Visa invitation letters

We know that many people need an invitation letter to help them attend FAB16. This can help with receiving a Visa, institutional permissions, and other travel logistics. To receive an invitation letter, click below!

Air travel

Partners Travel is Fab Foundation’s travel planning partner for FAB16 Montréal. We provide FAB16 Montréal attendees with assistance in booking flights, ground transportation and hotel accommodations.

Fab Foundation has access to a wide variety of travel discounts for Air, Rail, Hotel and Car Rental. Discounted travel is available with American, Iberia, British, Delta, Alitalia, KLM, JetBlue, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and more. In addition to a special negotiated discount with Air Canada for the FAB16 events. If you have specific questions, or need further assistance, please send all travel requests to fab16@partners-travel.com

As a FAB16 participant, you have two options for travel assistance:

1. You can request access to the Fab Foundation SAP Concur Travel booking site to self book your trip to Montreal. This option will give you all of the FAB Foundation travel discounts at a reduce booking transaction fee of $9 (USD) per person, per trip.

2. You can request travel assistance from a FAB Foundation travel agent who can assist you with more complex travel needs for a flat transaction fee of $30 per person, per trip.

For assistance with air travel, please fill out this very short form, and we will get back to you right away!

Practical informations

Currency and taxes

The currency here is the Canadian dollar. A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5%, as well as a provincial sales tax (TVQ) of 9.975% are added to goods and services purchased in the province of Québec. There is also a 3.5% Tax on Lodging for each accommodation unit rented in an establishment located in the Montréal tourism region.

Converting currency

You can convert money at the pricier Pierre Elliot Trudeau Airport currency exchange (not recommended), or at your hotel (even less so), or simply by using your ATM card at any bank, which will charge a small fee (best option). There are also numerous currency exchanges located throughout downtown that offer competitive rates.

Tipping at restaurants and elsewhere

Service is not included in your restaurant bill. It’s customary to add a 15% tip to the total before taxes (if you’re with a group, a 15-to-18% gratuity may be automatically added to your bill, depending on the establishment). Taxi drivers, delivery workers and hair stylists are also usually tipped 10% to 15%. Porters and doormen typically receive at least $1 per suitcase or service rendered.

Language

French is Québec’s official language but english is widely spoken in Montréal. The city has more than 120 cultural groups and almost 30% of population speaks three languages. It is common that you will be addressed in French, but people will quickly speak English when asked.

Getting Around Montréal

Public transport and taxi are both convenient and affordable ways to get around Montréal. The metro (subway) system is clean, safe and fast. As an added bonus, the public transit network is relatively simple, with just four lines connecting the downtown centre to major tourist sites, bus stops and train stations. The metro operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. (1:30 a.m. on Saturdays). The average wait time between trains is eight minutes and three minutes during rush hour. If you prefer getting around by taxi, it’s easy to flag one down on the street. You’ll also find them at one of the city’s many taxi stands or in front of most major hotels. A trip to the airport from downtown will cost you a flat rate of CAD 40 - not including tip. Some taxis will also transport bicycles. Renting a BIXI bike is another great and inexpensive alternative.

747 YUL Montréal-Trudeau airport / Downtown shuttle

Featuring 24-hour service, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, the 747 shuttle service includes 11 stops in each direction, taking approximately 45 to 70 minutes each way depending on traffic conditions. Wi-Fi service is available on most 747 buses. Buses run frequently, are custom-designed to serve the airport, and are handicap-accessible. Furthermore, for a mere $10 – payable on board (coins only) –, travellers may enjoy unlimited bus and metro access for a 24-hour period.
For more information : http://www.stm.info/en/info/networks/bus/shuttle/747-yul-montreal-trudeau-airport-downtown-shuttle

Climate

Montréal has a humid continental climate with no dry season (Dfb) according to the Köppen-Geiger classification. The average temperature in July in Montréal is 22°C and precipitation averages 99 mm. At night temperatures drop to 17°C and during the day they can reach 27°C. In summary, the climate in July is favourable, it is a good month to travel to Montréal.

