Explore Montreal | 2019 AFS Global Conference

We are very pleased to invite you to the 2019 AFS Global Conference, Active Global Citizenship—and How to Educate for It, taking place from 9 to 11 October in Montreal, Canada. We are very eager to meet you and welcome you to our wonderful country.

AFS Interculture Canada has been running since 1978 and we couldn’t be happier to be hosting the AFS Global Conference! We are honored to have so many fantastic people from all around the world coming to join us for this wonderful and inspiring event.

To prepare for this event, please see the below information about Canada and the city of Montreal. Please be aware that obtaining visas can be time-consuming, so you should register for the event and start your visa application as soon as possible.

If you would like any further information please feel free to reach out.

We look forward to seeing you in Montreal in October. Warmest regards and safe travels to all!

Sincerely,

The AFS Interculture Canada team

Montreal

A well-known international host city, where some of the most exciting events in the world are held every year, Montreal provides a perfect setting for the 2019 AFS Global Conference. The city is a veritable image of cosmopolitanism, with 120 ethnic communities represented in its 3.6 million inhabitants who bring an exciting mix of traditions and cultures. With a unique European charm, North American attitude and urban landscape, the city is proud of its roots and enthusiastic about the future. The world’s second largest francophone city after Paris, this bustling large city has it all: vibrant culture, fine dining, historic architecture, incredible entertainment, and most importantly: multilingual and hospitable Montrealers.

Weather

Throughout the fall in Montreal, the weather is lovely, no longer hot and humid, yet not too cold. The average temperature in October is 9ºC (48ºF). The average high in October is 14ºC (57ºF), and the average low is 6ºC (43ºF). Visitors can expect rain about 10 out of 31 days in October.

We advise you to check the weather forecast just before departure, in order to make your packing easier and your stay in Montreal more convenient.

Language

Water

Money

One dollar in the United States exchanges to about $1.30 in Canadian money. Before traveling to Montreal, you should exchange at least some currency so you can pay for transportation to your hotel without having to stand in line at an airport ATM.

The Canadian Dollar (sign: CAD; code: $) is the currency of Canada.

See the exchange rate here– best to check it before departure.

Debit cards and credit cards are widely accepted. In restaurants, museums, chain shops, or at travel pass counters you can surely pay with credit card.

Regarding the local social etiquette, it is a custom to give 15% tip at restaurants. However, we advise you to check the receipt before paying, because there are some places which automatically add the service fee to the final sum.

Voltage and plugs

The standard voltage is 110-120 V (with a standard frequency of 60 Hz) rather than the 220 volts used in Europe.

European plugs are not compatible with Canadian electrical sockets. In order to plug in your electric appliances, you will need a plug adapter or a converter. Otherwise, you will not be able to use your electric appliances during your stay in Canada (phone charger, camera charger, laptop, etc.).

Transportation

Grab a flight to Montréal

Coming to Montréal by plane has never been simpler. Located just 20 minutes from downtown, Montréal-Trudeau airport offers direct flights from some 30 carriers to over 150 international destinations. Inbound travelers will find everything they need upon arrival, including tourist information and various options for making your way to the heart of the city: car rentals, limousine and taxi service, as well as airport shuttles. The 747 Express bus operates 24/7/365, costs $10 and will get you to one of the nine downtown stops in 40 to 60 minutes (depending on traffic). If you take a taxi, a trip downtown will cost you a flat rate of $41, tip not included.

Getting around

In the city, Montreal has an efficient, diverse and low-cost network of public transport, including bus, metro, and commuter train railway lines. Let’s not forget about BIXI Montréal, a bike-sharing system. The BIXI network has 6,200 bikes and 540 stations at your disposal. By using any kind of transportation, you can reach your destination quickly and conveniently.

General Safety

Montreal is a very safe place and people are very friendly, going out of their way to help you or show you the way. So in general: relax, enjoy your stay, and don’t worry.

That said, with 3.8 million in the metro area, crime does indeed exist, so street smarts still apply. In case of an emergency, you can call 911 number free of charge.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must contact your embassy at once. A stolen passport must be reported to the police.

Do you need a visa to enter Canada?

