Things to Know About Living in Montreal
By Evelyn Reid, About.com Guide
- Cheap Food and Affordable Groceries
- Montreal Restaurants Reviewed
- Stress Release in Montreal
- Getting Around Montreal With No Car
- Plague of the Potholes
- Finding a Job in Montreal
- Drinking and Driving Laws
- Recycling Cans and Can'ts
- Voting in an Election in Montreal
Cheap Food and Affordable Groceries
There are so many ways to save money on food in Montreal, especially when it comes to fresh produce. Below are a few strategies, resources and shopping destinations that should be on every penny pincher's list.
- Shop at Montreal's Public Markets
- Eat in Season and Save!
- Join a Food Co-op
- Start a Kitchen Collective
- What are Share Stores?
Montreal Restaurants Reviewed
You work hard for your money. So when you go out for a meal on the town, you want value for your dollar. Get the real inside scoop before taking a foodie risk in these tough economic times. The Montreal restaurants listed below have been frequented and reviewed with rigor, down to the last tabletop. Find out how much you should expect to spend, if it's worth the price, what kind of wine to order (or bring), even what to wear!
- Le Mas des Oliviers
- Gibbys Steakhouse
- Marché 27
- Trattoria Trestevere
- Elio's
- Le Nil Bleu
- La Colombe
- Montreal Curry House
- La Raclette
- Cosmo's All Day Breakfast
- La Banquise Poutine
- Patati Patata
- Aux Vivres
- Le Club Sandwich
- Pintxo
- Yuukai Sushi
Stress Release in Montreal
Let's face it. When times are tough, stress invariably goes up. But you can make that stress work for you! Channel it into something positive and enriching. The following suggestions are accessible to nearly everyone in Montreal, from young to old, rich or poor, fit or sedentary. And they go a long way in releasing the strains and pent up tension of everyday life. Some might even keep the doctor away, acting as a preventative measure, saving you money that could otherwise be lost to sick days, therapy and medication.
- Attend a Free Meditation Session
- Find a Free Yoga Class in Montreal
- Take Up Tai Chi
- Stroll Through Summit Park
- Visit the Stunning Floralies Gardens
- Indulge in a Montreal Freebie!
- Get Yourself the Botanical Gardens
Getting Around Montreal With No Car
Commuting in Montreal without your own automobile is convenient, affordable and relatively safe. And with one third of Montreal households not even in possession of a car -- including public transit head honcho, Michel Labrecque, the chairman of the board of the Société de transport de Montréal! -- it's in this city's best interest to keep public transportation a viable and green alternative to using a personal vehicle.
Plague of the Potholes
Montreal potholes appear every spring in the tens of thousands. They trip us up, screw with our shocks and wreak havoc on our tires. Enough! Fight back. Learn more about Montreal's ongoing infrastructural saga and find out what you can do to minimize vehicular damage and maximize your right to a smoother ride. Welcome to your Montreal Pothole Survival Guide!
- Why Does Montreal Have So Many Potholes?
- How do I Report a Pothole to City Administration?
- How Do I Protect My Car From Potholes?
- What Do I Do If I'm About to Hit a Pothole?
- A Pothole Damaged My Car! Now What?
Finding a Job in Montreal
Unlike every other North American city, Montreal is a French city. And I won't lie or gloss over: finding a job in Montreal as a unilingual anglophone without a pre-existing network of connections is hard! Speaking fluently as well as reading and writing in French is considered essential for many, if not most jobs in this city. Mind you, exceptions to this rule exist and examples are many. Still, my best advice to anyone who is not bilingual, without a network, and is considering moving to Montreal is 1) learn French asap, and 2) start a Montreal job search before relocating. Below are a few leads to get you started!
- The Best Online Montreal Job Listings
- Job Search Services For Anglophones
- Emploi-Quebec: A Top Job Search Resource
Drinking and Driving Laws
The province of Quebec's blood alcohol limit may seem lax compared to the rest of Canada but be prepared to feel the full (and expensive) effect of the law if you drink and drive in Montreal and get caught.
- How Much Can I Drink Before Driving in Montreal?
- Drinking and Driving Laws in Montreal
- Designated Drivers in Montreal: Cheaper than a Cab!
- A Cab is Better Than Driving Drunk
Recycling Cans and Can'ts
Can you recycle No. 1 plastics? How about No. 6? And what about that pizza box? Save yourself the trouble of constantly wondering and find out what you can and can't recycle in Montreal, once and for all, with your guide, just below.
Voting in an Election in Montreal
Find out how, where and when to register to vote, locate your neighborhood polling station and more.