Electricity

Electrical outlets in Canada provide the same current as in the United States that is 110 volts (60 cycles). If you are traveling from Europe or elsewhere, you will need an adapter to use small appliances designed for a different standard (220/240 V).

For more information: Please visit Tourisme Montréal.

Visa requirements

The Government of Canada requires everyone travelling in Canada to have a valid passport.

The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is mandatory for visa exempt foreign travellers to Canada, except for U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid visa. The ETA is electronically linked to the passport and is valid for 5 years or until the passport expires. Applying for an ETA online is a simple and inexpensive process that takes only a few minutes.

Please note that residents of certain countries require a visa to visit or transit through Canada.

Visit the Immigration and Citizenship Canada website to find out if you need a visa or an ETA. Get more information on customs and immigration here.

Hotels & Accommodations

Partners Travel is Fab Foundation’s travel planning partner for FAB16 Montréal. We provide FAB16 Montréal attendees with assistance in booking flights, ground transportation and hotel accommodations.

To view all of the hotels in the area, and conference discounts, click here for the full hotel booking site! See below for two special offers in addition to our booking website.

McGill University and Marriott Special offer!

McGill’s accommodations

Interested in McGill’s accommodations? We have reserved rooms in the following residencies for July 26 - Aug 2 (you may reserve for any dates within this time and remember to mention that you are participating in FAB16):

Single and Double rooms in La Citadelle hotel-style residence for Canadian Dollar $139 + tax (around $106 USD)
Single rooms in McGill’s Royal Victoria College dormitory for Canadian Dollar $49/night + tax (around $38 USD)

La Citadelle: https://mcgill.ca/accommodations/summer/lc
Royal Victoria College: https://mcgill.ca/accommodations/summer/rvc

Reservations must be made before July 1, and can be made by phone: 514-398-5200, Fax: 514-398-4521 or E-mail: reserve.residences@mcgill.ca
When making the reservation the guest must provide a valid Visa, MasterCard or AMEX number to guarantee and hold their reservation. Payment accepted includes Cash, Interac, Traveler Cheques, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express only. Each guest is responsible for his or her own payment on arrival.

Booking information
Individual cancellations must be made in writing or by calling 514-398-5200 by 12:00 pm (noon) 2 days prior to arrival, otherwise a charge equal to the first night stay plus tax will be charged to the credit card on file. Check in time is 3 pm. Check out time is 11:00 am. Please note that an early departure fee will be applied for any delegate leaving early without notice prior to 12:00 pm (noon) 2 days prior to the arrival date.

Delta Hotels Montréal by Marriott

Delta Hotels Montréal is offering FAB16 participants a special discount at 249$ CAD/night. BOOK HERE

What to do in Montréal?

Festivals & Events

Montréal's cultural vibe, renowned throughout the country, is not just taking over the theatres and concert halls: it's extending into the streets, transformed into gigantic outdoor stages to host large, internationally renowned festive gatherings.

For the complete list of events in Montreal, visit the Tourisme Montréal website.

Visit La Vitrine Culturelle, a unique tourist information center specializing in culture, which offers a complete cultural calendar and a centralized ticketing service for all shows in Greater Montreal, many of which are offered at a last minute rate.

Between magnificent outdoor views of Mount Royal and evening outings, here are the main attractions and activities that you will want to add to your Montréal travel diary.

If you plan to visit several Montréal attractions, consider purchasing the MTL Passport, which gives you access to nearly 30 essential places and activities, as well as unlimited public transportation.

Download the My Official Guide to Montréal app from the App Store or Google Play.

Restaurants

YEAR-ROUND FOOD FAVOURITES IN MONTRÉAL

Great food is undeniably the stuff of life in Montréal – locals all have their favourite tried-and-true restaurants, go-to take-out dishes and an ongoing list of new eateries and cafés to try. It might take multiple return trips to decide on your own favourites, whether we're talking poutine, bagels or foie gras. From five-star restaurants and carefully prepared dishes from around the world to legendary local diners and street-side food trucks, Montréal offers one-of-a-kind experiences for all tastes, all year round.

For good addresses, visit the website of Tourisme Montréal