0% for 18 months on purchases and balance tra… Citi Simplicity® Credit Card Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Book a Montreal Food Trip

How to · Travel

How to Book a Montreal Food Trip

Montreal in late spring is perfect for food lovers before the summer crowds take over.

Typical cost $1,700 before anything else
Across the 0% window $94.44/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,700 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Late spring in Montreal means the city is waking up. The sidewalk cafes are finally opening, the markets are overflowing with seasonal produce, and the streets aren't packed with festival tourists yet. It's the best window for eating your way through Mile End and Old Montreal without the humidity or the lines.

A trip like this usually runs about $1700. If you don't want to pay that all at once, you can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to spread the cost over time. It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening, which makes the math much easier to manage.

That 18-month window is a deadline, not free money. If you have a balance left on the card after the intro period ends, the bank will start charging interest on whatever is still owed.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your travel dates

    Aim for late May or early June. You get the warm weather without the massive mid-summer festival crowds. Book your flights early to keep costs closer to that $1700 baseline.

  2. 02

    Set your budget

    Factor in the $1700 for flights, lodging, and meals. If you use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, your monthly payment comes out to $94.44 per month for 18 months. Make sure that fits your monthly cash flow.

  3. 03

    Book your stay

    Look for a spot in Le Plateau or near the Lachine Canal. Staying slightly outside of the main tourist hotels can save you money for better meals. Check local listings for better deals on short-term rentals.

  4. 04

    Map your food stops

    Research the best bagel spots and smoked meat delis before you go. Montreal is a walking city, so keep your dining destinations somewhat clustered to save on transit costs.

  5. 05

    Track your spending

    Keep an eye on what you spend on the ground. It is easy to blow the budget on drinks and taxis, so prioritize your spending on the experiences that matter most to you.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is Montreal expensive?

It depends on where you eat and stay. With the exchange rate often in favor of the US dollar, your money usually goes a bit further than in major American cities.

Do I need to speak French?

Most people in the service industry speak fluent English. Knowing a few basic phrases is polite, but you will have no trouble getting around.

What happens if I miss a payment?

You should check the card terms carefully. Missing a payment can cause the 0% rate to end early, which defeats the point of the plan.

Is late spring really the best time?

It is the sweet spot. You get the best weather of the year before the peak summer heat and festival traffic make the city harder to navigate.