When to go

Plan your trip effectively
Noteworthy for: Fall can be a non-event in Canadian cities, but it's the best time to hit produce markets as farmers' offload juicy summer stock.

Word to the wise: It's perfectly legal to booze up in Montréal parks during summer - as long as your beverages are accompanied by food.
Montréalers live for summer, but if you come prepared you'll enjoy visiting during any season. Here, what to expect:

Spring (Mar-May)
* Life returns to the streets, and you'll encounter less snow and sleet, but still some rain.
* You'll still need your woollies until mid-April, and a good pair of rainboots to help navigate street-side slush ponds.

Summer (Jun-Aug)
* Festival season kicks off. The mercury hovers around 22°C, but can reach 30°C. It gets humid, so pack light.
* Hotels book up quickly, especially during the late-July construction holiday period.

Fall (Sep-Nov)
* The landscape is visually spectacular, and temperatures remain pleasantly warm until September. Accommodation bargains are a-plenty.
* Come October, the ground freezes and NHL season begins.

Winter (Dec-Feb)
* Despite sub-zero temperatures and the by-product of horrendous hat-hair, it's mostly sunny.
* Outdoor ice rinks and cross-country skiing parks open by Christmas.