Montréal wins accolades as a top host city for business events of all sizes year after year for its ideal mix of infrastructure and atmosphere. But if you stay a little while longer, you’ll discover that Montréal is more than meets the eye — and that’s saying something. Tack a few days onto your next business trip to explore Montréal’s unique je ne sais quoi, its irrepressible creativity, its energy and the hospitality that permeate its every street.
Here are 7 reasons to extend your stay.
Business hotels FULL of leisure amenities
There’s a Montréal hotel for every business occasion and budget — there are 16,000 rooms within direct access of the Montréal Convention Centre, in fact, and within walking distance of our most famous cultural centres. But the great thing about them is that they’re also great spots for fun, too. From award-winning restaurants to rooftop terrasses to stellar spas, they’re a reason in themselves to tack on some leisure time.
Lively street life throughout the business district
With everything so centralized, Montréal is an extremely accessible and walkable city — you can basically experience its swirling cultural vibe within a few blocks from most hotels, so no need to change locations after your event. And did we mention the city never stops? Through winter or summer, day or night, rain or shine, there’s always something going on, including over 100 cutting-edge festivals, most of which animate the streets of the city’s downtown core.
Free things to do to stay entertained for days
Personal budgets don’t typically run as high as business ones, we get it. No worries! Montréal remains one of the world’s most affordable cities, with both living and entertainment costs that remain well under the North American average. To wit: our impressive crop of free seasonal experiences that would top any traveller’s list no matter how much they cost.
Incredible (affordable) flavours everywhere you look
The city is full of options if you’re looking to push the boat out and show yourself a 5-star time, but the best way to experience the city like a local is to savour the world of flavours this cosmopolitan foodie’s paradise has to offer. From food festivals like MTLàTABLE representing every nation to accessible neighbourhood faves, without forgetting all the great guided food tours, it’s simple to taste the best: just explore.
A sustainable philosophy to feel good about
Not only is the Montréal Convention Centre BOMA BEST-certified, the city’s very mandate is driven by sustainability on every level, from environmental to human — it was declared the most sustainable destination in North America. What that means as a traveller is that you’re visiting what we term a “harmonious destination” — a city where the coexistence of residents and tourists is gloriously, harmoniously integrated. So, welcome.
A mountain, a river and views at your fingertips
Think Montréal is all olde European charm? Or cutting-edge high rises? Think again! Within walking distance from the downtown core you’ll find natural splendour in the form or the St. Lawrence River on the one side (complete with picturesque waterfront) and Mount Royal Park on the other, a green oasis landscaped by Frederick Law Olmsted. And to gaze upon it all, take your pick: see the incredible sights from the Port of Montréal Tower, or the Grande Roue de Montréal, or from Hiatus restaurant at the top of Place Ville Marie, among other options.
Montréal is the safest city in the safest country in the world
It’s just nice to know you can stroll freely and be truly yourself wherever you go, isn’t it? Montréal has once again been named among the top safest cities in the world, and the safest in Canada — itself the safest country in the world. The bottom line is that Montréal doesn’t just accept difference, it celebrates it! So get comfortable, make yourself at home — you may find you never want to leave.
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