Planning a trip to Montreal

[YukiPhnx]

Thanks for the great info! I'll have to check out Jardin Nelsen. I'm not sure if we'll be visiting Old Port yet.

Oh wow, I had no idea Montreal was famous for their bagels! I only know poutine came from there and I LOOOVE poutine.

I'll be leaving in 2 days for a weekend in Montreal! I can't wait!

 

[diskids2]

Thanks for the great info! I'll have to check out Jardin Nelsen. I'm not sure if we'll be visiting Old Port yet.

Oh wow, I had no idea Montreal was famous for their bagels! I only know poutine came from there and I LOOOVE poutine.

I'll be leaving in 2 days for a weekend in Montreal! I can't wait!

Enjoy your trip!

 

[weewuvvdisney]

Thanks for the great info! I'll have to check out Jardin Nelsen. I'm not sure if we'll be visiting Old Port yet.

Oh wow, I had no idea Montreal was famous for their bagels! I only know poutine came from there and I LOOOVE poutine.

I'll be leaving in 2 days for a weekend in Montreal! I can't wait!

______________________

Sure hope you had a great time in Montreal!

 

[weewuvvdisney]

Diskids2m

I just thought of something. Since you are planning to buy the OPUS card, you will be eligible for discounts for certain places/events in Montreal. Here is the link:

http://www.stm.info/English/info/a-famille-3.htm

At the bottom of the page is a link for a POM phamplet of ideas and discount coupons. If you click on it, you go to a tourist info webpage for Montreal. If you click on the POM link on this page, it will take you to the actual phamplet. I noticed that some of the coupons end in April. Keep the link because I would think that the new phamplet will be posted soon. If I see or hear of it, I will post a message here.
The POM phamplet has tourist infor for many parts of the Province of Quebec (not just Montreal).

Hope this helps.

 

[diskids2]

Diskids2m

I just thought of something. Since you are planning to buy the OPUS card, you will be eligible for discounts for certain places/events in Montreal. Here is the link:

http://www.stm.info/English/info/a-famille-3.htm

At the bottom of the page is a link for a POM phamplet of ideas and discount coupons. If you click on it, you go to a tourist info webpage for Montreal. If you click on the POM link on this page, it will take you to the actual phamplet. I noticed that some of the coupons end in April. Keep the link because I would think that the new phamplet will be posted soon. If I see or hear of it, I will post a message here.
The POM phamplet has tourist infor for many parts of the Province of Quebec (not just Montreal).

Hope this helps.

Yes, that is very helpful....I'm off to check it out. I almost have my prelimintary itinerary and will post it to see what you all think!

 

[diskids2]

So here is my preliminary itinerary, although I still haven't finished reading all of the material that I have been collecting over the last few months.

A few items of note since my last posts:

We switched our reservation from Le Centre Sheraton to Le Square Phillips. I got a much better rate, it will provide us with more room, and it has a full refrigerator and kitchen ( and NO I am not cooking any dinner meals......sorry thought you were my DH!)

I just looked, again, at the Just For Laughs Festival website and it looks like there are no shows playing at the end of July which is when we are going. Maybe that will change and I will keep my eye on it.

I am still going back and forth about the hop on hop off bus vs. the 3 hour tour. The more I learn about Montreal, the more I feel confident in the hop on/off bus....meaning my level of knowledge of the city, etc.

So here we go...

Day one: Arrive in Montreal via Amtrak at approx. 7:30 pm. Take a taxi (I will not drag my suitcases through the Metro - sorry I am spoiled I know...blame it on Magical Express). Check in, unpack, dinner at Il Focolaio, pizzeria down the block from hotel.

Day two: 3 hour tour of montreal (Grayline) or the Hop on/off bus (Grayline). If we do the three hour tour (10am), we will then go shopping along Ste. Catharine and dinner around Rue Crescent. If we do the hop on/off (runs until 6 pm), we will still go shopping along the streets, but not as long.

Day three: Old Montreal. Archeology Museum, Science Museum, Cartier, considering Amphi bus fireworks tour or just watching them from the bridge.

Day four: Le Rhonde. I am applying my disney techniques and hoping this park will be less crowded the day after a fireworks competition show and it is the middle of the week. Keep your fingers crossed. 1/2 the group to the casino

Day five: Full day tour to Quebec city

Day six: Olympic Stadium, Biodome, Insectiarium, Planetarium Ghost Tours Old Montreal this night.

Day seven: Very up in the air at the moment. We may: sleep in alittle and do a brunch, then watch the drummers on Mont Royal followed by shopping on St. Denis. OR go to Jean Talon, then drummers, then shopping. OR sleep, brunch, shopping and forget about Mont Royal (we would be there on tour on day two...just not sure if that is enough time, although hop on/off would)

Day eight: Old Montreal again, things we didn't see and jet boating (kids want this)

Day nine: Travel home

I am still in the process of picking restaurants and I'd like to schedule an afternoon tea somewhere.

Honestly, any thoughts are appreciated!

