IMPORTANT INFORMATION - CALACS CONFERENCE UQAM, MONTREAL

Bonjour Montreal!

The 2024 Congress, organized by The Canadian Association for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CALACS), will be held at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), located in the center of the city of Montréal.

Montréal, one of the most important and oldest cities in Canada, is known for its rich history and multicultural atmosphere. Its beautiful architectural heritage reflects its cultural wealth. The city's unique location, with the Saint Lawrence River and the Vieux-Port, offers breathtaking river landscapes.

Vieux-Montréal, located in the historic center, is characterized by its cobblestone streets and historic buildings, which bear witness to its primarily French cultural heritage.

While French is the main language in Montréal, English is also widely spoken. The city's cultural diversity is evident in its wide range of international cuisines, artistic shows and festivals, cultural centers, and vibrant nightlife.

Passport, visa, AVE and invitation letter

To visit Canada, you will need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

To determine whether you require a visa or an ETA, please visit the website of Immigration et Citoyenneté Canada / Citizenship and Immigration Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html

Depending on your citizenship, the visa issuance process may take between 30 and 85 days. You can check the processing time for your visa application based on its type: https://www.canada.ca/fr/immigration-refugies-citoyennete/services/demande/verifier-delais-traitement.html

Participants who require an official invitation letter to obtain a visa can request it through the summary submission page. Please note that the invitation letter does not guarantee visa issuance. The visa officer will assess additional requirements for your temporary stay in Canada. https://www.canada.ca/fr/immigration-refugies-citoyennete/services/visiter-canada/affaires/faire-entrer-invites-affaires/lettre-invitation.html

The UQAM

• The Université du Québec à Montréal – UQAM is a French-language university located in the heart of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is recognized nationally and internationally for its strong focus on research and its commitment to promoting artistic and scientific innovation and creativity.

• UQAM prides itself on its academic diversity, which is reflected in the various projects it supports. The university is also known for its community focus and its dedication to civic participation and community service. These efforts have a positive impact on society and contribute to the training and development of the university community.

• UQAM has several pavilions, including the Sherbrooke Pavilion and the Biological Sciences Pavilion. The CALACS Congress will take place in these two pavilions, with the opening ceremony being held in the Biological Sciences Pavilion.

• For detailed addresses and maps of UQAM and its different pavilions, please visit the UQAM Campus Map.

https://plancampus.uqam.ca/#

Pavilion Sherbrooke

200, rue Sherbrooke Ouest , Montreal, H2X 3P2

Pavillon des Sciences biological

141, av. du Président -Kennedy, Montréal , H2X 1Y4

Accommodation

Looking for accommodation for the CALACS 2024 Congress?

• Montréal offers a variety of accommodation options. Here are some platforms that display affordable lodging, allowing you to conduct your search:

• Hostelworld or Hostelbookers Platform: A Wide Variety of Accommodation in Montreal. The Hostelworld or Hostelbookers platform offers a diverse range of accommodation options in Montreal. Each listing provides detailed descriptions, photos, and reviews from other travelers. You have the ability to filter the results based on price, location, and services offered. Website : https://www.Hostelworld.com

• Booking.com Platform offers a wide range of options for cheap hotels and hostels in Montreal. With the added benefit of booking without reservation fees, it provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for travelers. Website: https://www.booking.com

• Hostelling International (HI) Platform: Offers a varied network of youth hostels around the world. HI offers a wide range of affordable accommodation options in Montreal. Website : https://hihostels.com/

• Tourism Platform Montreal : Website : https://www.mtl.org

• HomeToGo Platform : Offers a varied network of AirBNB in Montréal. Website : https://www.home-to-go.ca

• Remember to check reviews and compare prices before making a reservation to find the option that best suits your needs and budget.

How to get to Montreal?
Downtown Montreal is 30 minutes from Pierre- Elliott International Airport Trudeau.

