Montreal to Aberdeen Flights

  About Montreal

Montreal is a popular holiday destination in Canada that is a blend of the 18th and 21st-century architecture. The city is known for its diverse culture, be it Indian, Portugal or French. The city is known for its spectacular museums, eclectic cuisine and a busy marketplace. It is also like paradise for photographers. The city is, especially, famous for its vibrant and happening nightlife. You can party till you drop and treat yourself to a refreshing cup of coffee the next morning to cure that hangover. History and adventure lovers will also find their famous spots in the city quite conveniently and quickly. You can either head to Montreal with your family or with your friends, and the city will have something in store for all kinds of holidays. It is the perfect place just to sit back and relax. Getting around the city is also quite convenient. You can either book yourself a taxi, or you can use the trams or other means of local commute to explore Montreal on your own. Make sure you book a hotel in Montreal that is closer to the tourist attractions that you plan to visit to cut down on travel time.

Best Time to Visit Montreal

Summer is the peak season for Montreal, and it welcomes a lot of tourists during this time. The temperature ranges from 10 to 25 degree Celsius. A lot of events and festivals are hosted in summer. June to August is when the city experiences summer and sees a surge in the number of tourists. Make sure you book your hotel in Montreal in advance before there is a surge in prices and availability becomes an issue. You will also have to book your flight tickets to Montreal in advance if you don't wish to overpay. Though the days are quite warm, the evenings are chilly and the humidity increases in certain areas of the city. It is best to explore the city on foot by yourself in summer. You can attend a lot of events hosted in the city this summer like Formula One: Grand Prix of Canada, MURAL Fest, Montreal International Jazz Festival, Montreal Pride, Montreal International Tango Festival, Osheaga and MUTEK. Make sure you also pack a pair of layers, in case it gets chilly in the evenings and nights.

After the heat of summer, the fall season brings quite a relief to Montreal. September to November is the fall season in the city, and it is also the best time to visit Montreal. If you are visiting Montreal in late autumn, make sure you pack your warm clothes, too, because it will get pretty cold. The temperature ranges between -3 to 19 degree Celsius in autumn. If you don't like crowded places, autumn is an ideal time for you to visit. The weather is quite pleasant and does not affect any of your sightseeing plans. You can also sign up for outdoor activities during this time if you want You can attend events like the World Film Festival that starts in August and goes on till September, POP Montreal, Montreal Burlesque Festival and Black & Blue Festival. Though hotel prices drop in autumn since it is shoulder season for the city, you still might want to book several weeks in advance, so you get a better deal.

December to February is winter, and it can get quite brutal. It is highly recommended that you do not plan your vacation to Montreal in winter. The temperature ranges from -17 to -3 degree Celsius, and of course, it witnesses heavy snowfall. You can, however, head to the Underground City if you want to go on a shopping spree, go for a movie or binge on your favourite food at the restaurants here. You can also indulge in winter sports like ice skating, sleigh rides and skiing if you have no problem fighting the cold weather. The city also lights up beautifully during Christmas and New Year's Eve. You can also join the celebrations and have the time of your life. If you are planning to try winter sports, make sure you book your hotel in Montreal in advance since availability will be an issue at the last moment.

March to May is also an ideal time to plan a holiday to Montreal. The spring season makes the city far pleasant. The hotel prices drop, and you might even get cheap flight tickets to Montreal during spring. The temperature ranges from -8 to 18 degree Celsius. The weather becomes warmer as the months progress. If you are travelling during the beginning of spring, you might want to pack your boots and warm clothes, too, since it will snow lightly in the city. You can attend the Montreal St Patrick's Parade, Blue Metropolis Montreal International Literary Festival or Montreal Museums Day if you are planning a spring vacation.

Places to Visit in Montreal

Montreal is the economic and cultural capital of Quebec. It is also the second-largest city in Canada. Montreal is also the second-largest French-speaking city in the world. You will find a lot of French culture in the city. Mount Royal Park is in the centre of the city, and you will also find monuments dedicated to Jacques Cartier and King George IV. You can also visit the Notre-Dame Basilica, one of the oldest churches in Montreal. It was founded in 1656. The church also has a carving of Louis-Philippe Hebert, who was a popular sculptor. Just a 20-minute tour of the church will leave you amazed. Old Montreal is a popular tourist attraction in the city. Place d'Armes, Place Royale and Place Jacques-Cartier are some of the popular places in Old Montreal that date back to the 18th century. You can also head to Vieux-Montreal that reflects the Parisian culture and also has a stunning waterfront. You can take a stroll here and just admire the beautiful buildings around you. Jardin Botanique is one of the main reasons that tourists love Montreal. Not only does it have about 30 themed gardens but also has over ten exhibition greenhouses.

