Five people were arrested at a Montreal protest against former U.S. president George W. Bush, who addressed the city's chamber of commerce on Thursday.

Montreal riot police guard the Queen Elizabeth hotel for former U.S. president George W. Bush's speech. (CBC)

Hundreds of people were drawn to the downtown demonstration outside the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, where the exclusive speaking event took place.

A Montreal police riot squad was on hand in full gear to hold back the crowd of shoe-tossing protesters, who gathered to show their disdain for Bush.

Several officers on horseback also patrolled the demonstration.

Protesters tossed shoes toward the hotel, as an Iraqi journalist did at Bush in a notable case last December, and chanted "George Bush, terrorist" as dozens of television cameras stood by.

Five people were arrested and would most likely face charges including mischief and disturbing the peace, said Montreal Police Const. Raphaël Bergeron.

"A lot of objects were thrown [at] police officers," he said.

Organizers said nearly 1,000 people paid $400 apiece to hear Bush speak about his presidency and future global challenges.

Guests were asked to pass through airport-style metal detectors before entering the conference hall.

Hundreds of protesters greeted Bush in Saskatoon on Wednesday at another speaking engagement, and a similar demonstration met his speech Tuesday in Edmonton.

With files from The Canadian Press