• Buses Line 747

• You can use bus service line 747, which provides a quick trip between the airport and downtown Montreal.

On-board Ticket Purchase

Line 747 service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For $10 CAN you can get a pass for unlimited bus and metro rides for 24 consecutive hours.

An important detail: On board the bus, you can purchase your ticket directly if you pay the value of $10 CAN in cash, only in coins and with exact change.

Vending Machines

The vending machines are located on the right-hand side of the exit of the international disembarkation area.

Bus Line 747 Schedules

Schedules of bus line 747 can be found in Planibus 747. Website: https://www.stm.info/en/info/networks/bus-network-and-schedules-enlightened/747-yul-montreal-trudeau-airport-downtown

Elliott International Airport Trudeau to Downtown Montreal

Taxi Services

Taxi services are located on the right-hand side of the international disembarkation area exit. The price varies between $40 to $60 CAN, plus tip. Detail: taxi drivers normally receive 15% of the fare as a tip.

VIA Rail or Amtrak Train

You will disembark at Montreal Central Station, located in the city center, 895, rue de la Gauchetière Ouest, Metro Bonaventure.

Cheap Private Buses

Various American and Canadian companies make the journey to Montreal. Website: https://www.checkmybus.es/montreal-qc You will disembark at the Montreal Bus Station, located in the city center, 1717, rue Berri, Berri-UQAM Metro station. Berri-UQAM Station connects two Metro lines:

• Orange Line: This line crosses the city from north to south and is one of Montreal's main metro lines. The Berri-UQAM station is one of the terminal stations of the Orange line.

• Green Line: This line runs through the city from west to east and is also one of Montreal's main subway lines. The Berri-UQAM station is one of the stations where you can transfer between the Orange line and the Green line.

Berri-UQAM station is an important connection center for several bus routes of the Montreal Transport Society (STM).

What will the climate be in Montreal in May? What clothes to take?

Weather in Montreal in May

In May, Montreal experiences spring-like weather transitioning to warmer temperatures. Here are some typical features of the weather in Montreal during this month:

• Mild and pleasant daytime temperature: 15°C and 20°C (59°F and 68°F).

• Cool and somewhat cold night temperatures: 5°C and 10°C (41°F and 50°F).

• May is relatively rainy. It is preferable to have an umbrella or a raincoat.

• Longer days: As spring advances, the days gradually get longer in Montreal in May. You can enjoy days with more hours of sunlight to explore the city and participate in outdoor activities.

Clothing Recommendations

To prepare for the weather in Montreal in May, consider the following clothing recommendations:

• Outdoor clothing should be warm and waterproof, especially at night.

• Closed and comfortable shoes, water-resistant shoes.

• Sun hat and sunscreen.

Remember to pack accordingly to ensure your comfort during your stay in Montreal.

• Should I take out health insurance?

• Please note that CALACS does not provide health insurance coverage for participants. Therefore, it is recommended that participants purchase both travel and health insurance before traveling to Montréal. There are several private insurance options available on the internet.

• What types of plugs?

• The standard electricity supply in Montréal is 120 volts (60 cycles). Participants are advised to bring their own adapters if needed. The types of plugs in Montréal are Type A and Type B. Please refer to the following image for more information.

What currency is used in Montreal?

The Canadian dollar is the official currency of Canada. There are many exchange houses throughout the central area of Montreal. Most stores and restaurants accept Visa and MasterCard; some accept American Express.

Should I leave a tip?
Although the service is not included in restaurants and bars, it is customary to add 15% of the total bill as a tip. Taxi drivers also generally receive a 15% tip.

What language do they speak in Montreal?
 

While French is the official language, English is also widely spoken in Montreal. The city has more than 120 cultural groups and more than 20% of the population speaks three languages.

What is the time zone?

The time zone of Montreal, Canada is Eastern Standard Time (EST) during winter and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during summer. In winter, Montreal is in UTC-5, and during daylight saving time, it is in UTC-4. This schedule may vary due to changes in daylight saving time and is subject to local adjustments. Montreal changes its time zone in summer on the second Sunday in March.

