We’re thrilled to be able to start welcoming meetings and events back to Montréal. While some restrictions are still in place, it is entirely possible to plan and execute meetings and events in Montréal.
Here are some answers to questions you might have.
How many people are permitted to gather indoors? What about outdoors?
The promoters of indoor and outdoor shows and sporting events with assigned seating will no longer have to limit the number of spectators.
Vaccine passports will be required starting from October 8 for indoor business events and ceremonies with more than 250 attendees, in which case the number of participants is not limited.(See more details about vaccine passport below.)
Events with a social aspect are limited to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.
Festivals and major outdoor events during which spectators are standing or sitting without assigned seats or circulating can be held, subject to compliance with the basic health measures and other specific measures for events. Reservations are required.
What types of events/programs are allowed?
- Trainings
- Congresses
- Conferences, lunch conferences and dinner shows
- Meetings with participants that are sitting (the majority of the time)
- Trade shows and fairs
- Events with a social aspect in an indoor rented space are limited to 25 people
- Events with a social aspect in an outdoor rented space are limited to 50 people
- Sports and recreational activities, including guided lessons and training, are permitted in indoor public places for groups of no more than 25 individuals from different households, excluding officials, employees, and volunteers.
- Sports and recreational activities, including guided lessons and training, are permitted in outdoor public places for groups of up to 50 individuals from different households, excluding officials, staff, and volunteers.
What else do I need to know to organize an event in Montréal?
- A registry of participants is mandatory
- Buffets are allowed if there is an employee to serve and that the food is separated from the clients with a plexiglass
- In order to hold a sporting event, a sanitary protocol that meets all the provincial requirements (as well as a duly completed form) must be submitted to the Direction de la santé publique by mail or email. (Note that Montréal is region 6.)
- Tourisme Montréal can help you find suppliers for COVID-19 testing or temperature checks on-site, as well as recommendations of independent contractors for medical and travel insurance, for a fee.
What are the rules around physical distancing?
Business events where proof of vaccination is required are not limited by physical distancing. All other situations require a minimum of one meter (three feet).
For combat sports, sparring is permitted as long as the rules of public health authorities are respected.
Are masks mandatory?
Business events of less than 250 people require medical masks unless seated. Business events of more than 250 people, medicals masks must be worn at all times except when eating and drinking. In outdoors situations, face coverings are strongly recommended.
Are the borders open?
Yes! As of September 7, 2021, fully vaccinated international travellers are eligible to enter Canada for non-essential reasons, such as tourism. This also enables travel for events, meetings, and conferences.
To enter Canada, travellers need (at minimum) to complete these three essential requirements: 1) be fully vaccinated, 2) have a negative COVID test, and 3) submit their travel and health information via ArriveCAN.
For more information, see our article Border crossing information for your delegates.
Also, consult with the Canada Border Services Agency website for detailed updates.
Do I need to quarantine if I travel to Canada?
Mandatory quarantine is not necessary for citizens who have received two government-approved vaccinations. Otherwise, when arriving in Canada travellers will need to proceed to a 14-day quarantine.
Find out if you can enter Canada here.
Are vaccine passports required?
The province of Québec (where Montréal is located) has implemented a vaccination passport system. The QR code passport enables vaccinated individuals to access public spaces, such as restaurants, bars, gyms, and entertainment venues. Travellers who are fully vaccinated can also access these spaces by showing photo ID with an address outside Québec and proof issued by their country or Canadian province that they have been vaccinated This documentation can be present digitally (on a mobile phone) or through an official paper document.
Trade shows and expos are exempt from vaccination passports.
Are hotels open?
Yes! Montréal hotels are open and happy to welcome travels, whether for leisure or business. Furthermore, hotel chains have protocols specifically designed to suit the safety needs of their buildings.
Can I make reservations at a restaurant for my team?
Possibly! There is currently a maximum of 10 people per table indoors and 20 people outdoors, and this will depend on the restaurant’s layout and capacity. Tables are one metre (three feet) apart outdoors and two metres (six feet) apart indoors. Reach out directly to the restaurant for further details.
Alcohol is permitted to be served until 1AM, with bars closing at 2AM.
(Courtesy City of Montreal)
