June 22-26, 2015
 

In the spirit of Bernard Lyot 2015

Direct Detection of Exoplanets and Circumstellar Disks

Montréal, June 22th to 26th, 2015


NEW:   Agenda

Twitter and Facebook hashtag: #LYOT2015

On site registration (at the Hotel) is available from June, 21 - 16h to 19h – to Monday, 22 – 8h to 16h

Practical details:

  • Arrival from the airport:
  • Shuttle :
    • use the airport downtown shuttle or bus services (http://www.admtl.com/Passengers/AccessAndParking/STMBuses.aspx).
    • The easiest way to go downtown is to take the 747 Aéroport P.-E.-Trudeau / Centre-Ville shuttle (going to Berri-UQAM metro station). The 747 shuttle bus service is the most cost effective and efficient way to travel between the airport and the centre of Montréal and runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Once you leave the customs hall, follow the signs for shuttle bus/navettes just outside the terminal.
    • Travel time may vary between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Wi-Fi service is available on most 747 buses.
    • The fare is $10 (CDN) for unlimited travel throughout the STM bus and metro networks during 24 consecutive hours.
    • The fare card can be purchased at the airport from the automated dispensers which accept cash, debit and credit cards. If paying on-board, only COINS ARE ACCEPTED – NO BANK BILLS.
    • Use the #4 bus stop (http://www.stm.info/sites/default/files/planibus/en/747.pdf). The fare is $10 for unlimited travel throughout STM bus and metro networks during 24 consecutive hours.
  • By Taxi:
    • Taxi rates are fixed at C$40 to downtown, one-way, and there is always a minimum charge of C$17. It is customary to tip the driver anywhere from 10% to 20%, with 15% being the average. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are often, although not always, accepted; therefore it is strongly suggested to advise the taxi dispatcher of your desired method of payment.

Lunches at LYOT:

Information on the location of many restaurants near the hotel can be found in the following pdf (TheLOCrecommend.2015.pdf). You can also ask a LOC member (identified by their special badges)!

Welcoming Cocktail & Banquet:

  • The welcoming cocktail will be held at Planetarium de Montréal (included in your fees) on Monday, June 22. You're expected at 18h.
  • The Banquet (for those who paid) will be held at the Musée des Beaux Arts de Montréal and will include a special visit of the fabulous Rodin exposition. You're also expected between 18h00 and 18h30 on Thursday, June 25.
  • All directions and details on the two events can be found in the following pdf file (Directions_cocktail_Banquet.pdf)

Montréal fun facts: MontrealFunFacts.pdf

USEFUL TIPS ABOUT MONTREAL

What Language is spoken in Montréal
French is Québec's official language but English is widely spoken in Montréal. The city has more than 120 cultural groups and over 20% of the population speaks three languages.

Banks and Currency Exchange
Canadian currency is the dollar, which is divided into 100 cents. There are 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollar bills. One and two dollar bills have been replaced by coins, sometimes referred to as "Loonies" (the bird on the $1 is a loon) and "Toonies" ($2).

There are numerous currency exchange offices for visitors to exchange money into Canadian currency. Most exchange offices are open during regular business hours (9am-6pm) and Saturday from 10am-5pm.

Credit cards are also widely accepted in restaurants, stores, taxis, etc.

Electricity
The electric current is 110V and the plugs are the same as what is found in the US. If you come from a country that uses 220V electricity, you will need a converter for any appliances you bring that require power (computers, charges, etc.).

What is the rule for tipping in Montréal
Service is not included in restaurants, so it is customary to add a 15% tip to the total before taxes (if you're with a group, 15% for service may be automatically added to your bill). Taxi drivers, hairdressers, etc. are also normally tipped 15%. Bellhops, porters, doormen, etc. generally receive at least $1 per suitcase or per service rendered.

Time Zones
Montréal switches to Eastern Daylight Time (summer time zone) on the second Sunday of March and returns to Eastern Standard Time (winter time zone) on the first Sunday of November. The time difference between Montréal time and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is less than 5 hours in the winter.

Shopping in Montréal
Most shops are open Monday to Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are usually closed on legal holidays – and on January 2 in the majority of cases – but some establishments (supermarkets, SAQ outlets, etc.) may still be open.

Dining Out
Montréal has the highest concentration of eateries on the continent with 92 restaurants per square kilometer, in touristic neighbourhoods and representing various types of cuisine inspired by 120 countries and regions. There is something for every palate and budget.

Using your mobile phone
There are many Wi-Fi connections available in the city. If you do not turn off your roaming or 3g connection charges to your mobile phone bill can climb high depending on whether or not you have a package that includes Canada.

You can also find out more information and Wi-Fi locations by clicking on the following link: http://www.ilesansfil.org/welcome/

Getting Around
…By Metro and bus
Montréal is a very walkable and safe city. However, if you require to travel further distances, the public transportation system is very fast and convenient. The Metro (underground subway) typically operates between 5:30am to 1:00am. The bus route is also very extensive and could also be an option. There is also an express bus that services the airport (747 Express Bus). A one-way fare card, which is valid for 24 hours costs $10.00CDN. For more information on the public transportation system, please visit www.stm.info

…by taxi
Taxis are readily available outside hotels, but it is also to simply flag one down on the street. A trip from the airport to downtown Montréal will cost you a flat rate of $40.00.

…by bike
Montrealers are avid cyclists, and proud of it. The city has 350 kilometres of bike paths criss-crossing its territory, including natural parks and suburbs.

Use a Bixi bike to get around. This pubic bike sharing system can be a great way to get around the city. The cost of 24 hours is $7.00. Users must be careful not to use the bike for more than 30 minutes at a time to avoid being charged extra time. For more information visit their website at www.bixi.com