Planning a trip to Montreal

[diskids2]

Hi Everyone!

We have decided to take a family trip to Montreal this summer. I'm very excited! I consider myself lucky that my children (DD - 20 and DS - 16) still like travelling with us! For the last three summers we have been to WDW/Universal and decided to try something different. I have mixed emotions about that....but plan to grab a short stay at WDW sometime this year anyway!

I've done some really preliminary research and am looking for some feedback/suggestions, etc.

1. We plan on taking Amtrak. (We live in NY) and have never taken a "train" - at least for this distance - Metro North and subways don't count The travel time is 10 hours each way and I think it will be fun. I'm not sure where the station is in Montreal, but I'm sure a map will solve that. Anyone have suggestions on good maps?

2. I want to stay in the downtown section and my ONE criteria is that I have a pool. I've found several that have pools. Most are very simple, but that is ok. Hilton Bonaventure seems to have a nice pool. The reviews seem good...location ok. The price is a little high only because I need two rooms. If I get the "regular" room..it is $225 per night, but the executive room is $276 per night...this gives me "club" access....breakfast and evening reception.

I also looked at Phillips Le Square...also with a pool (small)...good location...I think. Rates much less...about $179 per night for the reg. room. I'd upgrade but I need two beds in each room and the only room with two beds is the reg room. All have a kitchenette.

Any suggestions on these two or others?

3. We plan on going to Le Rhonde. If my DS didn't have an amusement park he might go through withdrawls. Appears to look like a typical Six Flags...that is ok. How is this park? I think the fireworks contest (not sure of correct wording on this) is going on when we go....July. Is this fun, crowded, crazy (remember we are used to WDW in July and Spring Break). Seems tickets are about $50 per person...is this worth it?

4. I'd like to take advantage of the hop on hop off double decker busses. Or maybe do a tour of the city. Any suggestions on companies

5. I WANT to take a tour from Montreal to Quebec City. I found one that covers a few points including Mont...falls. DH and I went to QC on our honeymoon, so I'm excited about taking the kids. Any suggestions on this. Should we do the tour or should we take a train ourselves and go around.

6. My daughter's BF is coming and he is a HUGE hockey fan. Rangers though not Canadiens! I know it is not hockey season, but does the arena have tours or can you think of any hockey related sightseeing for him?

7. Do you think I need to rent a car or should I go with public transportation?

8. We are planning on 8 days, seven nights. Keep in mind two days are for transportation back and forth. So...is 6 full days enough?

9. Restaurant ideas....love to mix it up...different cuisines....upscale, moderate, etc. I really want the kids to get the flavor of a different city. Are they kids, LOL...they will be to me!

10. Any other suggestions for anything at all!

Thanks so much everyone!!!!!

 

[Gigi22]

You have a lot of questions, some I can answer.
1. Amtrak to Montreal: you are in luck, the Amtrak train out of Penn Station goes right to the main train station (Gare Centrale) in downtown Montreal. The Gare Centrale is more or less next door to the Fairmont Le Reine Elizabeth Hotel. Should you want to travel from Montreal to Quebec City, you can catch a Via Rail train from the Gare Centrale to Quebec City--the trip is less than 3 hours.

DH and I are CAA (same as AAA) members, and usually get their roadmaps. Your hotel will also be able to give you a detailed map of downtown.

2. I haven't stayed at either of the hotels you mention, so I can't comment on their facilities. The 2010 Fodor's guide says that the Hotel le Square-Phillips et Suites pool is on the rooftop.

3. La Ronde amusement park is on Ile Ste-Helene, an island that is part of Montreal. You can get to the island by subway. The amusement park was originally part of Expo '67, the 1967 World's Fair. It has its' own website,

The International Fireworks Competition is held at La Ronde.

Skipping down to:

9. Montreal restaurants: These are only some suggestions. Montreal has many fine restaurants, at all prices.

Breakfast: Cora's is a chain restaurant originating in Quebec that specializes in breakfast.

Chinese: the Dim Sum at Maison Kam Fung. DH and I go there every time we can, and we roll out absolutely stuffed, for less than $20. If you go on Sat. or Sun., be prepared to stand in line to get in--send someone to the podium to check your party in, and be prepared to wait.

