Montréal

Style

Montréal is a world-class city because of its internationally renowned scientific and economic scenes. It also has a reputation for its ecological way of life and vibrant cultural life. A combination of French inspiration and British influence, Montréal's culture is lively, festive, and open to the world. Music, sports, dance, theatre, gastronomy, movies – the choice of festivals and events is almost endless, in both English and French. Each year, thousands of festival-goers close the summer on a cinema note, with the Montréal World Film Festival.

It bears all shades of green and its heart is a mountain. Montréal, the city, the island, finds at its core the Mount Royal and the Mount Royal Park, a dedicated green space of 283 hectares that offers a complete network of trails for hikers as much for strollers. If "the mountain" dominates Montrealers' everyday life, nature lovers can also discover attractive destinations at the four corners of the island. With one thousand parks and green spaces totalling over 1,800 hectares, Montréal is certainly a green city.


Congress Language

The official language of the 13th International Congress of Photosynthesis is English.



The Meeting Place

The 13th International Congress of Photosynthesis will take place at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, located in the downtown area.


Le Palais des congrès de Montréal
201, Viger Avenue West
Montréal, (Québec) H2Z 1X7
Canada
Telephone: (514) 871-8122 / 1 800 268-8122
Web Site: www.congresmtl.com

Please note that the Palais des congrès de Montréal offers a non-smoking environment.

Download the area plan (pdf)




Registration and information Centre

The counter, located on Level 2 of the Palais des congrès (Bleury Street entrance), will be open for the duration of the congress starting 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 29, 2004. This is where you can register and obtain congress documentation as well as the name badge you must wear to attend any activities.



Buy the 13th International Congress of Photosynthesis T-Shirt!

You can buy the 13th International Congress of Photosynthesis T-shirt on the On-line Registration Form or on site at the Registration and information Centre.
Price: C$18 (one size)



Official Carriers



AIR FRANCE is co-carrier for the 13th International Congress of Photosynthesis.

AIR FRANCE offices and call centers throughout the World will offer preferential fares from your country of departure. Appropriate published fares from French overseas departments and territories apply. Your nearest AIR FRANCE Office and call centers: http ://www.airfrance.com

Reference to be quoted:  AXZE34456- Validity from 22/08/2004 to 13/09/2004.
For Air France Offices:    discount registered on GGAIRAFEVENTNEGO

Members of partner carrier's loyalty programme will receive miles on their programme when using AIR FRANCE flights. Check details with your AIR FRANCE office.



AIR CANADA is co-carrier for the 13th International Congress of Photosynthesis.

The Air Canada Convention Special Discounted Airfares can be obtained directly with Air Canada Conventions or your local travel agency. For Air Canada simply contact Air Canada's North America toll free number at 1 800-361-7585 or local number 1(514) 393-9494. Our convention number is CV042231. The Convention discounts are not combinable with online web bookings however the web fares can be booked using the contract number (CV042231) through a travel agency for tracking towards complimentary tickets.

By ensuring that the convention number appears on your ticket, you will be supporting our organization.



On a Tight Budget!

Lodging

For an additional C$10 or C$20 some of the hotels offer rooms for three or four persons.
Click here for more information



Restaurants

Sushi Shop
In the Palais des congrès
159, St-Antoine Street West
Good sushi available at low cost
Price: starting around $C6

Van Houtte café
In the Palais des congrès
159, St-Antoine Street West
Sandwiches, salads, pastries and good coffee at very low cost.
Price: starting around $C6

Food court at World Trade Center
393, Saint-Jacques Street Ouest
The food court at the World Trade Center offers you International food always at low cost.
Food counters: Chinese, Japanese, Indian, sandwiches, salads, burgers, etc.
Price: starting around $C6

Java U
191, rue Saint-Paul Ouest
Salads, sandwiches, panini and great coffee.
At night, the Java U becomes a lounge with jazz music.
Price: starting around C$10

Chinatown
At a walking distance from the Palais de congrès stands the Montréal Chinatown, corner of Saint-Laurent Blvd. and de La Gauchetière Street where you will find exquisite Chinese food.
Price: starting around $C7

Deli 12
12, Notre Dame West Street
Famous for their Montreal-style smoked meat and conveniently situated in the heart of Old-Montreal, this delicatessen offers an affordable breakfast, lunch and supper menu along with a pleasant atmosphere.
Price: under C$15

Da Franco
233, Notre-Dame West Street
Well renowned Italian food in the neighbourhood.
Price: under C$15

Le Titanic
445 Saint-Pierre Street
Salads, sandwiches, quiches and hot meals.
Price: under C$15



The Metro in Montréal (STM - Société de transport de Montréal)

Fares (transit fares are not taxable)

   Regular  
  Cam Hebdo (Weekly Pass) C$18  
  Six-Ticket strip C$11  
  Cash Fare C$2.5  
  Tourist Card C$8 for 1 day  
C$16 for 3 days  

The CAM Hebdo and the tickets can be bought at any Metro Stations.

