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Montreal, Canada

Traditions and customs in Montreal

5 customs and traditions in Montreal — what they are, and how to take part without causing offence.

Last updated 2026-08-09

1. Bilingual life

Bilingual life
Photo: Indrid__Cold · CC BY SA 2.0 · source

French is the working language; opening in French is appreciated even if you switch.

2. Festival season

Festival season
Photo: Artur Staszewski · CC BY SA 2.0 · source

Jazz, Just for Laughs and Osheaga fill the summer with street closures and free stages.

3. Terrasse season

Terrasse season
Photo: UN Biodiversity · CC BY 2.0 · source

The moment the snow clears, every restaurant puts out a terrace.

4. Bagel rivalry

Bagel rivalry
Photo: UN Biodiversity · CC BY 2.0 · source

St-Viateur versus Fairmount, wood-fired and honey-boiled, and genuinely different from New York's.

5. Winter, embraced

Winter, embraced
Photo: UN Biodiversity · CC BY 2.0 · source

Outdoor skating, sugar shacks and a serious commitment to going out in minus twenty.

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