Montréal, an inclusive and accessible city
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Tourisme Montréal
In Montréal, many attractions and public spaces are committed to inclusivity and accessibility. Access ramps, adapted washrooms and services for people with reduced mobility or specific sensory needs are just some of the initiatives designed to ensure that as many people as possible can fully enjoy all the city has to offer.
This practical guide will help you plan a stay that matches your interests and meets your needs.
*For more information on accessible tourism and culture in Québec, visit the Kéroulwebsite.
Transportation for everyone
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) offers several accessibile transportation options. Most STM buses are equipped with lifts and designated spaces for wheelchairs. However, lifts may occasionally be out of service, or certain bus stops may not be accessible. It’s a good idea to check in advance about the accessibility of the stops you’ll be using.
Of the 68 stations across Montréal’s four metro lines, 27 are fully accessible thanks to elevators or ramps. You can find the complete list on the STM website.
The STM also offers a door-to-door paratransit service by reservation. Requests should be made 24 to 48 hours in advance. To access this service, simply complete the STM application form. Please note that processing usually takes around 45 days, so it’s best to apply six to seven weeks before your planned stay in Montréal.
If you’re planning a longer stay or live in Montréal, the free Inclusive Mobility Program provides practical tools to help you get familiar with the city’s public transit systems.
Travelling by car? If you’re visiting from a member country of the International Transport Forum (ITF), you’ll need to bring your own accessible parking permit. If your country is not part of the ITF, you must apply for a Québec permit, which usually takes four to six weeks to process. Full details are available in the parking permit section of the Kéroul website.
The Agence de mobilité durable de Montréal provides a map of all paid on-street parking. Taxis are also an option. A list of accessible transportation services and contact numbers is available on the Kéroul site.
Comfortable accommodations
Montréal offers an array of hotels across the city that are fully or partially accessible, ensuring a pleasant and restful stay.
In Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Mount Royal, and Côte-des-Neiges, you can stay at the Residence Inn Montréal Midtown or Pavillon Jean-XXIII (Saint Joseph’s Oratory). Downtown, there are numerous options including Le Centre Sheraton Montréal, AC Hotel Montréal Downtown, Hôtel de l’ITHQ, Humaniti Montréal, Marriott Residence Inn Montréal Downtown, Boxotel, Le Germain Montréal, and Résidence de l’UQAM – Centre-ville EST.
In Dorval, you can stay at the Aloft Montréal Airport or the Marriott Montréal Airport Terminal Hotel.
The Kéroul website provides detailed accessibility profiles for each property, including information such as clearance space and bed height. Each location is also given an accessibility rating to help you decide whether it meets your needs.
Dining and drinks
Many restaurants and bars across Montréal are fully accessible and ready to welcome you.
In the downtown core, Le Central and Time Out Market offer food hall experiences with a wide variety of restaurant counters, wine bars, exotic cocktails, microbrewery products and local artisanal goods. Both are lively multicultural hubs located near the Quartier des spectacles and downtown shopping.
For Polynesian-inspired cuisine, bold flavours and vibrant colours, visit Lloydon De la Gauchetière Street. For authentic Asian dishes, try Eastat the Renaissance Hotel, just steps from Place Ville Marie.
If French-inspired dining is more your style, Maison Boulud at the Ritz-Carlton offers refined dishes with a personal touch inspired by the chef’s time in New York City and a local, seasonal focus. Likewise, Osco! puts a Provençal twist on Québec’s regional flavours.
In Old Montréal, Maggie Oakes is a must for fresh, simple fare featuring AAA Canadian beef, a seafood bar and other local Québec products.
In addition to these fully accessible restaurants, many others offer partial accessibility, including Le Renoir (Sofitel), Auberge Saint-Gabriel, Jellyfish, Le Petit Dep, gaZette, The Keg Steakhouse, Bagatelle Bistro, Brasserie 701, Brasserie Benelux, Casa Grecque, Crew & Collective Café, Restaurant de l’ITHQ, and Toqué!
In Montréal, many attractions and public spaces are committed to inclusivity and accessibility.
Major attractions for all ages
Montréal is full of attractions and many are fully accessible. From museums and cultural centres to markets, there’s something for everyone. Most also offer wheelchair rentals on site.
In the Quartier des spectacles, the Centre des mémoires montréalaises is a museum and civic space celebrating the lives of Montrealers past and present, with exhibitions that feature interactive activities and stories from the city’s residents.
Not far away is the Cinémathèque québécoise, a treasure trove of Québec, Canadian, and international cinema. Take in the classics or visit the many exhibitions available.
Head downtown to discover the McCord Stewart Museum, which focuses on decolonization and sustainability while offering fully accessible facilities. The exhibitions on display offer a critical and inclusive perspective on history, and a pedestrian area nearby is accessible year-round. The Museum’s boutique is also fully accessible.
Over in the Old Port, the Montréal Science Centre (with an IMAX theatre) overflows with fascinating activities for scientists of all ages.
Not too far away in the Old Port, Marché Bonsecours, in addition to being a historic building dating back to 1847, is the perfect spot for a meal break thanks to its many café terraces. Take advantage of this stop to explore the many boutiques showcasing Québec creations.
In the Olympic Park, in the east end, the entire Space for Life complex is well worth a visit. There you’ll find the stunning Montréal Botanical Garden, with its many themed gardens and plants native to Québec as well as from Japan and China. Right next door is the Insectarium, inviting you to explore the fascinating world of insects through exhibitions that are as educational as they are beautiful. Across Sherbrooke Street, the Planetarium welcomes all aspiring astronauts eager to uncover the mysteries of the universe.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, the largest sanctuary in the world dedicated to Saint Joseph! Be awed by the basilica with its 97-metre dome, take time to visit the Oratory’s museum or stroll through the surrounding gardens.
A trip to Montréal wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through the city’s major markets: Jean-Talon Market, Maisonneuve Market, or Atwater Market (partially accessible). Fill up on local sights, sounds, aromas and flavours thanks to stall after stall of fresh, local products and a lively, neighbourhood market vibe.
Other partially accessible attractions include Mount Royal Park, the Musée d’art contemporain, Pointe-à-Callière Museum, Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA), Notre-Dame Basilica, PHI, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Château Ramezay, MTELUS, Place des Arts, Fonderie Darling, Écomusée du fier monde, and Olympia.
For shopping, head to the Eaton Centre and Place Montréal Trust, both downtown and fully accessible, including adapted washrooms. The Underground City (RÉSO) and Place Ville Marie also offer partially accessible shops.
Accessible washrooms
Accessible washrooms are available at the Palais des congrès, Grande Bibliothèque, Cinémathèque québécoise, Parc Jean-Drapeau, Grand Quay of the Port of Montréal (and its Promenade), Marché Bonsecours and Central Station.
Assistance and support services
To make your stay as smooth as possible, don’t hesitate to contact Kéroul’s assistance services or consult the Québec Leisure Association for Persons with Disabilities (AQLPH) for advice and resources. Many businesses and organizations also allow companions to travel or enter free of charge. Québec residents can apply for the CAL (Companion Leisure Card).