In Montreal
 

In Montreal

...In the largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris, concierges or cashiers who greet you in French switch to fluent English when they hear your accent. A "typical" meal might be a $4 smoked-meat sandwich or a $100 six-course dinner, each essential to the Montreal experience.

In winter, the contrasts only grow as snowy streets give way to cozy restaurants and lobby fireplaces. Walkers shed their coats to stroll the underground city connected by 19 miles of walkways. And while residents of other northern cities hibernate, Montrealers come out to play.

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/20/travel/WDMONT.html

There is also an extensive underground network of pathway connecting major shopping malls in downtown. It goes from Peel to Place des Arts. You might be able to walk through half of downtown from your hotel without putting on a jacket, during winter months.

Then there is a Casino within reach of a subway ride. It is open 24 hours a day.

On the St-Helen Island where the Casino is situated, there is an amusement park. It is now operated by same company from Six Flag. It has an annual Fireworks festival with a 30-45 minute of firework show every weekend throughout the summer. Then there is the Jazz festival in open streets during the falls months. It is then followed by the Just-for-Laugh comedy festivals with many free shows.

You guess it, Montreal is a town full of festivals. It was once the largest city in Canada... but now faded due to some French-English political situation.

We are thinking of a 3-4 day weekend this summer or fall in Montreal.

Any not to miss items?

How is public trasportation?

Best place to stay if tourist?

Saute Mouton Rapids Ride http://www.jetboatingmontreal.com/

The silvery dome of Bonsecours Market built in 1856, can be seen for blocks. It’s a landmark in Old Montreal, and you’ll enjoy shopping, touring, and dining. http://www.marchebonsecours.qc.ca/english/inda_fla.htm

Parc Jean Drapeau. The park is located on two small islands - Ile St. Helene and Ile Notre Dame. This is where Expo 67 was held and the park is named for the mayor who was in office at that time. http://www.parcjeandrapeau.com/en/accueil.asp

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[This message has been edited by Sweet Willie (edited 06-02-2003).]

If you like art house movies, then make it Labor Day weekend and have a great time at the Montreal Film Festival. I've been to it 3 or 4 times, and each time saw some incredible stuff (as well as the occasional clunker) that never made it to the States.

It's also the Cirque du Soleil's home, and they've got a tent set up near Old Montreal.

Even if nothing is going on, it's a good choice for a weekend -- you definitely get the sense of being in a foreign place, but you don't have to spend 6 or 10 hours on a plane to get there. (Apologies to Mileage Run enthusiasts.)

In the unlikely event that you'd be looking for a decent sit-down dinner, Restaurant La Chronique is a terrific place, in a pleasant residential neighborhood not far from the city center.

If you like football, the Montreal Alouettes are the hottest ticket in town. They won the Grey Cup last year, and it's expected that they'll sell out this year. Still, tickets can be finagled, and Canadian football can be wide open and lots of fun.

Public transportation is excellent, though a bit limited. In terms of places to stay, I'd suggest either the Inter-Continental to be near Old Montreal, or the Loew's or Omni on Sherbrooke to be near the artsy places.

bump...

I think the major churches and Old Montreal and things like Place d'Armes are all pretty obvious and easy to find. One other park is Mount Royal, the outlook on top and the cemeteries (this park designed by the same man who did Central Park in NYC).

You have probably already seen the STM website for public transit... but just in case:
http://www.stm.info

Some of the main museums in Montreal:
http://www.montreal.com/tourism/museums.html

I see the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in Montreal has some special weekend rates through September 2 ($125)
http://dir.travelzoo.com/Lodging.asp...y=21&id=105826

I have heard and read some good things about the Omni, but have never stayed there. It is sometimes available through Priceline, though.

I loved Montreal, but I also really liked Quebec City (similar to the relationship between Vancouver and Victoria?). It's not a long way to Quebec City and there is some pretty scenery along the way. I would strongly recommend spending a bit of time outside of the major city, but that might be just a personal preference.

I had not, thanks that is a great resource. I love public transportation.

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OMNI was quite nice. Enrolled in Select Guest Program over the internet and they sent me free upgrade coupons right away, which were honored in Montreal. Free morning beverages, shoe shine, no extra person charges for spouse. They seem to run frequent specials. If you have AMEX Membership Rewards points, you can get nights that way too. Only negative from my point of view was no in-room coffemaker (I have since bought a small travel one). One other note about Montreal in the fall - I believe that our Columbus Day holiday is Thanksgiving Day there.

Montreal Trip Report: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181953

Thanks Doc!

Yes the Omni is available through Priceline, as well as the Sofitel, Hilton, Marriott, Loews, Hotel Bonaventure.

They seem to be going for about $82 US a night on Priceline.

We received Sofitel, a new European Hotel, on Priceline when we were in Montreal in July. I believe I bid about $77.

I couldn't connect to this site - anyone have problems?

Here is a new link for you:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181953

Hope this helps. :)

Mark

My boyfriend was working for a client in Montreal in May and is back there now for some followup work. I spent a long weekend with him in May...

The Saute Moutons Jet Boat ride is amazing!!! This is a don't miss treat. :) :) Sit in the front.

The client put him up in the Sheraton, which is pretty nice with a cool lounge. They don't have hot breakfast, but the continental options available are pretty good. Comfy beds, good views, good access to the Metro. If staying for fun though, I would recommend something closer to Vieux Montreal.

Basilisque Notre Dame is very pretty, and the nearby square in front of Hotel de Ville is a good place to hang out, with lots of street performers. Off of this square (Rue Saint Jacques?) there are tons of restaurants, mostly a bit touristy... But I liked that they all had lobster specials. We ate at one or two of these places with mixed results.

Some of my best experiences were simply getting way out into the neighborhoods to shop for some of the items I miss from France that aren't easily obtainable for me in the US (even with Central Market and Whole Foods being based here in Austin), like unpasturized cheese and sausicon. I had a great adventure making my way across town to Fromagerie Hamel, where the wonderful cheese monger picked out some great items for me to fulfill my cravings. He as even able to vacuum seal them for me. ;) I felt like Arlo Guthrie Coming into Los Angeles. Behind the Fromagerie Hamel there's a huge market for produce, flowers, etc. Very convenient for picnicing.

Oh- They also have a Zara in Montreal. I always stop in Zara whenever I'm in a city with one. Didn't find anything I liked this time. Seems like the quality may have suffered a bit since my last visit.

Lots to see, do, buy and eat there. Be sure to do the Jet Boat tour!

I'm so glad I saw this thread on Montreal. My boyfriend just went for a bachelor party and absolutely loved it. I'm thinking it will be a perfect fall weekend getaway. What about restaurants?

Do you have ANY idea what they do in Montreal for bachelor's parties? :)