The STM Tourist Card allows you to roam the city at will and discover all Montreal has to offer. Unlimited public transit access for an entire day is just C$8.00. Or, if you plan on spending more time out and about, there is a three-day card for only C$16.00.

How to use it?

The Tourist Card is easy to use. Simply scratch out the month and day (or three consecutive days*) you wish to use it. Then, just show it to your bus driver or metro ticket booth attendant. Remember, you can go on as many trips as you want - which is a good thing, since there is so much to see in Montreal.

*If the period covers two months, scratch only the first month

The Tourist Card is available at the following locations:

  • Year-round: Berri-UQAM and Bonaventure Metro stations


  • From April to October at the following stations:

    Line 1-Green: Radisson, Viau, Pie-IX, Berri-UQAM, Saint-Laurent, Place-des-Arts, McGill, Peel, Guy-Concordia, Atwater, Lionel-Groulx.

    Line 2-Orange: Jean-Talon, Mont-Royal, Sherbrooke, Berri-UQAM, Champ-de-Mars, Place-d'Armes, Square-Victoria, Bonaventure, Lucien-L'Allier, Lionel-Groulx, Snowdon.

    Line 4-Yellow: Berri-UQAM, Longueuil.

    Line 5-Blue: Snowdon, Côte-des-Neiges, Jean-Talon.



Useful Information

  • Airports: For more information about Montréal Airports, we invite you to visit the Aéroports de Montréal Web site at http://www.admtl.com


  • Banks: Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 10:00 am. to 3:00 p.m. and sometimes on Saturdays. You will find automated teller machines mostly everywhere.


  • Car Rental: Cars can be rented in Montréal from local or international companies. Average cost per day for a medium sized car is $ 85.00. All cars are left-hand drive.


  • Currency exchange: Currency units are dollars and cents. Canadian notes are: $100, $50, $20, $10, $5. Coins are: $2, $1, $.25, $.10, $.05, $.01 cents.


  • Disclaimer: In the event of industrial disruptions, the Congress Organisers cannot be held responsible for any losses incurred by delegates. The programme is correct at the time of printing, but the organisers reserve the right to alter the programme if and as is deemed necessary.


  • Electricity: Electrical outlets in Canada provide the same current as in the United States - 110 volts (60 cycles). If you are travelling from Europe or elsewhere, you will need an adapter to use your small appliances, if they are designed for a different standard (220/240V).


  • Facilities for disabled persons: If you require specific facilities, please notify the secretariat.


  • Health: Vaccinations are not required.


  • Health Insurance & Hospitals: Canadian hospitals and medical services are excellent. The vast majority of hospitals are publicly managed and rates are set by provincial and hospital authorities. Hospital care for non-residents of Canada is charged at a daily rate or on the basis of the medical condition and length of stay. Charges vary from province to province and from hospital to hospital, but generally range from $1,000 to $2,000 a day. So it's important to obtain travel health insurance before leaving home, since it's possible your regular health insurance does not include coverage outside your country of residence.


  • Insurance: It is strongly recommended that delegates take out adequate travel and health insurance prior to commencement of travel. Further information can be obtained from your travel agent.


  • Liability: The Organising Committee and or Congress Organiser shall not be held liable for personal accidents or losses or damage to private property of registered delegates of the Congress. Delegates should make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance.


  • Limit on numbers: Attendance at some sessions, social events and tours will be restricted in numbers. It is strongly recommended that you book for these functions with your registration to avoid disappointment. Preference will be given in sequence as registrations are received.


  • Passport and Visa: From U.S. and other countries: If you are visiting Canada, a valid passport is necessary. U.S. residents are exempt, provided they have a valid proof of U.S. permanent residency. It is the responsibility of the visitor, before entering Canada, to ensure that he or she has the necessary documents, including those for entry into another country or re-entry into his or her own country.


  • Program: A complete up-to-date program will be available at the time of registration.


  • Tipping: Service is not included in restaurants, so it is customary to add a 15% tip to the total. (A quick way to calculate the appropriate tip amount is to add up the two taxes - they appear at the bottom of your bill. It works out to roughly 15%). If you're with a group, 15% for service may be automatically added to your bill. Just ask when you're not sure if tip is included. Taxi drivers, hairdressers, etc. are also normally tipped 15%. Bellhops, porters, doormen, etc. generally receive at least $1 per suitcase or per service rendered. Coffee and food counters often have a tip cup next to the cash register; spare change is always appreciated.


  • Legal Holidays: Labor Day in Canada in 2004 will be on Monday September 6, 2004.




Secretariat

Please address all requests for information to:

Congress Secretariat - PS 2004
c/o Opus 3 Inc.
417, Saint-Pierre Street, Suite 203
Montréal, Québec H2Y 2M4
Canada

Telephone: 1 514 395-1808
Fax: 1 514 395-1801
E-mail: info@opus3.com