Venue
BKN25 took place in downtown Montreal, hosted by McGill University's Schulich School of Music.
Lodging
Nearby Hotels
We hope you enjoy your stay in Montreal and can recommend the following hotels. All are within a few blocks of the conference. The listed prices are estimated to be the lowest possible for a room and include tax.
- Hilton $181+/night
- L'Appartement Hotel $172+/night
- Parc Suites $172+/night
- Delta $244+/night
McGill Accommodations
During the summer, McGill opens its residence halls to the public. Except for Solin Hall, all of these options are within a few blocks to the conference. Of these, Royal Victoria College may be the best fit for proximity and price. Bishop Mountain Hall is on campus, but up the mountain, so expect a steep ascent to your room. The listed prices are estimated to be the lowest possible for a room and include tax.
- La Citadelle $123+/night
- New Residence Hall $102+/night
- Royal Victoria College $51+/night
- Bishop Mountain Hall $46+/night
- Solin Hall $54+/night
Other Options
You may also enjoy one of the many bed and breakfast establishments in Montreal. For the adventurous and gregarious, Montreal has hundreds of potential AirBnB hosts, hostels, and a strong Couchsurfing community.
Travel to the City
From the Airport
Montreal's major airport is the Trudeau International Airport to the west of the city. From there, you can take a taxi ($40+) or bus to get downtown. The 747 bus runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and goes directly from the airport to several stops in the city center. The fare of $9 pays for your trip (~30-40 mins), and is valid for the next 24 hours. You will see the vending machines in the airport. Only coins are accepted on the bus. To go straight to McGill, get off at Union Street (stop #6).
By Train
Montreal's main train station, Gare Centrale, is located below the Queen Elizabeth Hotel on the corner of. René-Lévesque and Mansfield; it also has an entrance at 895 de la Gauchetière ouest. The station is the major terminus for Canada's VIA Rail trains from Halifax, Toronto, Ottawa, Québec and the Gaspé, as well as U.S. Amtrak trains from Washington and New York. It also provides easy access to the city's subway (the Metro), as it is situated at the Bonaventure station (on the Orange Line of the Metro).
From the train station, a 5-minute taxi ride $9+ will take you to McGill University. To walk to the campus, head north through the underground shopping concourse of Place Ville Marie, exit at Cathcart and McGill Collehttps://www.airbnb.ca/calendar/single/717822ge Avenue; follow McGill College Avenue north three blocks to Sherbrooke Street, where you may cross at McGill's Roddick Gates, turn right and walk a block and a half to arrive at the Schulich School of Music.
By Bus
The terminal for major bus lines is the Station Centrale d’Autobus Montréal, located at 505 de Maisonneuve est, corner of Berri.
From Station Centrale you can take a taxi to the University (approximately 10-12$ CDN, plus tip) or take the Metro (subway), as the Berri-UQAM station is connected to the bus terminal; McGill University is located quite sensibly at McGill metro station on the Green Line.
Car?
If you can avoid it, it may be best to leave your car at home. With many one way streets, high traffic volume, and traffic customs you may be unfamiliar with, driving can be stressful. Parking will also be difficult downtown and all signs will be in French.
Transport in the City
Bike Share
Bixi is a public bicycle sharing program originating in Montreal. A day pass costs $7, a three-day pass costs $15. Bikes can be checked out at 30 minute intervals and returned to any of the hundreds of parking spots in the city. After returning, you can pick up another in a few minutes.
Metro
Public transportation in the city is handled by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM). Fares are $3 for one trip; $5.50 for two. Unlimited evening pass (6pm-5am) $4. Day pass, $9. 3-day pass, $18. Unlimited weekend, $12. If you are arriving from the airport on the 747 bus, you will already possess a 24 hour day pass.
Images
Here follow photographs of McGill's main campus (1, 2, 3); the Schulich School of Music with the Strathcona Music Building on the left and the New Music Building on the right (4); and two typical street views of Montreal outside the downtown core (5, 6).