Local Information for ICML, UAI and COLT 2009
Montreal is a large, cosmopolitan, affordable, cultural, bilingual (French/English) city. It is easily accessible from the US and Europe with direct flights to all major airports and major airlines.
For more information on Montreal, refer to:
The map below contains some important places for ICML 2009 Attendees. Note that directions in Montreal are slightly different than elsewhere. Rue University is considered to run North/South, and Rue Sherbrooke East/West.
View ICML 2009 Places in a larger map
Parking
Visitor parking is available on the McGill campus. For more information, click here.Transportation
If you are flying, you will arrive at the Montreal Trudeau International airport. There are several ways to get to McGill University/downtown from there:-
Shuttle bus
A shuttle bus service, called L'Aerobus runs between the airport and the central bus station, roughly every 25 minutes. A one-way fare costs $14.00 while a 2-way fare costs $24.00. If you want to get to McGill University, you can take the shuttle bus to the Queen Elizabeth Hotel station (900, boul. René-Lévesque Ouest). The estimated time for this trip is about 40 minutes. The easiest way to get the McGill from the Queen Elizabeth Hotel is to walk north on Mansfield Street, then turn right on Sherbrooke. To go elsewhere in downtown, you may take the metro (subway); the Queen Elizabeth Hotel station connects to metro station Bonaventure (Orange). For more information about shuttle bus services, you may consult www.admtl.com and L’Aérobus. - Public Transportation
Public transportation costs $2.75 (you need to have exact change) but it takes more time to get to downtown Montréal (estimated time is about 70 minutes) and it is more awkward. Find the STM bus station at the airport and take bus number 204 (direction downtown or centre ville). Get off after two stations (called Gare Dorval or Dorval Train Station) and from there, bus number 211 or 221 will take you to metro station Lionel-Groulx (Green). You need to switch to the Orange line to get to McGill. -
Taxi
The fastest but most expensive way to get from the airport to the city is to take a taxi, which costs a flat rate of $38.00 if you are going anywhere in the downtown area (a tip of 10% is usually added). The trip takes about 20-30 minutes. -
Driving
For driving directions, consult the map.
Invitation Letters
Citizens of certain countries require visitor visas to enter Canada. A list of countries which have this requirement is available here. If you require a visa, you will need a letter of invitation. Please e-mail Doina Precup with your full name, your intended travel dates, your contact information, and your involvment with the conference (e.g. the title of your presentation). Note that you may also need a proof of funding, e.g. a letter from your own university stating that they will cover your costs (or proof of personal funds).
