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.

Shiraz International Airport, also known as Shahid Dastgheib International Airport, is the largest air transport hub in the south of Iran and one of the country’s main departure points for business and leisure travellers. 

It has an excellent reputation as a reliable and very safe airport, and is capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and 747, and the Airbus A340-600. 

It’s also an important connection point to other domestic locations across Iran, and passengers flying from Shiraz with Qatar Airways will find it to be a streamlined, efficient departure point staffed by welcoming and attentive personnel.

Transportation and parking

Most large hotels in Shiraz provide a shuttle service to the airport for guests, which can be arranged through your hotel’s concierge service or reception desk. The main alternative is to book a taxi, which is a practical choice particularly if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage. 

Some buses do run, but journey times are longer. There is an open-air parking lot that can accommodate up to 1,000 vehicles both short-term and long-term. 

At the airport

There are four terminals at Shiraz airport. Passengers flying from Shiraz with Qatar Airways depart from the International Terminal’s Departures hall. This is a well laid-out hall, with clear signage and easy access to the multiple check-in desks. However, be aware that security at the airport is particularly tight and thorough checks are carried out on all passengers. 

Ensure that your documents are fully in order before arriving at the airport, and allow at least two hours before your flight is due to board to go through check-in and security checks.

Facilities and amenities

Facilities at the airport are ample, with an entire Terminal devoted to VIP passengers. In the International terminal there are additional lounges for First and Business Class passengers, while the general lounge area is spacious and comfortable. 

Prayer rooms are available for devotions, and there are private mother-and-baby changing areas. 

A selection of snacks, meals and beverages are on offer at the various food outlets, and a small collection of retailers provide travel essentials, books and magazines. 

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.