Getting Around Montreal: A Guide for Families with Kids
Exploring Montreal with your family can be an exciting adventure. But figuring out how to get around the city might seem tough. What’s the best way to make sure your family is comfortable and happy while seeing everything the city has to offer? The key is to get to know Montreal’s public transit system. It’s a network that can take you and your kids to the best spots in town without breaking the bank.
Montreal’s public transport, the metro, is quick, dependable, and great for families. It has color-coded lines and easy maps, making it simple to find your way when getting around Montreal. Places like the famous Notre Dame Basilica and the busy Old Port are close to metro stops. This makes the metro a top choice for seeing the sights with kids.
Key Takeaways
- Montreal’s metro system is a fast, efficient, and family-friendly way to explore the city
- The metro map is easy to navigate, with color-coded lines indicating different routes
- Major tourist destinations are often located near metro stations, making it a convenient choice for sightseeing
- Montreal’s bus network complements the metro, covering areas not served by the subway
- The city offers a variety of affordable transit passes, including options for frequent commuters
Walking Montreal’s Neighborhoods
Montreal is one of Canada’s most walkable cities, with many attractions and neighborhoods within reach on foot. You can explore the historic Old Montreal or the lively downtown. Walking lets you dive into the local culture and find hidden spots.
Begin your walk in Old Montreal, where cobblestone streets meet 17th-century buildings. Enjoy the views of the St. Lawrence River from the Old Port. Then, head to the downtown area to see a mix of old and new buildings. Don’t miss Rue Sainte-Catherine, a hotspot for shopping and eating.
For a scenic walk, visit Mount Royal Park. It has trails and spots with great city views. You might find yourself in Plateau-Mont-Royal, known for its artsy feel, or Mile End, famous for its bagels and art.
“Walking is the best way to explore and experience the vibrant neighborhoods of Montreal. You never know what hidden gems you might discover along the way.”
Walking through Old Montreal, Downtown, or Mount Royal Park lets you soak in Montreal’s history, culture, and local tastes. It’s a great way to see the city.
Here are some highlights of Montreal’s neighborhoods:
- Old Montreal: Cobblestone streets, 17th-century architecture, Old Port.
- Downtown: Mix of modern and historic buildings, Rue Sainte-Catherine.
- Plateau-Mont-Royal: Artsy and intellectual vibe.
- Mile End: Bagel shops, thriving arts scene.
- Mount Royal Park: Hiking trails, scenic viewpoints.
Exploring Montreal’s Bike Paths with Kids
Montreal is a top spot for biking, with over 600 kilometers of paths and lanes. It’s perfect for families to explore by bike. You’ll find routes like the scenic Lachine Canal and the historic Old Port that are safe and fun for all ages.
The Lachine Canal path is a favorite for families. It offers beautiful waterfront views and leads to parks and recreational areas. The path is separate from cars, making it safer and more enjoyable to cycle.
Montreal has about 1,000 km of bike paths, kept clean for cycling from April to the first snow. It’s ranked as the top cycling city in North America. This makes it a great place for biking with kids in montreal.
You can easily rent bikes for adults and kids all over the city. The BIXI bike sharing system has over 10,000 bikes, including nearly 3,000 electric ones. This makes exploring family-friendly cycling in montreal easy.
Bike Route | Distance | Est. Time |
---|---|---|
Lachine Canal | 14 km | 45 minutes each way |
Parc La Fontaine to Parc Marie-Victorin | 13 km | 1 hour one way |
Bois-de-Liesse to Île-de la-visitation | 18 km | 1 hour one way |
Île Bizard | 35 km | 2.5 hours |
Route des Champs (Eastern Townships) | 50 km | 2.5 hours one way |
The city is adding more bike lanes through the REV project. This means families will have even more ways to explore Montreal by bike soon.
“Montreal has been ranked as the top cycling city in North America on the Global Bicycle Cities Index, making it a prime destination for family-friendly cycling.”
Family-Friendly Bus Routes
Exploring Montreal with kids? The city’s bus network is a great way to get around. Buses have features for families with strollers or young kids. They connect places like the Old Port, Museum of Fine Arts, and Botanical Gardens, so you don’t need a car.
Bus fares are affordable, and kids and seniors get discounts with the OPUS card. Use the STM website or app to plan your trips. This makes traveling easy and convenient.
Some family-friendly bus routes in Montreal include:
- Route 11, which serves the popular Mont-Royal Park
- Route 711, operational until August 27th, connecting to Mount-Royal Park
- Routes serving the expansive Parc Maisonneuve, which is twice the size of Parc Lafontaine
- Routes with access to the picturesque Parc Angrignon, located outside its namesake metro station
- Routes connecting to the Saint-Michel Environmental Complex, set to become the largest park in Montreal with 192 hectares of planned accessibility by 2020
Using Montreal’s family-friendly bus routes makes visiting the city’s attractions and parks easy. It makes your trip with kids smooth and fun.
