Sustainable Transportation

At the International Society of Music Education (ISME), sustainability isn’t just a topic of discussion; it’s a commitment we live by. As part of our ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of our events and foster inclusive participation, we’ve prioritized sustainable transportation as a key pillar of our green conference practices. 

This guide is designed to help you navigate Montreal in ways that are environmentally friendly, accessible, and aligned with our shared climate goals. Whether you're commuting from your hotel to the venue, exploring the city between sessions, or networking with fellow participants, we encourage you to do so with a green thumb. 

Montreal offers a wide array of sustainable transportation options. By choosing these modes of travel, you’re not only reducing your carbon footprint but also contributing to a more livable, equitable environment. 

Together, let’s make this conference a model for climate-conscious convening, starting with how we move. 

Contracted hotels are within walking distance of the venue. 

  • Hotel Le Dauphin Montréal Centre-Ville – 5 minutes walk  

  • Hotel Monville – 5 minutes walk  

  • Humaniti Hotel – 5 minutes walk  

  • Le Westin Montreal – 1 minute walk  

  • Holiday Inn Montreal Centreville – 8 minutes walk  

  • DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal – 15 minutes walk 

New Update:
Starting July 13, Air Canada customers will be able to take advantage of a rapid, high-frequency shuttle service between the Montréal-Trudeau Airport and the Palais des congrès de Montréal. 

The daily shuttle will link the Palais des congrès to the Montréal-Trudeau Airport in 25 to 35 minutes, with departures every 15 minutes in the early morning, and every 30 minutes during the rest of the day. The one-way fare is $9 plus applicable taxes.  

For more information, please visit this page.

🚆 Metro Access to the Palais des Congres de Montreal

  • Primary Transit Provider : STM (Société de transport de Montréal)

  • Closest Metro Stations:
    Place-d’Armes Station (Orange Line) – approximately a 2–5 minute walk or roll to the Palais des congrès
    Square-Victoria–OACI Station (Orange Line) – approximately a 7–10 minute walk

  • Accessibility: Major metro stations are wheelchair accessible and equipped with elevators. Audio announcements and visual signage are available on all trains.

 

✈️ Public Transit from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Downtown

  • STM Bus 747 – Airport / Downtown Express

  • Board the 747 Bus outside the arrivals level at YUL.

  • Service operates 24/7 between YUL and downtown Montreal.

  • Travel Time: Approximately 45-70 minutes (depending on route and traffic).

  • Fare: One special fare includes unlimited STM access for 24 hours (metro + bus).

  • Accessibility:

    • All buses are low-floor and wheelchair accessible.

    • Designated luggage areas are available on board.

 

🚌 Bus Access to the Convention Centre

  • Numerous STM bus routes serve stops within a 5–10 minute walk of the Palais des congrès.

  • Buses run frequently throughout the day and evening.

  • Accessibility:  

    • All STM buses are wheelchair accessible.

    • Priority seating and audio/visual stop announcements are provided.

  • Travelers are encouraged to use the Chrono app or Google Maps for real-time bus arrival information and trip planning.

🚲 BIXI Montréal Bike Share Access

  • Multiple BIXI docking stations are located within a 5-minute walk or ride of the conference venue.

  • Service Area: Covers downtown Montréal, Old Montréal, Plateau Mont-Royal, and surrounding neighbourhoods.

  • Pass Options:  

    • Pay-per-ride

    • 24-hour, monthly, and seasonal passes

  • Accessibility & Comfort:  

    • Bikes are designed for upright, comfortable riding.

    • Electric BIXI options available for longer distances or reduced physical effort.

  • Using BIXI to Reach the Venue:  

    • Locate a bike using the BIXI app.

    • Ride via protected bike lanes to the downtown core.

    • Dock at a nearby station and walk to the venue.

 

🛣️Dedicated Bike Lanes Near the Venue

  • Protected Bike Lanes: Montréal features an extensive network of physically separated bike lanes.

  • Nearby Routes:  

    • Rue de Maisonneuve: Major east–west protected bike corridor across downtown

    • Rue Berri: North–south protected route linking Plateau and Old Montréal

    • Canal de Lachine Path: Scenic multi-use pathway for longer leisure rides

  • Safety & Comfort: Dedicated bike signals, clear signage, and protected intersections enhance safety for all cyclists.

🚶‍♂️ Walkable City: Montréal is a highly walkable city, especially in the downtown core and Old Montréal areas.

  • Proximity to the Venue: The Palais des congrès is centrally located, with many hotels, restaurants, cafés, and attractions within a 10–15 minute walk.

  • Pedestrian Infrastructure: Wide sidewalks, clearly marked crosswalks, curb cuts, and pedestrian signals.

  • Scenic Routes:  

    • Old Montréal streets: Historic, pedestrian-friendly routes

    • Old Port Promenade: Waterfront walking paths along the St. Lawrence River

  • Safety: Downtown Montréal is generally well-lit and patrolled, with a visible community and transit security presence.

  • Accessibility:  

    • Many sidewalks and intersections are wheelchair accessible.

    • Audible pedestrian signals are available at key crossings.

🚗 Electrical Vehicle Car Shares:  

Communauto (Car Share System)

  • Fleet: Includes electric, hybrid, and low-emission vehicles.

  • How It Works:  

    • Mix of station-based and flex (free-floating) vehicles.

    • Reserve and unlock vehicles using the Communauto app.

  • Charging: Charging included for electric vehicles; no fuel costs for EVs.

  • Accessibility: Range of vehicle sizes to meet different mobility needs.