Montreal smoked meat: Schwartz's Delicatessen. The deli's seating is family-style, mainly on benches. You can order your smoked meat sandwich with varying amounts of fat in the meat. The portions are gigantic, so share. Again, if you go at a peak period, be prepared to wait in line to get in. As I recall, the line outside the restaurant that goes to the right is for people ordering smoked meat to go; the line to the left if for people who want to eat in the restaurant.

Bagels: St.-Viateur Bagel & Cafe. The best bagels. You can get some to go, or have a continental breakfast in the cafe.

 

[glendalais]

1. The train will arrive in Montreal at Central Station (Gare centrale), which is located right in the heart of downtown, across from the Place du Canada. It's also connected to the Bus and Metro (subway) systems, so you can get to most places quite conveniently.

You can generally find maps in your local bookstore, or thorugh one of the online merchants.

3. La Ronde is OK. I've become spoiled since working for Disney, however, it's still a good amusement park. If you're going during the fireworks competition, it should be a crowded, but probably about the same level or less as the Disney Parks in summer. Seperate admission is required for the fireworks competition, though. You can purchase them by visiting L'Internationale des Feux Loto-Québec's website.

4. No clue. But if you visit the Tourist Centre (Centre infotouriste) near the intersection of Peel and Ste-Catherine, they generally have that kind of information there.

5. It would depend on what you want to do. Old Quebec is certainly walkable, but if you want to go towards the Montmorency Falls or elsewhere, you would need a tour or a car. I personally love the Île d'Orléans - they have some great fromageries (cheese makers).

6. The Bell Centre (Centre Bell) is open to the public from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday to Friday excluding event days. They also offer four Guided Tours per day (at 9:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. in French, and 11:15 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. in English), which can be booked by telephoning 514 925-5656. Check out their website for more information.

7. In Montreal, definately public transportation, it'll get you everywhere quite cheaply. You may need a car if you're heading further out, though.

8. That should be more than enough time.

9. Montreal has so many restaurants that I don't even know where to start. It's definately a great foodie city. Look at The Gazette or the Montreal Mirror for restaurant reviews.

You can look at Tourisme Montréal's or Tourisme Québec's websites for more information. They also sometimes offer sales on hotel rooms.

 

[diskids2]

Thank you both....looking forward to this trip. Great suggestions! I'm off to investigate. Any other ideas...feel free!

 

[gem21]

Hello!! Montreal is an AMAZING city to visit in the summer! There are a lot of festival and other things going on at various times. I'll try to answer yout questions without rehashing what everyone else has said.

1) The train station is pretty well in the heart of downtown. It's connected to public transportation so you don't even need to go outside to take the subway. (more of a plus in the summer!). Also the station has large foot court sort of hidden behind the main area, so you can easily catch a quick bite when arriving if need be! As for a map, are you a memeber of AAA? They usually carry maps, or not you could probably purchase one at a bookstore.

2) Sorry I can't help you with hotels... I've never stayed at a hotel in town though.

3) La Ronde is awesome! I hate roller coaster (the only one I'll go on is Le Monstre, which doesn't go upside down), but I always have a great time at La Ronde. It's not Disney, but I've been in summer, and it's not usually a super long wait for many of the rides. You can purchase a Front-of-the-line pass, but it's pretty expensive IIRC. The fireworks are fun, but yes 50$ is expensive, added to the price of your ticket. The best place IMO is the bridge, they shut it down (or most of it) to traffic so people stand there to watch. It can be crowded though, but it's free. The park is easily accesible by metro (yellow line and then either walk or bus to the gate).

4) I'll look around for some tour companies, I've never really done one. I know they have a bunch down at the Old Port that take you around that area, which is much more interesting historically then downtown.

5) It's up to you! I've heard Quebec City is a beautiful town (sadly even though I've been there three times I've never had time to explore!!). It's about 3h from Montreal, so while it's doable in just one day, it makes for a long day (I've done it before!) I would probably just do a walking tour on my own. That way you can take your time at things that interest you and less time at things you don't want to.

6) Outside of the Bell Centre there is a area dedicated to the 100 years of the Canadiens. It's not much, but it's something to see!

7) Parking in downtown is a pain in the ... expensive and hard to find parking, and sometimes it's metered so 2h max. If your sticking to downtown/old port area then the metro should be very convinient.

8) If you want to see Quebec City as well, that could be a two-day trip by itself, but it would still leave plenty of time to see things!

9) Pick your choice, and they have it! The Old Port has a wide variety of restaurants of every taste.

