I asked this question nearly two years ago, and got some good answers:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/check...o-compare.html

I suppose the TSA has improved a bit since then (exceptions for seniors, pre-check), with instances of worsening as well (threats of arrest for inappropriate comments, less use of WTMDs). Have things changed in Canada since then?

My conclusion in November 2011 was that the security experience when entering airside is materially "better" in Canada, than in the USA. Now that I'm planning a new trip to Montreal, I'm wondering, is that still the case?

Absolutely. The airport security experience in Canada is far more human. Nobody barking at you, no aggressive screeners, no power trips. Common sense applies in most cases. If you're flying anywhere except to the US you can keep your shoes on. If you have NEXUS, you only go through a WTMD.

Thanks. So, in Canada, two levels of "security," one for flights to U.S., one for all others.

As for flights to U.S., is it any different from flights from or within U.S.? Is there an additional "security" check, or is it a substituted one?

It's remarkable that one country is able to require all airlines/airports with flights to that country, to change the way they treat certain of their customers.

The only difference is that you have to take off your shoes for the US security check.

It looks like YUL has a separate "security" check just for US flights.

I'm still wondering if the YUL "C" entrance (for US flights) differs from the experience within and from the US.

I presume the "security" requirements are the same worldwide, for flights to the US. But I would be surprised if there aren't some airline/airport/national differences. Vive la difference!

I fly from YUL all the time and can assure you the only major difference to other Canadian checkpoints is that you have to remove your shoes. If you have NEXUS, are handicapped, are a VIP, are an ICAO delegate (!), then you get a special line. There is a NOS but it's not used that much and is, of course, optional. The entrance is separate because the exit from that screening area leads directly to US Immigration.

Overall, it is a completely standard Canadian security experience, and is certainly different in many small ways to what you'd get in the US. Some examples:

There are, to my knowledge, no exemptions for kids and old people. On the other hand, nobody barks at you to do anything. They will scan your boarding pass at least four times between entering the screening line to exiting immigration. You will have to pass through a duty free shop reeking of perfume before you get to the gate area. They once sold Kinder Eggs in the US departures area.

From Canada there is no additional security check just a requirement to remove shoes. When flying to the U.S. from Canada I've never encountered a second gate check nor have I been patted down or asked to go through the nudie scope. I have however encountered gate checks when flying into the U.S. from elsewhere.

I don't dispute the U.S.A.'s right to require security screening to its standards on flights that enter its airspace. I've found the CATSA and airport security around the world far more pleasant and less insulting and intrusive than the TSA.

Actually in YVR going to the US the WTMD is for ALL passengers; and NOS is used only as an option for secondary screening.