Post by nightandday on May 5, 2015 17:23:46 GMT -5
H and I are planning a trip to Canada in mid to late July. If you only have time to visit one city, would it be Toronto or Montreal? What would you recommend we do/see/avoid in either city? Thanks!
I love Montreal with a passion, so I say come here. How long would you be here for? Old Montreal is beautiful, although very touristy. Each neighborhood in the city has its own vibe, so I definitely recommend just walking around a few different areas and just immersing yourself. Plateau Mont-Royal, Quartier Latin, Village Gai, Petite Italie, Chinatown. The downtown businessy aread is ok, but nothing to write home about. But they used to have this bar on top of Place Ville Marie with a patio on the 37th floor and an amazing view of the city. I think they have closed the terrasse part but there might still be a bar or restaurant. The mountain is really nice to go for a walk, and in the summer the park side on Parc Avenue is full of people chilling in the sun (and smoking weed). The McGill campus right downtown is also beautiful. I,m out of the loop for restaurants, but you must eat bagels (St-Viateur or Fairmount) and smoked meat (ideally Schwartz). And La Banquise for poutine. Shopping all along Ste-Catherine (East is quirkier, West is fancier). Also small boutiques on St-Denis and Mont-Royal. Visit the Oratoire St-Joseph, even if just for the view from the top. Summer is really the best time in this city, you could try to plan around a festival too, those are always fun.
You can PM me if you decide to come here and have specific questions.
What do you like to do on vacation? Are you driving or flying? I might have some alternate suggestions or smaller cities/towns to recommend along the way (I live between Montreal and Toronto).
I went to Montreal by myself in Dec and absolutely loved it. There is so much of the world to see that I try not to go back to the same places twice, but I hope to get back to Montreal again this year or next year.
I've never been to the other places though, but I did ask a few friends who are more familiar with other Canadian cities and they all recommended Montreal.
I have never been to either but I am dying to go to Montreal. DH and I planned a trip in conjunction with a wedding in Vermont and then backed out because we bought our house. I am still kicking us for not taking the opportunity when we were so close.
Post by nightandday on May 5, 2015 18:12:02 GMT -5
Okay, it seems like we're going to go to Montreal. So some additional questions: 1. We're deciding on whether to drive or fly from NY. Would having a car be a help or a hinderance? We're big walkers, so walking around the city wouldn't bother us, unless a car would make things more convenient once we're there. 2. Any hotel recommendations?
papie We'd likely be there for 5 days or so. Would you recommend more or less? I'll definitely PM you when we make some definite plans. Thanks!
I'm not Papie, but I was there from Mon-Fri and I thought it was a great amount of time. I was busy the entire time. I'd sleep in until about 9am, have breakfast at my bed&breakfast, leave around 10 and then be gone until about 9pm at night. You will definitely have plenty to do for 5 days!