Please review the travel guidance from Canadian authorities, as well as any rules and regulations issued by the country of your passport before booking your trip to Montreal. Once you complete your registration we will provide you with an invitation letter for visa purposes. For questions e-mail events@afs.org

Find out how to apply for a visa

Conference venue

The event will take place in the Centre Mont-Royal, at the heart of this beautiful city. Discounted rates for conference attendees are available at selected hotels located around the conference venue. More information on the box below.

Explore the venue

Special arrangements have been made with hotels in Montreal within walking distance from the Conference venue for the AFS Global Conference participants and their guests. A limited number of rooms at discounted prices at each of these three locations below is available.

AFS Network staff members that would like to share a double room with a colleague should first identify their roommate and then contact the selected hotel directly by phone. A post on Workplace is available to help the date matching process.

hotel discounted prices are limited. book your room asap!

Location Map

Delta Hotels Montreal | 8 minutes walk

Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel | 10 minutes walk

Special fee: 285 CAD / ~213 USD (incl. taxes)

10 min walk to the Conference Venue, Centre Mont-Royal
Address: 1201 Boulevard Rene-Levesque West, Montreal H3B 2L7 Canada
Recommended hotel for AFS Representatives attending Network Strategy Meetings, as there will be designated P2P meeting areas at the hotel.
Reservations must be completed before 30 August 2019 to benefit from special rates.

Book your room now

AFS delegates, if you wish to book a double room to share with a colleague in the network, please call: 1-888-236-2427

Residence Inn Montreal Downtown | 4 minutes walk

Preferred Airline

Get a discount on your flight to Montreal with AirCanada

Special arrangements were made with our preferred airline AirCanada to secure a discounted flight rate to all Conference attendees. Instructions on how to benefit from it when booking your flight will be shared upon registration in your confirmation message.

Top 5 places to visit in Montreal

Source: Tourisme Montreal

1. Climb Mount Royal (The Lookout)

Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (the same landscape architect who crafted New York’s Central Park), the “mountain” park at the heart of the city is the city’s most iconic landmark — and the most popular place to snap a Montréal selfie. Reach the viewpoint at the top of Mount Royal Park by walking up the stairs or with a guided tour. In the chalet at the summit, visitors will find washrooms and a small canteen for refreshments. Give yourself a breezy two hours.

©-_18-shades-of-gay_-Claude-Cormier-2017-Photo-by-Susan-Moss

2. Spree on Sainte-Catherine

As one of the longest commercial strips in Canada, Sainte-Catherine Street is the perfect place for retail rehabilitation. You’ll find international fashion mainstays but also don’t miss the regional retailers, such as Montréal-made leather goods at M0851, the coolest kicks at Little Burgundy and a plethora of options at beloved department store Simons.

3. Eat Emblematic Montréal Cuisine

Part of the joie de vivre culture of Montréal includes chowing down on great grub. Sink your teeth into a juicy smoked-meat sandwich at world-famous Schwartz’s deli. Discover why Montréal locals fervently adore their bagels at the wood-fire bakeries on Fairmount or St-Viateur. (Clue: the bagels are dipped in honey water before baking). Sample our notorious poutine at resto La Banquise. Finally, quench your thirst with a locally produced beverage, such as Rise kombucha or 1642 Cola.

4. Head Back In Time (In Old Montréal)

A first-timer’s visit to Montréal is not complete without meandering through the charming cobblestone streets of the city’s old district. With juxtaposed architecture dating back as far as 1685, visitors have the opportunity to see — quite literally — how the city first began developing. Stop at Notre-Dame Basilica for a glimpse at the incredible stained glass art (and for a moment of stillness). Then head to historic Place Jacques-Cartier and install yourself on a terrace, where you’ll be perfectly positioned to watch street performers and portrait artists — and where the sangria floweth freely.

5. Find Your Art Beat

Montréal is a creative city. Artistic-inclined visitors will relish the multiple museums and galleries, home to both historic and modern works. As one of the most important institutions in North America, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is the premier stop for any art aficionado. The multiple rooms contain painting, sculpture, graphic art, photography and decorative art objects, and the gallery prides itself on world-class temporary exhibits. For a more modern approach, visit Canada’s leading museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. The Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (MAC) features a permanent collection, however the curators truly flex their “modern” muscles with the numerous multimedia events. Finally, the Phi Centre showcases art in all its glorious forms — check out the event schedule for a listing of live performances.

Optional Tours

Stay tuned! More info coming soon

Welcome to Montreal

2019 AFS Global Conference | 9-11 October