Oratoire Saint-Joseph is near Mount Royal Park is another tourist spot where you can know more about the belongings and lifestyle of the saint. Head over to Musée des Beaux-Arts if you are an art lover. The museum houses 1400 paintings, prints, drawings and sculptures. You will also find a lot of masterpieces by Canaletto, El Greco, Mantegna, Veronese, Goya and so on. If you love history and archaeology, you can visit the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History. It was established in 1992 to celebrate the city's 350th anniversary.

Things to do in Montreal

You can visit museums and historic landmarks in Montreal. Sign up for a sightseeing tour of the4 city, or you can explore the city on your own. Montreal is also known for its vibrant and colourful nightlife. Apart from that, the city also has a lot of spots for you to go shopping and dining. Canada is known for its Maple syrup, and you can also sign up for a tour to Sugar Shack to sample some and see how it is made. Jean-Talon Market is where you head to if you want to buy fresh produce, home-grown spices, cheeses, handmade chocolate or binge on grilled sausages. If you are visiting the city with your family, you can also take your kid to the Barbie Expo.

Food and Restaurants in Montreal

Even though you will find a lot of restaurants in Montreal that serve French cuisine, you will also find restaurants that serve Portuguese, Mexican, Indian, Thai, Moroccan and other cuisines. Poutine, bagels, smoked meat are some of the popularly ordered foods here. Fairmount Bagel and St-Viateur Bagel Shop are the most popular eateries in the city for bagels. Le 409 is a popular place that serves Indian food. You can head to La Campagnola Italian steakhouse for authentic Italian food, steaks and Sicilian cuisine. Bistro 1843 and Bistro L'entrepont are some popular restaurants to try traditional French and Canadian food.

How to reach Montreal (Transportation)

Montréal–Trudeau International Airport is about 20 km away from Downtown Montreal and has been named after Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the father of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The flight connectivity to Montreal from India is excellent. British Airways, American Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, United Airlines and Air Canada have frequent flights to Montreal with layovers at London, New York, Newark, Washington and Toronto. If you book in advance, you might get cheap flight tickets to Montreal. If you are travelling to Montreal during the offseason, you might even get exciting flight deals to Montreal online. It is not very difficult to get a taxi or car rental from the airport. The Montreal airport also has premium lounges, restaurants, cafes, shopping areas, currency exchange, and a lot more for passengers. You can also book a hotel in Montreal that is closer to the airport, so you are boarding an early flight and want to avoid the commute. You can also call for an airport shuttle service from your hotel.

  About Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a port city located on the coast of the exquisite North Sea. The city is famed for its offshore petroleum industry. Interestingly, the city houses many international populations, including the Italians and Japanese. The city also connects the beautiful rivers, Dee and Don.

Best time to visit Aberdeen

Aberdeen's weather is extremely erratic and inconsistent. The weather continues to show varied sides without any warning. It might be rainy in the morning but turn sunny within the next minute. You simply can't determine what is going to happen next in terms of weather in Aberdeen. Hence, figuring out an ideal season or month to visit the city is quite pointless. However, you can follow the season that would best work for you. The spring season is from March through May with the temperatures ranging from 5 degree Celsius to 10 degree Celsius. You can imagine how cold the winters are if the spring temperatures do not go beyond 10 degree Celsius. While it doesn't seem like the best time to visit as the temperatures are still very less, it might be good if you wish to soak in all the brisk cold breeze. It is advised that you do carry proper parkas and other clothing as it would come in handy. Also, no matter what season, you should ensure to keep an umbrella with you as it can rain at any random time. It can get cloudy and terrible to deal with as the rains tend to affect the touristy plans.

Summer, on the other hand, is the best time to visit out of all the seasons. Aberdeen's summers are cold, irrespective. However, it is pleasant and would certainly be the fun winter vacation that you have been opting for. The temperatures during summers in Aberdeen range between 15 degree Celsius and 20 degree Celsius. June through August sees some warmth in the air. As it is on the coast, the breezy North Sea brings cold air in the city. The summer is actually quite pleasant with clear skies and lovely vibe. Even though it is cold, you would still feel happy as the air of Aberdeen is fresh and invigorating. The hotel prices during this season does see a slight spike. You might want to make your hotel bookings in Aberdeen in advance to ensure that you do get good deals. Winter is definitely not the best time to visit as the temperature does drop below negative. December through February is not the best time for you to venture to Aberdeen. Not to mention how it also rains out of the blue during the winters. It can get supremely cold and not favourable for tourist activities. You wouldn't be able to check out any of the famous attractions, and you cannot even take a stroll down the beaches. Hence, it would be best to avoid winters in Aberdeen. Do make a note of the fact that the hotel prices are lower than usual, making the accommodation extremely cheap. But, thanks to the bad weather, it doesn't work in your favour.

