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How to Book a Trip to Montreal

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Montreal

Plan a shoulder-season getaway to Montreal for $120 a month without paying interest upfront.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $120.00/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,800 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Montreal in May or September feels like a quick escape to Europe without the jet lag or the massive flight bill. You get cobblestone streets, incredible bakeries, and a thriving art scene just a short flight north of the border. Going during these shoulder seasons means you miss the freezing winter slush and the humid summer crowds.

A solid four-day trip usually runs about $1,800. Instead of dropping that cash all at once, you can split it into monthly payments. We can use the Discover it® Cash Back to get 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, which lets us chip away at the cost slowly.

Keep in mind that this 15-month window is a hard deadline, not free money. If you have any balance left on the card when the promotional period ends, the standard variable interest rate will kick in on the remaining amount. Set up autopay for $120.00 a month to make sure you clear the debt in time.

The steps

  1. 01

    Target the shoulder season

    Aim for late spring or early fall to get the best weather and lower lodging prices. May brings blooming tulips, while September offers crisp air and fall colors. You will avoid the peak summer price hikes on hotels.

  2. 02

    Track your flights early

    Flights to Montreal from the US are short and often cheap, but they spike closer to departure. Set up price alerts about three months out. If you live in the Northeast, look at Amtrak as a slower, scenic option.

  3. 03

    Set up your payment window

    Put your big trip expenses on the Discover it® Cash Back. The card offers 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, which gives you plenty of time to pay off the balance. To clear an $1,800 trip before interest kicks in, you just need to pay $120.00 each month.

  4. 04

    Pick your neighborhood

    Skip the sterile downtown hotels and look for a place in the Mile End or Plateau neighborhoods. You will be steps away from local bakeries, vintage shops, and the famous Montreal bagels. It feels much more like living there than just visiting.

  5. 05

    Plan your daily spending

    Montreal is a food city, so prioritize your budget around meals. Keep breakfast cheap with fresh croissants and coffee, then splurge on dinner. Many of the best things to do, like walking up Mount Royal, do not cost a dime.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

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

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Do I need cash in Montreal?

Most places in Montreal take credit cards, so you do not need to carry much cash. Keep a few Canadian dollars on hand for small bakeries or market stalls that might have card minimums.

How do I get around the city?

Montreal has a clean, fast, and easy-to-use subway system called the Metro. You can buy a multi-day pass at any station. It is also an incredibly walkable city if the weather is nice.

Do people speak English there?

Yes, almost everyone you meet in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants will speak English. It is polite to start conversations with a simple Bonjour before switching to English, though.

What happens if I do not pay off the card in 15 months?

If you still have a balance after 15 months, you will start paying interest on whatever is left over. The interest is not retroactive, but the regular APR will apply to your remaining balance from that point forward.