{"id":97216,"date":"2025-08-13T15:31:32","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T19:31:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourisme-monteregie.qc.ca\/blog\/agreements\/news\/championnats-du-monde-route-uci-montreal-2026-guide-pratique-des-voyageurs-internationaux\/"},"modified":"2025-08-28T13:39:18","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T17:39:18","slug":"championnats-du-monde-route-uci-montreal-2026-guide-pratique-des-voyageurs-internationaux","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourisme-monteregie.qc.ca\/en\/blog\/agreements\/news\/championnats-du-monde-route-uci-montreal-2026-guide-pratique-des-voyageurs-internationaux\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 UCI Road World Championships Montreal: practical guide for international travelers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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From September 19 to 27, 2026, Mont\u00e9r\u00e9gie will host events for the 2026 UCI Road World Championships in Montreal. A regional contribution to an international event! Are you unfamiliar with our country, Canada, and our province, Quebec? Here is a practical guide to simplify your stay with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weather (in September)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Expect mild days: around 22\u00b0C during the day and 11\u00b0C at night on average, with a chance of showers. Bring a light waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

French is the only official language of Quebec. However, in hotels, restaurants, and attractions, you can often be served in English as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entering Canada (passport, visa, eTA)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Depending on your country, you will need a visa<\/strong> or an eTA<\/strong> to arrive by ai<\/strong>r. The eTA costs CAD$7<\/strong> and can be obtained online<\/strong> before booking your flight. Travelers entering by land or sea <\/strong>do not need an eTA, but must have the required documents. Check your country’s requirements on the IRCC (Government of Canada) website<\/a>. Never<\/strong> use unofficial agencies for the eTA\u2014only go through Canada.ca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Money, tips, and taxes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Contactless cards and payments: <\/strong>Tap-and-go (card or mobile) is everywhere in Canada. Contactless payments now account for a large proportion of in-store purchases. Most international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are accepted.
Currency conversion:<\/strong> Use the Bank of Canada converter<\/a> for a daily indicative rate.
Taxes:<\/strong> Prices displayed do not include taxes. In Quebec, 5% GST + 9.975% QST are added at the register.
Tipping (restaurants, bars, taxis): <\/strong>the standard is 15-20% before taxes. Since May 7, 2025, suggested amounts at the payment terminal must be calculated on the subtotal (before taxes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connectivity (SIM\/eSIM, Wi-Fi)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To avoid costly roaming charges, the simplest solution is to purchase a local eSIM or prepaid SIM card (Bell, Rogers, Telus, and their brands offer eSIMs; several \u201ctravel\u201d eSIMs use their networks). Minimalist option:<\/strong> keep your device in airplane mode and use available Wi-Fi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hours and time zones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Quebec is in Eastern Time<\/strong> (EST\/EDT). In September 2026<\/strong>, it will be EDT (UTC-4).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electricity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

120 V \/ 60 Hz<\/strong>, type A\/B<\/strong> plugs. Bring an adapter<\/strong> if your plugs are different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traffic laws (key principles)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Drive on the right. <\/strong>Speed limits are displayed in km\/h<\/strong>. If there are no signs, assume 50 km\/h<\/strong> in town<\/strong> and 100 km\/h on the highway<\/strong> (but always follow the road signs).
Turning right at a red light: permitted in Quebec, except on the island of Montreal<\/strong> and where a sign prohibits it. (Handy if you’re crossing into Montreal!)
Seat belts<\/strong> are mandatory for everyone<\/strong> (even in the back seat; taxis and Uber included).
Winter tires (car rentals and visitors): mandatory from December 1 to March 15<\/strong> for vehicles registered in Quebec (including rental vehicles).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alcohol and cannabis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Legal age for alcohol:<\/strong> 18 in Quebec (purchase prohibited for those under 18; ID check at SAQ stores).
Legal age for cannabis:<\/strong> 21 in Quebec, with strict rules regarding possession and use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health and safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Emergency:<\/strong> 911
Non-emergency health advice: 811 (Info-Sant\u00e9)<\/strong> \u2013 nurses available 24\/7, free of charge.
Visitors<\/strong> must have travel insurance<\/strong>: non-residents may be billed for medical care.
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