Places to visit in Aberdeen

The best way to get around Aberdeen would be to first visit the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. The museum is located close to the harbour and has quite the exemplary architecture. The Maritime Museum is a perfect way to start learning about the city's history and its relationship with the popular North Sea. As an art patron, you would be happy to witness some of the fabulous art exhibitions that the Aberdeen Art Gallery. The huge gallery has a melange of traditional and modern Scottish art. You will also find some artwork by international artists. These include works of Ivor Abrahams, Bruce McLean, Ken Currie, to name a few. Another major tourist attraction in Aberdeen is Craigievar Castle. The structure with its pink walls and authentic Scottish architecture is too beautiful. Another pristine castle that would definitely work perfectly in your postcards (if you plan to make any) would be the Balmoral Castle.

Things to do in Aberdeen

To enjoy the lovely Aberdeen sun amid a gorgeous environment, you should visit Duthie Park. The place was built back in 1881 by Lady Elizabeth Duthie. She dedicated the park to her uncle and brother. The spectacular 44 acres of the park is nestled close to the banks of the Dee River. The place also has a greenhouse which was once demolished but was built back. If you do get tired of all the tourist activities, you can visit Codona's Amusement Park. The place has many fun rides and activities that you would enjoy. You should also visit the Gordon Highlanders Museum. The place does have an interesting collection of artefacts and exhibitions that would give you a peek at their history. The museum also houses a lovely tea room that you would enjoy.

Food and restaurants in Aberdeen

Aberdeen's food is eccentric but heavily influenced by Italian cuisines and seafood. You will be able to find the best of Italian trattoria in Aberdeen, at Rustico. The neat little cafe is run by an Italian-family where they offer exquisite seafood such as king prawns tossed on linguine, pork ragu with rigatoni and some Sicilian-style lamb meatloaf. The whole spread is beautiful and flavourful. Another Italian restaurant in the city is Carmine's. The food establishment is very low key and quaint, which works well on the pockets. They also have an authentic Japanese restaurant in the city where you can find some of the famous dishes from the cuisine. Yatai Izakaya is your place, which is affordable as it falls within a perfect budget. They also have sake, so you don't have to travel all the way to Japan for the same. The Conservatory Restaurant located in the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa is a place you simply cannot miss. Although it is pricey as it is situated in the premise of a five-star hotel. But this would be quite the indulgence that you should opt for in Aberdeen.

At the food establishment, you will find some lovely seafood menu. While you're there, do not miss their Shetland scallops, Perehead monkfish, North Sea shellfish bisque and cod. The place also brings about an interesting spin to beef and other meat-based dishes. You might want to keep enough money in your pockets to visit this place. Although relatively new, the Bonobo cafe has already managed to find fame in the neighbourhood for its exquisite vegan food. The place serves only vegan food, so if you do not wish to have any of the seafood or meat cuisine, you can visit this place. Their vegan take on Scottish breakfast, which includes scrambled tofu, seitan sausages, veggie haggis and tattie scones is delicious. Not to mention how they have a coconut milk latte as opposed to the usual regular-milk latte. Coffee connoisseurs on the trip should visit Foodstory as the place makes lovely brewed coffee merged with healthy desserts and baked goods. Plus, the place also offers yoga and drawing classes. It would be quite an experience, if anything. Their take on the local cuisine is also quite good and would go down well with your sensibilities.

How to reach Aberdeen

Flights to Aberdeen are aplenty, but they do not particularly fly from India. There are no direct flights to Aberdeen, and you will have to opt for a flight with layovers or even change flights at London's Heathrow Airport. Airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, KLM Royal Dutch, British Airways, Air France, have immaculate flight connectivity to Aberdeen. This makes the travelling far easier. Most of the flights flying to Aberdeen have layovers that cannot be ignored. However, from Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata, you will be able to get flights flying to Aberdeen without much concern. The most popular route to Aberdeen often chosen is from London and Amsterdam. Since British Airways and KLM Royal Dutch have direct flights to Aberdeen, these international routes are favoured over the others. Many even choose to visit Edinburgh and take a flight to Aberdeen from here. However, to opt for the said international route, you will have to book a ticket to Edinburgh directly and drive up to Aberdeen.

The flight duration to reach Aberdeen from India ranges from 11 hours to 13 hours. It doesn't take much time to reach the Scottish coastal city as the flight connectivity is good and layovers are minimum. You will have to ensure to travel with a transit visa. As the airlines flying to Aberdeen traverse through European cities too, it is necessary to carry a transit visa. You can get hold of the visa at the embassy. The easier and viable option to get the transit visa is by applying for it online. The embassy sites are very quick to respond to the applications online so you wouldn't have to worry about anything. The flight tickets to Aberdeen are decently priced. It could range from INR 30,000 to INR 40,000. The season doesn't really play a massive role in the change of the flight ticket cost to Aberdeen. However, it would be recommended to make prior bookings to Aberdeen as that way, you will be able to avail some online flight deals.