Where to shop?

Supermarkets are open from Monday to Wednesday from 9am to 6pm, Thursday to Friday from 9am to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Business generally closes on holidays, but some establishments (supermarkets, etc.) can open.

• Metro: Supermarket chain in Montreal, with numerous locations throughout the city. Offers a wide variety of fresh produce, groceries, gourmet products and more.

• Provigo : Supermarket chain in Montreal and other parts of Quebec. Offers a wide selection of fresh produce, with an emphasis on local and organic produce when possible.

• IGA: Supermarket chain that offers a wide variety of food products and everyday items. They have several locations in Montreal and usually offer a good selection of fresh, quality products.

• Maxi: Known for offering low prices and a wide variety of products. It is a popular option for those looking to save money on their grocery purchases.

• Costco: For those looking to buy in bulk or who prefer bulk purchasing options, Costco is a good option. They have a location in Montreal and offer a variety of products at discounted prices.

• PA Supermarché : Independent supermarket chain located in several neighborhoods in Montreal. They offer a diverse selection of products at competitive prices.

• Marché Lobo: This is an independent supermarket located in the heart of Little Italy in Montreal. They offer a selection of fresh produce, imported foods and Italian specialties.

• Marché Jean- Talon : Although not technically a supermarket in the traditional sense, the Marché Jean- Talon is an open-air farmers market located in the Little Italy neighborhood . Offers an incredible selection of fresh produce, gourmet products and prepared foods.

There is a wide variety of stores, between medium and small, boutiques and pharmacies throughout the city.
 

Can I buy prepaid cell phone chips for a short time?

You can buy cell phone lines by the day using what are known as prepaid plans or temporary packages. These plans are ideal for people who need temporary service or for those who want to avoid the long-term commitments of traditional contracts.
It should be noted that there are many Wi -Fi connections available throughout the city.

Tourism in Montreal

You can check out the Official Montreal Travel Guide online .

This guide offers guided tours of the city and contains information about shops, restaurants, sightseeing tours and other things of interest.

Here is a list of some of the highlights you can explore in Montreal:

• Mont -Royal: This urban park offers impressive panoramic views of the city from its viewpoint. It is a popular place for hiking, picnics and outdoor activities.

• Vieux-Montréal (Old Town): With its cobblestone streets and historic architecture, Old Montreal is the historic heart of the city. Here you will find emblematic places such as the Basilica of Notre -Dame, Place Jacques-Cartier and the Old Port.

• Plateau - Mont -Royal neighborhood : With its bohemian atmosphere and colorful facades, this neighborhood is perfect for strolling and discovering boutique shops, cozy cafes and street art murals.

• Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MBAM): This museum has a vast collection of art ranging from classic to contemporary works. It is one of the most important museums in Canada.

• Montreal Botanical Garden: It is one of the largest botanical gardens in the world, with an impressive collection of plants and several themed gardens, including the Chinese Garden and the Japanese Garden.

• Montreal Biodome : Located in the former Olympic Velodrome, the Biodome recreates four different ecosystems, from the rainforest to the Arctic, housing a variety of flora and fauna.

• The Oratory of Saint Joseph: This basilica is an important pilgrimage site and offers a panoramic view of the city from its top.

• Talon Market : This open-air market is one of the largest in North America and offers a wide variety of fresh produce, from fruits and vegetables to gourmet items.

• Gay Village Neighborhood : This lively neighborhood is known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community, summer festivals, and numerous bars, restaurants, and shops.

• The Montreal Biosphere: Located in Parc Jean- Drapeau , this iconic structure houses a museum dedicated to the environment and sustainability.

• The Montreal Planetarium, known as the "Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium " (formerly called the "Dow Planetarium"), is a popular attraction in the city that offers educational and entertaining experiences related to the universe and astronomy.