"...I thence
Invoke thy aid to my adventurous song"
Book 1, ll.12-13

Also note that tourism is a major industry in Montréal, and the people who live and work downtown are noted for their friendliness and helpfulness towards visitors.

What are the taxes in Montreal?

The Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 7% is charged on most goods and services in Canada. In addition, there is a Québec Provincial Tax (TVQ) of 7.5% added to all goods and services purchased in the province of Québec.

Visitors to Canada can apply for a rebate of GST paid on most goods, purchased for use outside Canada, as well as on short-term accommodations.

Tax rebate forms are available from many points of departure, tourist information centres and Canadian embassies and consulates outside Canada or at the Canadian Customs and Revenue Agency.
website

Hotel tax or room occupancy tax is $2 per night. (Approximately $1.30 US)

What are the liquor laws like in Montreal?

The legal hours for serving alcoholic beverages is from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. The legal drinking age in Québec is 18.

Liquor stores (Société des Alcools) are open weekdays and Saturdays, but closed on holidays. A few selected outlets are open on Sunday. Beer and wine are also sold in convenience and grocery stores until 11pm.

What is the weather like in Montreal in the spring?

Montréal tends to have very hot summers and very cold snowy winters! But spring is the perfect time to see the city. Days are mild, falling somewhere between 20 to 25^oC. (approximately 70 to 77^oF) Evenings may be slightly cooler -- the perfect temperature for showing off your velvet finery.

The formula for converting temperature is as follows; double the degrees in Celcius, then add 32.

What is with all this metric stuff?

Canada operates on the metric system. That means that temperatures are reported in degrees Celsius, gasoline is sold by the litre (milk and wine by millilitres and litres) grocery items are sold in grams and kilograms, fabric lengths are sold in metres, and road speeds are posted in kilometres per hour.

The following list shows the conversion factor between metric and imperial measures.

0^oC = 32^oF
1 meter = 1.094 yard
1 km = 0.62 mile
1 mile = 1.61 km
1 pound = 453.6 grams
1 liter = 0.22 canadian gallon

What is the best way to exchange my money?

Check your bank card. The major banks have Automated Teller Machines throughout Montréal. These give access to cards bearing the Cirrus, Delta, Mastercard, Plus and Visa symbols (among others). The exchange rate offered by your bank for such withdrawals is generally better than you can get for cash or travellers cheques.

Cash can also be exchanged at one of the numerous currency exchange outlets found throughout downtown Montreal. Their fees for exchanging money tend to be slightly higher than what is charged by the banks.

If you are coming from the US, the exchange rate is definitely in your favour! As of January 1, $100 US would buy you $158.82 Canadian.
Currency Conversion website