Live like a local in Montréal

Among the city’s initiatives in terms of resource preservation, some cafés no longer provide single-use plastic straws and shops no longer provide single-use plastic bags, so this makes it easy for everyone to be mindful of waste and do our part for the environment. Here are a few things you do to make it even easier, and fun: 

• Taste with less waste: Several restaurants are striving for zero-waste targets, and most food courts now provide compost disposal, too.
• Reduce, reuse and recycle: If you do accumulate packaging on the go, note that you will find recycling bins in public spaces, malls and on street corners throughout the city.
• Tool up: Think ahead and make sure you pack reusable bottles, cups and bags for your day-to-day life as a city explorer, or shop for great Montréal-made totes and reusables. 

You can lower carbon emissions with your every move by choosing your transportation options wisely. In fact, in addition to a world class transit system, the city is so easily walkable, all you need for fuel is your own curiosity! Here are some other ideas: 

• Get biking: With a BIXI city bike program that spans the city and a network of 1,000 kilometres of bike lanes (and counting!), two-wheel travel makes total sense. 
• Think public: Public transport is a pleasure in itself, thanks to Montréal’s growing fleet of electric city buses a metro network that’s easy to navigate.
• Move lightly: Choose one destination area per day, and explore its nooks and crannies on foot. You’ll want to discover all our incredible neighbourhoods, guaranteed! 

Montréal is a city in constant creative ebullience, which means you can get locally crafted versions of pretty much everything you may dream of. From your daily bread to designer souvenirs, you can support local businesses by buying goods that are made in Montréal. Here are great ways to shop with a sense of place: 

• Refuel right here: There are so many delightful indie cafés to explore, and eating Canadian ingredients masterfully interpreted by Montréal chefs is a dream thanks to our renowned restaurant scene.
• Eat fresh: Stock up your hotel room while exploring the heart of local life by visiting the public markets, filled with produce and plants grown locally.
• Shop unique finds: Snatch up some real made-in-Montréal craftsmanship at all our independent boutiques and shops. 

In Montréal we welcome diversity. In fact, we seek it out and celebrate it! That means that you, and everyone else, are free to be you, in full safety and security. Here are more ways to:  

• Meet and greet: It’s easy to meet locals, mainly because locals want to meet you too — travellers are embraced for the new perspectives they bring, so feel free to spark up conversations wherever you go. 
• Seek out diversity: Explore our diversity by discovering Indigenous culture, soaking up the art scene, or enjoying the vibrant LGBTQ+ community.
• Savour difference: Get a taste (literally) of the various diaspora that call Montréal home in our Jewish, Chinese, Italian, Caribbean and Mexican (to name but a few!) eateries. 

Treat others as you’d like to be treated — yes, that old chestnut! Respecting different vibes comes naturally in Montréal, a happy city that loves a good party but also recognizes people’s right to quiet times. In contrast to the absolutely LIT nightlife (are you more cocktail bar, terrasse, live music joint or club?), there’s a real respect for noise control. 

• Tiptoe to your taxi: Since most of the nightlife is woven into residential neighbourhoods, being a good neighbour means that after 11 p.m., it’s time to whisper in the streets.
• Enjoy some quiet moments: Make the most of our green spaces for some good, deep contemplation, from our many parks to the Botanical Garden, not to mention the majestic Mount Royal. 
• Seek out some local secrets: Montréal’s good times are just as great when they’re low-key. Discover our car-free streets, free outdoor hangouts and all sorts of beloved hidden gems.