10) Not sure exactly what your family is into, but like I said there's a lot of festival that happen in the summer. For example in later June-early July there's the Jazz fest, with many free outdoor shows. I mentionned it a lot, but the Old Port is a great place to visit on a nice day. It's the old part of the city but the water, so you can just walk around and there's lots of little artists/boutiques on the streets. For indoor activities (in case of rain, or needing a break from the heat), there's the Biodome which is like an indoor zoo sort of, representing 4 different eco-systems. Then there's your big city staples: Science Museums, Art Museum, Planetarium, etc..

Hope that helps!

 

[diskids2]

Thank you so much! All great suggestions. It's good to hear that La Ronde is awesome! The Jazz festival is over when we arrive...going July 16-24, but will do the fireworks exhibitions. That seems like it will be a really good time.

I'm just falling in love with the city as I do my research. I can't get off of google maps...I keep putting the little guy on the map and looking at the pictures. Still stuck on which hotel to book...but I'm sure I'll get that squared away soon.

I see there is a football team that plays when I will be in town. I'm checking that out as well.

 

[Bay Hill]

For a hotel option, you can check out Le Centre Sheraton downtown. Their pool is located on the 6th floor, with a outdoor terrace. Always had a good stay at the Sheraton. The CAA is across the street from the hotel. The train and metro stations, plus Crescent Street are just 2 blocks away.

Montreal is easy to get around via the metro. If you like to rent a car National is around the corner from the Sheraton and Avis is across the street from the Centre infotouriste.

 

[Zeldy2]

hum well about La Ronde i went there with my fiancée the last summer and we went at the fireworks sit-down area for 5$ more if you're paying your entry. So in fact the day at La Ronde + fireworks cost 55$, at least it did for me at the time.

Have a nice trip! Montreal is a great city i'm sure you'll enjoy it

 

[diskids2]

Ok great...I'll look into that hotel and I will look into the fireworks admission....love the planning!

 

[Brandilovesdisney]

The Hilton Bonaventure is a beautiful hotel which connects to the underground shops and the Gare Centrale. I had my highschool graduation in this hotel -it is gorgeous and perfectly located!
If you really want to see the heart of Montreal I recommend you go to La Vieux Montreal (old Montreal) - it is breathtaking in the summer months and there is always something going on including local street performers and artisans. If you decide to go to La Vieux Montreal I highly recommend the Keg restaurant (it is the restaurant Le Cellier in the Canadian pavillion at Epcot is modelled after).
One of my favourite hang out spots when I lived in Montreal was the Botanical Gardens and Biodome - (like La Vieux Montreal, both these spots can be reached by the underground metro system, which is why I don't recommend renting a car). A rental car is only good if you are leaving the city completely like your trip to Quebec City.
You have probably come across online tourism books during your research but if not, here are two I highly recommend www(dot)octgm(dot)com/guide and the POM Passport Guide can be found here: visit-infoguide(dot)com/en/ People who live in Montreal make sure to pick one up every year because of the coupons for local events in the back of this book (you can find those same coupons on the website).
If you prefer to have either of these in print they can be found anywhere and everywhere around Montreal including tourist sites, hotels...I'm sure you'll find them at the train station.
If I think of anything else I will be sure to let you know.
Bonne Vacance!!

 

[ccudmore]

I think the Montreal comedy festival "Juste pour rire" (or Just for laughs) is on in July. Top notch comedy acts from around the world in all kinds of settings. Check www.hahaha.com for details.

 

[mommasita]

I see you have such great advice. I would stay smack in the middle of downtown. Maybe Hotel de la Montagne, it has a pool on the top! Walking distance to everthing, including your festivals, many restaurants around, bars, etc, and even walking distance to the Old Port.

If you are interested in any touristic booklets. I can defnitely pick you some up and mail them to you. DH works at the airport, so it would not be an issue. Let me know if you would like that.

 

[diskids2]

Thanks for the new tips! I've got my entire family excited about this trip and that is unusual because I am the uber planner!

I would love some tourist brochures and I'll PM you with my info. I will also check out that hotel name.

It's good to see that the Bonaventure is a nice hotel. I've received a rate of $225 for the reg. room and $276 for club level. I got a rate of $207 at Sheraton Le Centre for club level with AAA and Starwoods preferred. I am leaning towards Le Centre simply because I will add to my points total and then might get some free stays at the WDW Dolphin! BUT I am concerned about being alittle further away from metro stops etc. My mom is coming with us and she can walk but not long long distances.

