Montréal: A meeting city that ranks at the top

Every year, Montréal earns new reasons to brag. And not just in our hearts: the accolades are official. International rankings regularly single out the city for everything from its cultural scene and culinary prowess to sustainability, innovation, safety and talent.

For meeting professionals, those distinctions matter. They help explain why delegates want to come, why they enjoy their time here and why Montréal continues to stand out on an increasingly competitive global stage.

GENERAL APPEAL

Among Canada’s top 10 most popular destinations in 2026

Montréal ranked #4 in Canada in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations for 2026, ahead of Toronto, Québec City, Victoria and Ottawa. Its mix of Québécois character, cosmopolitan culture, food and distinctive neighbourhoods continues to make the city a favourite with travellers.

One of the World’s Best Cities in 2026

Montréal is among the cities shaping the future, according to Resonance’s World’s Best Cities 2026. The ranking celebrates Montréal’s mix of European character and modern cultural energy, while highlighting strengths including educational attainment, entrepreneurship, liveability, mobility and pioneering research and innovation.

#2 in Travel + Leisure’s Best Cities in Canada

Montréal climbed to second place in Canada in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards. Readers praised the city’s diverse restaurants and hotels, alongside its world-class arts and cultural offerings.

Among Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 10 Best Big Cities in the World

Montréal once again earned a place among the world’s favourite big cities in the Condé Nast Traveler 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. The city’s old-world architecture, creative energy, contemporary culture, boutique hotels and famously dynamic restaurant scene all contributed to its appeal.

Among Time Out’s top international cities for culture

Montréal ranked 12th worldwide and second in North America on Time Out’s list of the world’s best cities for culture. Based on feedback from 21,000 city dwellers, the ranking highlighted Montréal’s packed festival calendar, Quartier des spectacles and seemingly endless supply of things to see and do.

Montréal restaurants dominate Canada’s 100 Best list

Come hungry. A whopping 28 Montréal restaurants made the Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2026 list, including three in the coveted Top 10. With more entries than any other Canadian city, Montréal continues to make a strong case for its status as the country’s gastronomic capital.

INDUSTRY & INNOVATION

First in the Americas for international meetings

For the ninth year in a row, Montréal has topped the Union of International Associations (UIA) annual list of top cities in the Americas for hosting international association meetings. In 2025, after analyzing thousands of international meetings, the UIA placed Montréal ahead of major hubs including Washington and New York. 

First in international association meetings in North America

Since its founding in 1963, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has kept tabs on and formed connections between top meeting venues and host cities around the world. And for the tenth consecutive year, Montréal ranks first in international association meetings in North America. 

One of the world’s best startup ecosystems

Montréal placed 36th among nearly 300 cities examined by Startup Genome. The city was recognized for its strategic location, highly educated talent pool, innovative spirit and attractiveness to entrepreneurs and investors.

SUSTAINABILITY

Montréal achieves the highest ever GreenStep certification score

The city was awarded the Silver level of GreenStep certification, with a score of 74% — the highest score ever recorded for a destination certified by this Canadian organization.

#1 in North America for sustainable tourism

Montréal took first place in North America for sustainable tourism in the 2025 GDS-Index. Tourisme Montréal also ranked second worldwide for destination management in the metropolis category, while Montréal placed among the global Top 20 in every destination category measured by the index. The GDS-Index benchmarks sustainability strategies, action plans and performance across more than 100 destinations worldwide.

Among the top major cities in North America for cycling

Two wheels are one of the best ways to see Montréal. PeopleForBikes’ City Ratings place Montréal among North America’s leading major cycling cities, assessing how easily people can reach employment, education, essential services, shops and recreation by bicycle.

INCLUSIVITY & ACCESSABILITY

Among the world’s safest cities for travellers in 2026

Montréal ranked 16th worldwide in Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s Safest Cities to Travel list for 2026. The annual ranking combines traveller survey responses with safety data from several external indexes to assess destinations around the globe.

Canada named the world’s safest travel destination for 2026

The good news extends beyond the city limits. Canada took the #1 position among the world’s safest travel destinations for 2026, according to Travel and Tour World. For international delegates arriving in Montréal, the distinction adds another reassuring advantage to a destination already prized for its walkability, hospitality and quality of life.

EDUCATION & TALENT

Among the top three student cities in North America

Montréal took second place in North America in the QS Best Student Cities ranking for 2027. The ranking evaluates factors including affordability, desirability, employer activity and feedback from students themselves — further recognition of the deep pool of talent that calls Montréal home.

McGill University ranks among North America’s top universities

Montréal’s McGill University ranks among the top 15 universities in North America, according to QS Top Universities, and the top in Canada. Drawing students from more than 150 countries, McGill contributes to the international outlook and highly qualified talent pool that make Montréal such an attractive destination for research, innovation and knowledge-based events.

North America’s best city for remote work

Laptop packed? Montréal ranked #1 in North America and #2 worldwide for remote work in WorkMotion’s global index. The ranking considers factors including attractiveness, employment compliance, cost of living, infrastructure and liveability.

TRANSPORTATION

Montréal’s public transit ranks among the world’s best

Getting delegates around is easy. When Time Out asked locals to rate their public transportation, Montréal ranked among the world’s best systems. Eighty-three percent of Montréal respondents said the city was easy to explore using public transit, thanks to an accessible and affordable network connecting neighbourhoods and major attractions.

Montréal’s airport is among North America’s best

A warm Montréal welcome can start before travellers even leave the terminal. Skytrax has recognized Montréal-Trudeau International Airport’s staff among North America’s best, based on factors including friendliness, attitude and efficiency. The airport has also ranked among North America’s leading airports and among the continent’s cleanest.

Culture, sustainability, safety, talent, great food and easy mobility: Montréal’s rankings tell a compelling story. For meeting professionals looking for a destination delegates will be excited to experience, the city has the accolades to back up its appeal.