Traveling to Montreal

[CTguy]

I’m thinking of taking a trip up to Montreal this summer but am hesitant to go because of the political tensions right now between the US and Canada.  Is this something I should be concerned about?  I would be basically staying in the Village and going to the strip clubs.  Anybody been to Montreal recently? Did you have any issues?

[+ Just Chuck]

I visited Montreal a year ago and LOVED it.  The Village is an amazing neighborhood.  

I think you'll be fine entering and staying in Canada.  I'd be worried about entering the USA if I weren't carrying a US Passport.  YouTube has some good videos on tips for entering the USA especially about how to secure your electronics before entering the USA.

 

[Colton]

If you plan on using the metro in addition to the 747 bus (or taking the bus RT), there are multi-day pass options that include the 747 fare + unlimited metro and bus.  The weekend pass in particular is just C$16.75 and covers the RT to the airport.  Take mass transit and save your small bills for other fun.

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

21 hours ago, CTguy said:

I would be basically staying in the Village and going to the strip clubs.  Anybody been to Montreal recently? Did you have any issues?

I went to Montreal and Toronto last year.  The exchange rate for US dollar vs Canadian is good!   It's not as good as a few months ago, but it's much better than it was in 2021-2024.  Enjoy the exchange rate, cooler weather, and beautiful men in the Gay Village!

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

5 hours ago, SirBillybob said:

The obvious next question you are stuck with might be “and what will you be doing there?” when you may prefer to have steered it to a general sightseeing agenda. 

I've written "sex tourism" on my customs form in the past and never had a problem.  But seeing as how the world is getting more sensitive, next time I'll just say "strip clubs".

When I travel each year to Mexico, I bring my own enemas because I'm not putting Mexican water up my anus to prepare for intercourse.  Mexican customs officers once stopped me and asked me what they were and tried to give me a hard time.  Then I loudly said "It's for sex in the butt", pointing to my penis and then my butt, then the customs officers quickly let me through and away from the rest of the public. 

My point is:  it's just sex.  As long is it's not drugs, money laundering, terrorism, employment without the proper visa, or the potential to overstay your visa, you'll be fine if you let it slip that you're going to or went to strip clubs.

Edited July 26 by Vegas_Millennial

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

On 7/25/2025 at 1:42 PM, CTguy said:

I’m thinking of taking a trip up to Montreal this summer but am hesitant to go...

Be mindful if visiting any spas or bathhouses in Montreal, as those were the sources for outbreaks of Monkeypox in the recent past, and Monkeypox is back in Montreal: 

 

[jerryskater]

Was in Montreal a few weeks ago.  No problems with politics at all.  Hotel, restaurant and bar staff very friendly.

8 hours ago, Vegas_Millennial said:

Enjoy the exchange rate, cooler weather, and beautiful men in the Gay Village!

Although the weather was just as hot as the NYC area.

[NipLuvr212]

On 7/25/2025 at 4:42 PM, CTguy said:

I’m thinking of taking a trip up to Montreal this summer but am hesitant to go because of the political tensions right now between the US and Canada.  Is this something I should be concerned about?  I would be basically staying in the Village and going to the strip clubs.  Anybody been to Montreal recently? Did you have any issues?

I have been to Montreal for four short-ish trips this year and have always had a wonderful time.... I am sure you will too - From NYC I did the trips by car, which was cool except for the fact that Montreal is itself not a car-friendly city - it does have wonderful public transportation and is very walkable.

I stayed both in the Village area and in the Plateau, and actually preferred the latter - much more of a local feeling, better food and shopping choices, and just a general all over nicer feeling.

If you are a foodie of any sort do try to make a trip to the Atwater market - a highlight of each and every one of my trips

Also happy to answer any mpre specific questions

[Luv2play]

13 hours ago, jerryskater said:

Was in Montreal a few weeks ago.  No problems with politics at all.  Hotel, restaurant and bar staff very friendly.

Although the weather was just as hot as the NYC area.

We’re having a fairly warm summer and some days the skies are hazy with smoke from the western wildfires. But no different from the northeast USA. NYC today is under a blanket of Smokey haze. 
 

I agree that Montrealers are unlikely to show anti American attitudes. For many years they were more likely to show anti English Canadian attitudes. But they seem to have got over that. Better just to avoid raising  politics though as Trump is very unpopular.