Tourist Information
 

Second largest country in the world, Canada offers plenty of interesting sites. From the Pacific to the Atlantic, the landscape changes from the Rockies in the West, to the central Prairies and the Eastern Capes and Cliffs.

  • Country official languages: English and French
  • Currency: Canadian Dollars (CAD$)
    A federal tax (GST) of 7% is applied to most goods and services in Canada. In addition, a provincial tax in Québec of 7,5 % is also applied to most goods and services. Non-residents can apply for a GST rebate on most goods purchased for use outside Canada. Details are included in the booklet entitled "GST Rebate for Visitors" published by Revenue Canada, Customs and Excise, which will be available at the hotel registration desk.
  • Voltage: 110 volts, 60 Hertz. Adapters can be purchased for about $10 Can.
  • Health insurance:
    Visitors are NOT COVERED by the Canadian Health Insurance Plan. It is, therefore, recommended that participants arrange their own health and accident insurance. This can be done before leaving home through a local travel agent or medical association.
  • Current Exchange rates
To learn more about this country, visit our Government of Canada official website.


 

Quebec is at once a North American society and the main French-speaking society on the continent.  History made Quebec a place where cultures meet, where people from all over the world experience America, but from a little distance and through a different eye. Often described as a crossroads between Europe and America, Quebec is home to a people that has the privilege of being connected to the strong cultural currents of the United States, France, and the British Isles all at the same time. The hospitality and kindness of its people makes it a must-see destination.


To learn more about the province of Québec, visit the official Government of Quebec website and the Québec city site.


 

Founded in 1642, Montréal, today numbers 3.5 million people of virtually every single nationality and creed on the planet. Throughout its colourful history, Montréal has been in turn a French settlement, a British stronghold and a bilingual city. Today it is officially bilingual and proud of its status as the largest French-speaking city in North America and second largest in the world after Paris. In fact, this is a wonderful example of a truly international city where newcomers feel right at home and visitors will always find someone who speaks their language.

  • Time Zone: Montreal is GMT less 5 hours.
  • Weather: In Montreal, maximum / minimum average temperatures of August: 24°C/14°C with occasional rainfall.
  • Foreign exchange: Foreign exchange and regular banking services are available in the vicinities of the Conference Centre.

ACCESS TO MONTREAL

  • Pierre-Elliott Trudeau Airport (Dorval/Montreal-Trudeau): Located on the western part of the island of Montreal and 15km from Downtown Montreal, it services various airlines and is used for both international and north American flights. You can visit the Aéroports de Montréal website to get a list of those airlines or for more information on Dorval airport.
  • Fares from the airport to Downtown Montreal (as of March 2004):
    • Bus / Shuttles: It costs between $12.00 and $19.75 from the airport to downtown (airport bus terminal).
    • Taxis: The ride from Dorval to Downtown Montreal is a fixed fare of $31.

You can learn more about the City of Montréal using their website or by visiting the official Montréal tourism website.