The heart of French Canada and the cultural and economic capital of Quebec, Montreal is a bi-lingual city that welcomes visitors from around the world. It’s an ultra-modern city with an internationally important commercial sector that also has a well-deserved reputation as one of the liveliest and culturally diverse cities in Canada.

Montréal is known not only as Canada’s second largest metropolis, but also one of the world’s largest French-speaking cities. Located in the middle of St Lawrence River and with Mount Royal (after which the city was named) as its backdrop, it is the cultural capital of Québec province.

Like the rest of Canada, Montréal is home to an ethnically diverse population, which adds to its je ne sais quoi. Although French is widely spoken, you can hear just about every other language, including Italian, Arabic, Spanish, Tagalog, Portuguese, English and Cantonese. This cultural diversity has also spiced up the city’s dining scene, giving you the option to eat your way around the world.

When you fly to Montreal you'll find well-maintained cycling trails, picturesque parks, year-round festivals, sporting events, and plenty of entertainment options, cafés and restaurants, mean there’s always something to do in Montréal.

Book a flight ticket to Montréal with Qatar Airways and get to grips with the city’s French-Canadian heritage.

Dhaka’s main international airport is the largest in Bangladesh, welcoming over six million passengers every year. Shahjalal International Airport is a bright, light and airy modern air hub, and with a capacity to cope with over 15 million travellers annually. It started life as a WWII landing strip in 1941, and today has grown into one of the most commercially successful and busy airports in the region. 

Start your journey from Dhaka with Qatar Airways at this friendly airport, staffed with professional assistants, who are there to help make your journey one to remember. 

Transportation and parking

The easiest way to get to the airport from downtown Dhaka is by taxi. It is advisable to ask your hotel concierge to arrange this for you, so that you can be certain your taxi is an official, metered vehicle. Avoid hailing taxis from the roadside. An airport shuttle bus also operates from the city centre, but can be very crowded, making them unsuitable if you have a large amount of luggage or small children with you. 

Hire cars and limousines are available from the usual outlets, as well as private hire arranged by your hotel. Parking is limited, with a multi-storey car park providing spaces for just 500 vehicles.

Arriving at the airport

Passengers flying from Dhaka with Qatar Airways depart from the International Terminal. The Departures area is on the upper floor. 

Do make sure you are at the correct terminal, as signs can be a little confusing between T1 and T2, and the smaller Domestic terminal. Security is very tight at the airport, so allow at least two hours before your flight is called to check-in and clear security checks.

Facilities and amenities

Facilities are a little limited, but what there is serves the needs of travellers quite adequately. A comfortable VIP lounge is available for Business and First Class travellers. A handful of restaurants serve light snacks, fast food and some local specialities, and there is also a Duty Free shop for those last-minute impulse buys and gifts. 

A currency exchange and ATM facilities are open in the main area, and there is also a post office. Wi-Fi is available in some areas of the airport.

The heart of French Canada and the cultural and economic capital of Quebec, Montreal is a bi-lingual city that welcomes visitors from around the world. It’s an ultra-modern city with an internationally important commercial sector that also has a well-deserved reputation as one of the liveliest and culturally diverse cities in Canada.

Book a flight to Montreal with Qatar Airways and you will discover a city that loves its comedy, music, theatre and dance, as well as one that embraces innovation and technology.

Tourist attractions

For visitors, most attractions are focused in and around the Ville-Marie Borough which is divided into four different neighbourhoods. In the Downtown area you’ll find the main commercial centre, as well as the Parc du Mont-Royal, while Old Montreal is home to the beautifully preserved old waterfront area.  Montreal’s Chinatown is the third largest in Canada, while the Parc Jean-Drapeau is home to the islands of Île Sainte-Helene and Île Notre-Dame.

Montreal is famous for its festivals, from the Just for Laughs comedy festival in July, through to the Festival du Monde Arabe in November, which celebrates the culture and music of the Arab world. June 24th is Quebec's national holiday, and visitors head to the Maisonneuve Park for a spectacular show celebrating the culture and history of the city.

The Gilles Villeneuve racing circuit, home of the Montreal Formula 1 Grand Prix, can be found at the Parc Jean-Drapeau, where you’ll also find an artificial beach and the hugely popular Montreal Casino.

Travel Considerations

Flights to Montreal with Qatar Airways land at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Montreal please check the visa and passport requirements.