Royal Park is the perfect place if you're looking for the best hikes in Montreal! Parc Angrignon is peaceful and beautiful, and Visitation Island Nature Park in Montreal North is fantastic for a riverside stroll!
• Be careful with those harsh Canadian winters! Temps can reach a whopping -20 degrees C, so you should definitely prepare for that with warm clothes, a toasty coat, and thick boots!

Last tips in the case of an emergency

You don't want to get caught unprepared in an emergency! So here's what you need to know:

• Always spring for travel insurance to cut possible medical costs!
• Check with the servers for allergens in food before you order it!
• 911 is the universal number for ambulances, the police department, and the fire department.

So, is Montreal safe?

Yes, Montreal is generally safe to live in, and very safe for tourists! Just remember all the tips about public transportation, common scams, and always be on the lookout for pickpockets in crowded places! If you need to stash any winter gear or new clothes that you bought, remember Bounce! You're just a few clicks away from a baggage-free adventure! Just pick the closest luggage storage spot and enjoy all the perks of Montreal!