BACK TO ISCBH HOME

Local Information

GET IN TOUCH
Getting Around Montreal

Montreal has an excellent public transit system (STM), including metro, bus, and train services.
• The Peel and McGill metro stations (Green Line) are both within a 5-minute walk of the conference venue.
• The city is also walkable and bicycle-friendly, with BIXI bike-sharing stations throughout downtown.

 

Weather

In June, Montréal enjoys long days and plenty of sunshine, with average daytime temperatures ranging between 20°C and 26°C. However, summer showers are common, so packing an umbrella or light rain jacket is a good idea. Bring lightweight clothing for the day and a light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings, especially near the river or in open-air venues.

 

Time Zone

In June, Montréal operates on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) – UTC – 4 hours / BST – 5 hours.

 

Electricity

The standard electricity supply in Canada is 120 V, 60 Hz, using Type A and Type B plugs (two flat pins, sometimes with a grounding pin). Visitors from Europe or other regions will likely need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter.

 

Language

Montréal is located in the province of Québec, where French is the official language. English is widely spoken, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas. Locals appreciate visitors making the effort to use a few basic French phrases — “bonjour” and “merci” go a long way!

 

Currency

The currency in Montréal is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Notes are issued in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100, and coins range from 5 ¢ (nickel) to $2 (toonie). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are easily found throughout the city.

 

Tipping

Tipping is customary in Canada. In restaurants and bars, it’s typical to leave 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for good service. For taxis, rounding up or adding 10% is standard. Hotel porters and housekeeping staff also appreciate small tips for good service.

 

Smoking

Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all enclosed public spaces, including restaurants, bars, and workplaces, as well as within 9 metres of entrances. Designated outdoor smoking areas may be available.

 

Free Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is widely available across Montréal. Most hotels, cafés, and restaurants offer complimentary access, and there are public Wi-Fi hotspots in key areas such as downtown, Old Montréal, and near major attractions.

 

Opening Hours

Shops in Montréal are generally open Monday to Friday, 09:00–18:00, and Saturday and Sunday, 10:00–17:00.
Restaurants and bars vary in opening hours, with many open late into the evening, particularly around Rue Saint-Denis, Boulevard Saint-Laurent, and Old Montréal.
Banks typically operate Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00, and are closed on weekends.

 

Useful Phone Numbers
  • Country code: +1
  • Area code (Montréal): 514 or 438
  • Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911
  • Health Information Line: 811
  • Tourist Information: 1-877-BONJOUR (1-877-266-5687)

 

Tourism

For more information about things to do, dining, and events in and around Montréal, visit:

Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our Rare Disease division is focused on generating scientific and technological breakthroughs for people living with a rare disease via the discovery and development of integrated therapeutic solutions and novel indications of established medicines in rare and ultra-rare blood, endocrine and renal disorders. Novo Nordisk employs about 50,800 people in 80 countries out of which 3.300 within rare disease.

WEBSITE

At Kyowa Kirin, patients are at the center of everything we do. We are a global specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and advancing innovative medicines for rare and hard-to-treat diseases where unmet need is greatest. Based in Japan with worldwide operations, we work across the continuum—from drug discovery to commercialization—guided by our commitment to patients and their families. Backed by more than 70 years of life sciences leadership, we focus on bone and mineral disorders, hemato-oncology, and rare diseases. Rooted in collaboration, we accelerate development through partnerships with industry, academia, patients, and healthcare providers. Learn more: KyowaKirin.com

WEBSITE

Founded in 2007, Ascendis Pharma is applying its innovative TransCon™ technology platform to build a leading, fully integrated biopharma company focused on making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Guided by our core values of patients, science and passion, we use our TransCon technologies to fulfill our mission of developing new and potentially best-in-class therapies that address unmet medical needs. Ascendis is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, and has additional facilities in Europe and the United States.

WEBSITE
BridgeBio Logo

At BridgeBio, our mission is to turn beautiful science into meaningful medicines for the people who need it most. BridgeBio exists to develop transformative medicines for genetic conditions. Millions of people worldwide living with genetic conditions lack treatment options, often because drug development for small patient populations can be commercially challenging. We aim to bridge the gap between advancements in genetic science and meaningful medicines for underserved patient populations.

WEBSITE

BioMarin is a world leader in developing and commercializing innovative therapies for rare diseases driven by genetic causes. With a 20-year history, BioMarin remains steadfast to its original mission—to bring new treatments to market that will make a big impact on small patient populations. These conditions are often inherited, difficult to diagnose, progressively debilitating, have few, if any, treatment options, and are usually ignored. Visit www.biomarin.com to learn more.

WEBSITE

Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, is the group within AstraZeneca focused on rare diseases, created following the 2021 acquisition of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. As a leader in rare diseases for 30 years, Alexion is focused on serving patients and families affected by rare diseases and devastating conditions through the discovery, development and commercialization of life-changing medicines. Alexion focuses its research efforts on novel molecules and targets in the complement cascade and its development efforts on hematology, nephrology, neurology, metabolic disorders, cardiology and ophthalmology. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Alexion has offices around the globe and serves patients in more than 50 countries.

WEBSITE