Navigating the Metro with Strollers
The Montreal metro is great for families with little ones. It’s easy to use and has features for strollers. This makes getting around the city simpler without the stress of busy streets or finding parking.
Getting into the metro is easy thanks to elevators and escalators at the stations. You can easily move your stroller on and off the platforms. Inside the train, there are special spots for strollers, keeping your child safe during the ride.
Remember to tap in and out at the turnstiles when using the metro. This is different from buses, where you only tap in. Tapping both in and out keeps the metro running smoothly and efficiently.
The family-friendly public transit in Montreal is great for families. It’s easy on the wallet and covers a lot of ground. A weekly pass, including the airport shuttle, is a smart choice for those seeing a lot of the city.
“The Montreal metro is a game-changer for families navigating the city with strollers. The accessibility features and dedicated spaces make it a stress-free way to get around.”
Going to a museum, park, or just checking out the city, the Montreal metro is a top choice. It’s family-friendly public transit in Montreal that makes traveling with kids easy.
Family-Friendly Taxi Services
Exploring Montreal with kids means finding reliable taxi services that are family-friendly. Luckily, Montreal has many taxi options for families. These taxis have car seats or booster seats for kids, making sure they’re safe and comfy.
Family-friendly taxis can be hailed on the street or booked via mobile apps. They offer fair prices and fixed fares for popular routes like those from the airport to downtown. For bigger families or more luggage, minivans or SUV taxis are perfect.
If you like flexible options, ridesharing services like Uber are great too. They offer family-friendly features and on-demand transport. Taxis make it easy for families to see Montreal’s sights without the stress of public transport with kids.
Here are the top 5 family-friendly taxi companies in Montreal:
- Taxi Diamond: A long-standing service in Montreal that offers reliable and prompt services, including child seats upon request.
- Taxi Champlain: Provides professional and courteous drivers with a range of services, including airport transfers and parcel delivery, making them a family-friendly choice.
- Taxi Co-op: Popular for its reliable service and well-maintained vehicles, Taxi Co-op accepts requests for child seats, making it convenient for families.
- Téo Taxi: Known for its 100% electric fleet and commitment to safety and environmental friendliness. They offer child seats upon request and have a reputation for clean, reliable service.
- Uber: Offers flexible ride options, including larger vehicles for families, and the convenience of app-based booking and tracking.
Traveling with kids or a big group? Family-friendly taxi services in Montreal are a great choice. They’re safe and convenient. This way, you can enjoy making memories with your family in Montreal.
Driving with Kids
Exploring Montreal with your family can be fun when you drive. It lets you go places easily and flexibly. But, you need to think about a few things when driving with kids in Montreal.
Choosing to rent a car is a good idea, especially if you have young kids or want to see places far from the city center. Make sure you know the driving rules in Quebec to stay safe and happy on the road.
Driving in Montreal can be slow, especially during rush hour. Finding a parking spot can be hard, especially downtown. Look for parking spots early or use a parking app to find one easily.
Even with these challenges, Montreal’s roads are well-kept and easy to navigate. Plan well and stay alert to enjoy driving in Montreal with kids.
Safety First: Child Seat Regulations
In Quebec, kids under 145 cm (4’9″) or 9 years old must be in a child safety seat. This keeps them safe while driving. Make sure your kids are in the right seats before you go.
But, some older cars might not work with all child safety seats, especially those needing a 3-point belt. If you’re renting a car, check if it’s okay for child safety seats.
Regulation | Details |
---|---|
Child Safety Seats | Children under 145 cm (4’9″) 9 years old must use a child safety seat |
Vintage Vehicles | Certain older cars may not be compatible with modern child safety seats |
Exemptions | Taxis, police vehicles, and cars built before 1973 without seatbelts are exempt from child seat requirements |
Knowing the rules and planning ahead makes driving in Montreal with your family safe and fun.
“Driving in Montreal with kids can be an adventure, but with a little preparation, you can make it a smooth and enjoyable experience for the whole family.”
Final Thoughts
Montreal is a great place for families, it has many ways to get around the city. If you’re planning a family trip to Montreal, getting around Montreal with kids, you’ll find lots to do.
Getting around Montreal without a car is feasible, thanks to the city’s efficient metro system and extensive bus network. You can also drive or take a taxi if you prefer. Families can walk through historic areas, bike on scenic paths, or use public transport. Each way lets you see the city in a special way and make memories that last.
Knowing how to get around helps you enjoy Montreal more. The city is easy for families to get around, thanks to its accessible options. This makes it simple to move between places, fitting your family’s needs and likes.