Complete Guide: What To Pack For Montreal

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Heading to Montreal soon? Wondering what to pack for Montreal?

Depending on the season, you may need to bring different clothes along with you. In this post, you’ll find information regarding travel documents, essentials as well as packing ideas depending on the season.

If you’re moving to Canada, you’ll likely need to pack more things – for each season. That said, if you’re there on a shorter trip, head to the right season and start writing down your Montreal packing list.

Travel Documents

Regardless of the time of your visit, there are some essential items that need to be on your Montreal packing list. The first priority when thinking about what to pack for Canada should be the various travel and personal documents that you’ll need to ensure are safely in your carry-on before you leave.

Some of these documents, such as your passport, visa, insurance, or ETA, will need to be applied for or renewed way ahead of time.


  • Passport
  • Driver’s license (if you’re planning on renting a car – it’s also a great ID to show if you’re planning on going to a bar)
  • Flight tickets/boarding passes
  • Credit cards
  • Canadian dollars – It is best to exchange currency at your bank before leaving on your trip, instead of at an airport kiosk. Banks and credit unions are more likely to offer reasonable rates with lower fees than at the airport.
  • Travel Insurance documents (we recommend SafetyWing)
  • ETA – in order to travel to Canada, visitors must first apply for a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). An ETA is an alternative to a visa, which is necessary for air travel to Canada for visa-exempt foreign nationals. An eTA is linked to the traveler’s passport and valid for up to five years, throughout which time any amount of travel to Canada is permitted. Visitors can apply for an eTA online. An ETA is not required for travel to the country via car, bus, train, or boat. US and Canadian nationals are not eligible for an eTA.
  • Emergency contact numbers

Carry-on

In your carry-on, alongside your documents and money, make sure to bring any electronics and personal care products that you might need on the plane, at the airport, or on the road.

You’ll want to bring along a backpack that you can also use during your travels, as you walk through Montreal and if you go on any day trips. 

Note that some of these links will bring you to Amazon to facilitate your last-minute shopping.

  • All of your documents
  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Glasses/sunglasses/contacts
  • Travel pillow
  • Travel guide – Before leaving on your trip, it may be worth picking up a travel guide for Montreal. There are various walking and guided tours in Montreal, but for those that feel like taking a self-guided tour, you can pick up travel guides to take you through the city’s most famous sites and areas, rewarding hiking trails, and even animal spotting guides.
  • Snacks
  • Water bottle
  • Sanitary products
  • Tissues
  • French phrasebook – It’s important to remember that Montreal (as with all of Quebec) is legally a French-speaking city and the majority of the province’s population speaks French. While most of the locals will speak English and French, it would be worthwhile to brush up on your high-school French skills just in case. This is particularly useful if you plan on visiting any French restaurants or establishments.
  • Medication – painkillers, anti-nausea tablets
  • Sweater
  • Blister plasters
  • Notebook/book to read
  • Pen
  • Hand sanitizer

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Hairbrush
  • Sunscreen – It might seem like sunscreen is only necessary for those summer days on the beach, but the sun can pose a threat all year round. Even if you’re traveling to Montreal in the winter, bright and sunny spells often follow the snow clouds, which can be very dangerous for your skin. While UVB rays are weaker during the winter, the harmful UVA rays are just as strong as during the summer.
  • Razor soap
  • Deodorant 
  • Nail file and clippers 
  • Medication 
  • Sanitary products 
  • Makeup and remover 
  • Tissues 
  • Painkillers 
  • Insect repellent
  • Hair products 
  • Moisturiser 
  • Contact lenses and solution 
  • Band-aids
  • Hair products

General packing

Seasonal clothing

Depending on the time of year that you’re traveling to Montreal, you’ll need to be aware of the different temperatures and the appropriate clothing to put on your Montreal packing list.

Temperatures in Montreal can range from -9 degrees Celsius in winter to 15 degrees in the spring, with highs of 27 degrees in the summer. Temperatures and weather can vary greatly across the country, even during the same season, so it’s important to research the current climate in the specific area that you’ll be visiting.

When you’re planning what to wear in Montreal, it’s important to pack with layering in mind, as the temperature can greatly change throughout the day, regardless of the season. You’ll want to be able to remove or add clothing as and when needed.

Spring and Fall

Montreal’s climate during the Spring and Fall are quite similar, with both seasons exhibiting sunny spells with bouts of rain. The temperature will generally be mild to cold, so a couple of light sweaters and a hooded jacket are essential.

If you’re planning on doing lots of outdoor activities, be that walking or hiking, you’ll need to pack clothing that’s comfortable, warm, and easy to move in. It would be worthwhile purchasing some high-quality walking or hiking boots that are effective in all-terrain. 

Summer

While Canada is best known for its cold weather, Summers in Montreal can get quite hot and humid, so t-shirts and shorts with sneakers or sandals will usually suffice. If you’re also planning on being active, it may be worthwhile to invest in some hiking sandals, which are cross-purpose and can be used at the beach or while walking or hiking.

It is best to also bring along a light jacket in case of rain, as well as a sweater for potentially cooler mornings and evenings.

  • Swimsuit
  • Shorts
  • Dresses
  • Short-sleeve shirts
  • Sandals
  • Sneakers
  • Light jacket
  • Light sweater

Winter

Canada is known for its snowy winters, so travelers must pack accordingly. A thick coat, scarf, beanie, and gloves are essential, along with clothing that can be layered.

No matter where in Canada you’re traveling to during the winter, it would be a wise investment to pick up some thermal layering, such as long-sleeve tops, leggings, and underwear.

It’s equally important to make sure you bring appropriate shoes for the weather, which is likely to be snowy and icy, so you’ll need comfortable shoes with good traction. 

Final Thoughts On Montreal Packing List

Depending on the season, you’ll need to pack different things. You’ll need more things to pack when moving to Canada long-term so that you’re covered for each season.