Which city to visit?
 

I have a few days to spare whilst on a trip to Chicago, and I am thinking about going over to Canada for a few days. Which city should I visit? Which city are most tourist friendly and most to see?

Thanks:)

Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec city (it's the 400th anniversary by the way), in no particular order. Toronto is about 1h-1h20m from Chicago (by plane).

JP

Thanks alot:) Which city should be my first priority? I will only have maximum 3 days to spare, so which city should I visit?

There are direct flights from ORD to all four of the cities mentioned and you would very easily fill 3 days no matter which one you choose.

Quebec: 400th anniversary. Lots of things going on. The only walled city in North America.
Montreal: One of the best cities in the world.
Ottawa: Filled with green spaces, museums, restaurants.
Toronto: A world class city (just ask anyone who lives there ;)). Only 1.5 hrs to Niagara Falls. Shortest flight from ORD.

My pick: Quebec City. I'll be there for three days this weekend.
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13F

I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite without being biased - I grew up in Montreal after all. That said, I like Quebec city quite a bit. If you have 3 days, I'd Quebec city my entire trip. There's plenty to see, eat, drink, do (and more). :D

JP

Actually, I'd get pretty bored with Quebec City if I had 3 days. I'd probably make it Montreal, myself.

Ottawa's great if you love museums. If you don't, then not a good choice.

Toronto is usually well-liked by visitors who are looking for a comfortable experience and lots of diverse opportunities for things to do. If you want the French stuff, then Quebec is more interesting than Montreal. If you want an urban experience, Toronto is better than Montreal. Ottawa is very dull but it has museums and a nice river.

I'll second most of that, however I don't find Toronto to be that "Urban". It reminds me a lot of just-about-any-American-city: Busy downtown during the day, rather quiet (read: boring) at night. I find Montreal's nightlife much better than TO's.

JP
PS: I'm not trying to get into a pi$$ing contest about which is better, I promise! :D

I think the choices of Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa are probably your best choices.
This is what I think would be my order of options:
1) QC would be great this year because of its 400th birthday. Here is a link to a website noting the festivities http://monquebec2008.sympatico.msn.c...calendar&id=11

2) Montreal and Toronto are both good urban choices, though they are different in many ways. They both have good selection of tourist sites. In the summer, they have a litany of festivals and events to keep a visitors occupied. If you are looking for friendlier, I would err on Toronto's side. Both cities have good museums, though the AGO is closed while the Gehry Pavilion is being built.
Montreal has a more Euro-feel to it, whereas Toronto is a more "modern"
city. I give Toronto a slight edge as it has more events to attend (such as Shakespeare plays - Dream in High Park http://www.canstage.com/2007-2008/content.php?ID=64) and places to see outside the city- Niagara Falls; Niagara-on-the-Lake; wine valley). In addition, it has communities within the city representing various regions of the world (Danforth - Greek; several Chinatowns; Little Italy/Portugal).

3) Ottawa is scenic, but 3 days is a long time there!

For what it's worth, two German friends of mine visited all the above cities and their favourite was by far Quebec City. Don't know if it would be the same for a Norwegian or not...

True! I have seen all above cities and yes, Quebec City is a very pretty town! But it's a small town. For a 3 days trip I would prefer Toronto .. or even better Montreal!

Montreal, Montreal, Montreal!

Can you tell I'm biased? :)

Here's a post I wrote a little while ago for someone visiting our fair city:

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showpost....4&postcount=13

Montreal or Quebec City
 

Normally I'd pick Montreal before Quebec City, hands down. But this is Quebec City's 400th year and they have a ton of activities lined up, something for everyone, so I'd choose QC.

Bon voyage!

tedwardb
 

All three cities have merit, however Toronto would be the biggest bang for the Time frame . Inner city travel on the transit above and below ground is excellent. Tours of Niagara region are available as well as toronto city tours.
If the weather is good try to find an evening boat tour of the waterfront. The lights of the city are fantastic. The Canadian National Exhibition runs the last two weeks of August. Each evening about 9.30- 10.00 p.m. there is a fireworks display on the Lake Ontario waterfront of the C.N.E.. It is best viewed from a boat. Have fun and enjoy !

I'd give Montreal a vote, I think the city offers the most concise statement on all things Canadian, from the existence of the French and English side by side, the remarkable cultural diversity, a nice amount of old structures and history along the river, and honestly, fun.

The dining is world-class, the feel is European and North American at the same time, and it's easy to get around by Metro (a tourist attraction in and of itself).

I found Toronto to be a big, and ugly city. Been there a few times, tried to like it, and just couldn't really enjoy it so much. The view of downtown from the Islands is worth it, the CN tower, but it's somewhat lacking in character.

If you're willing to deal with the long flight, Vancouver should also be an option. The natural beauty is incredible, with good weather (right now anyways), and a decidedly hippie meets Asia kind of flavor to it. Montreal and Vancouver are a toss-up for my favorite Canadian cities (that I've visited).

Québec City will offer the most european experience, with a lot of history. It is truly a beautiful city.

Montréal offers more to do, and a better compromise between North America and Europe. If the OP doesn't speak French, he/she may be better off in Montréal.

Either of the two Québec cities would be my suggestion. Toronto and Ottawa aren't that different from any American city.

Really? And does LA = Detroit = Miami = Honolulu?

If you're from Oslo, I suspect that you're familiar with European cities. If you want something different, then I would vote for Vancouver. Yes the flight is a bit longer but once you deal with all the airport hassles, what's another hour or so in the air. Vancouver has a vibrant mix of Asian influences and west-coast laid-back attitude, wrapped up in a lively urban environment with stunning scenery consisting of water, mountains and a rainforest (Stanley Park) adjacent to the most densely populated part of Canada.

I grew up on the Canadian prairies and always have enjoyed visiting Vancouver whether for work or pleasure. Now that I live in Texas, I wish it was as close as it used to be.

If you opt for Vancouver, stay in the Robson street area which is walking distance to cool shops, great food, Stanley Park and the harbour.

When are you coming to North America?
If it is in August then you can pick any city that has been mentioned - I am not biased - depending on whether you like a big city or you would like to explore outside these cities.

If you are coming in September I will give Quebec city a try - you can go further east towards Baie St Paul and explore a bit the northern part of the St Lawrence river and even visit ile d'Orleans whilst you are in Quebec. Vancouver will be my other choice .