My DD loves comedy shows..live one's and I am going to check out that website as well.

You are all so wonderful...thank you so much for the tips!

 

[diskids2]

There was nothing listed on the website for the comedy shows, so I sent an email and got a response back already.... "Our Festival will take place from July 7th to July 31st with the bulk of the shows during the last week of July. We should have tickets go on sale around April Fool’s."

I also emailed Le Centre Sheraton with my concerns about the Metro stops and received a quick email as well..... " There is 2 metro stations close to our property – each are about 3 to 5 minutes walk maximum - (PEEL on the green line and BONAVENTURE on the orange line) – the map of the Metro on Montreal is attached to the email if you want to take a look.

La Ronde is at the metro JEAN-DRAPEAU on the yellow line from where you have to walk around 10 minutes to the entrance.
The old Montreal is very close to the hotel (one metro station from Bonaventure is Square-Victoria) so on summertime it is a great walk to take.
The underground city starts at the Peel station so you are just beside.
The train station is at Bonaventure station directly here!"

I'm very impressed with the speed in which my emails were answered. I'm loving this!

 

[diskids2]

I thought I'd update my planning process and anyone feel free to chime in at any time.

I've booked the club level at Le Centre Sheraton. Looks like it is centrally located and near two metro stops.

I'll be getting my Amtrak tickets soon! Now I'm onto restaurant and touring.

Has anyone ever experienced the jet boats in old montreal. Looks like fun!

I'm also still deciding if I should do the three hour montreal tour or use the hop on off bus for one day. We will be going to Quebec one day on a tour as well.

 

[Gigi22]

Haven't done the jet boats in Old Montreal. The whole area is a lot of fun, IMO.
Be warned, one day in Quebec city is no where near enough time! We stayed there for two weeks and still didn't see everything. We keep on going back...

 

[diskids2]

hum well about La Ronde i went there with my fiancée the last summer and we went at the fireworks sit-down area for 5$ more if you're paying your entry. So in fact the day at La Ronde + fireworks cost 55$, at least it did for me at the time.

Have a nice trip! Montreal is a great city i'm sure you'll enjoy it

I did check into this and you were right! The entrance to the park is included. Yipee! I also read that there were nine shows last year and then it said 30 minutes. So that means 30 minutes total right...not 30 times 9 or 4.5 hours.

I have to admit I am second guessing this though...we are only going one day to La Ronde and it will probably be busier on a "fireworks" day. I'm thinking of visiting the park on a non fireworks day and maybe watching them from Old Montreal...although I know that will be crowded too...any thoughts?

 

[diskids2]

Haven't done the jet boats in Old Montreal. The whole area is a lot of fun, IMO.
Be warned, one day in Quebec city is no where near enough time! We stayed there for two weeks and still didn't see everything. We keep on going back...

I have a special fondness towards Quebec city as that was where I honeymooned 21 years ago!

I know one day won't be enough, but this trip we are focusing on Montreal and doing the one day tour for the rest of my family who have never been. Maybe next year, we'll do the opposite!

 

[diskids2]

Hi all,

Checking in again....still doing planning. I got Amtrak tickets for our trip...paid $663 for six people with AAA. I was happy with that!

I have a question for all of you...

We want to spend one afternoon or night at the Casino. Everyone in the party except my 16 year old son can go. I called the casino to see if there was a game room or something he could do with one of us taking turns to stay with him. The casino indicated that there was nothing for him and, in fact, he couldn't even get in the door. I'M NOT COMPLAINING. Sorry just didn't want anyone to think I was upset about that.

I just want to figure out if there is anything close by the casino that he could do with one of the adults with him at all times, taking turns. I know the casino is on a separate island, but is there anything near that it won't take alot of time to go back and forth? Thanks!

 

[Gigi22]

I believe there's still a dress code for the casino--no jeans. My suggestion would be to leave your DS16 at your hotel for your casino evening. Let him order a meal through room service and enjoy the hotel amenities.
I've only been to that casino once, and it struck me that although it is reasonably close to the La Ronde fairgrounds, I am not sure that there is a convenient way to go from the fairgrounds to the casino. We took a cab to the casino from our hotel and back.
Perhaps casino devotees can chime in here?