 

[YukiPhnx]

Remember to check the schedule for the planeterium shows! They alternate between English and French shows.

Also, I'm guessing La Rhonde is like the amusement park near Toronto in that it's a lot less crowded on weekdays anyways.

Looks like you've planned a great trip!

 

[weewuvvdisney]

Hi Diskids2

You certainly are going to be busy while here.

First off, Getting from Gare Central to your hotel is a hop, skip and a jump.

It might be more work getting your luggage into the trunk and then getting in and out of a taxi. Here is a google map that will show you....

.http://maps.google.ca/maps?client=o...ocal_result&ct=image&resnum=2&ved=0CDYQnwIwAQ

Not sure if that link will work. If not just google "Hotel Le Philips Square"

However, when you leave Gare Central/Central Station, you take the exit marked Rue Rene-Levesque or Hotel Queen Elizabeth. If you find the exit for Rene-Levesque, you take the escalator up and exit the building. Once you confirm you are on right street (major street), you turn right and walk down a couple of blocks. You will pass University and Union Street. The next street has two names - on the North side you will see Aylmer and on the South side, you will see Cote Beaver Hall. You turn left on Aylmer and your hotel is just down the street.

Was thinking that if you wanted to pick up some groceries/fruits/drinks etc., there is an IGA that is not too far from your hotel. You would leave your hotel and turn left, walk to Rene-Levesque, turn left and walk down the hill until you pass Rue Jeanne-Mance. You will see an entrance to Complexe Desjardins (halfway between rue JM and St. Urbain) , you go in and turn right. You should be at the IGA store. They can be a bit more expensive than other stores but they have a big selection.

As for the Just for Laughs Festival, I wouldn't be worried yet. It is still early. I did find some shows under the "english" schedule but these are not the free outdoor ones. They will probably be posted later on. Just keep checking their website.

Can't help you with the tour buses as I never have gotten around to take one.

The fireworks can be watched from the Old Port. You need to get down as close to the water as you can. The closer east you get (meaning towards the Jacques Cartier bridge) is the best. Good idea to be there early as there are lots of people. I have never gone on the bridge. There are just too many people up there. Plus it is a very, very long walk.

Not sure how busy LaRonde will be. We usually try to go early in the morning to be there when it opens. Going in the middle of the week might help (haven't done this). I do know, though, that summer day camps go during the week. Laronde opens up in May or early June on the weekends and is only open all week during July and August. So, there are a lot of people that visit during a short time span.

Just a word of warning, in case you didn't notice it on the website. There are some rides where you need to pay an additional fee (not included in the entrance).

When you mention Jean - Talon, what exactly do you mean - the market perhaps?

I found a link for the Tam-Tams on Mt. Royal. http://montrealtamtams.com/

Oh yeah, don't forget to check out the Under Ground part of downtown. All the stores and malls that are connected. We met some people recently from Toronto that had been down last fall. They were here for a weekend and loved it. They were amazed to find out that they missed the entire underground "city".

Your trip sounds great. You certainly are planning on seeing/doing a lot. If you have any questions, just ask away.

 

[glendalais]

If you do end up going into the Underground City, which you probably will even if you don't immediately recognise it, don't forget to take a map. Especially if you're not familiar with the area, it's not all that hard to get disoriented and end up on the complete other side of where you were meaning to go. The Société de Transport de Montréal has provided one here:

http://www.stm.info/English/info/souterrain2010.pdf

Unfortunately, it's in French only, but most of it's pretty self-explanatory. The white circles with downward arrows against a blue background symbolise entrances to the metro system and underground city. The pink lines and areas symbolise pedestrian walkways and areas.

 

[YukiPhnx]

I think for me, the easiest way to access the underground city was through a mall. I tried to find my way to it via the subway stations but got really lost....But from the Eaton's Centre, they have lots of pathways that connect you to the other underground malls!

 

[diskids2]

Thank you everyone! I hope you don't regret telling me to "ask away"!

I was wondering if anyone has any strategies for touring La Ronde? Also, I'm trying to figure out if it would be cost effective to purchase the museum pass for $60. We will be going to a few of the museums on the list, I just have to do the cost comparisons. I also know that some of the things we want to do at the museum (like the Indiana Jones exhibit) are not included in pass...so I just have some figuring to do.

That's all for now, except to say...I'm getting excited!

 

[weewuvvdisney]

HI diskids2,

I just learnt something from you - you mentioned a museum pass for $60.00. I hadn't heard about it. I was in the Metro today and saw the information on a sign - I just went on the website. There is a museum pass for $65.00 which includes bus fare. Here's the blurb...

The second, for 65$, gives you access to museums and the Montréal public transit system. It is valid for three consecutive days after it is first used. Each museum can be visited only once.


As for Laronde, I would suggest that you look at the map and just decide what you want to do first. The newest rollercoaster is "Ednor". It's fun and usually has a long line up. Then next one would be "Goliath". Just look at the map at www.laronde.com/larondeen The park is easy to get around and not all that big. Everything is close together. Also, before you come to Montreal, check out the LaRonde Website for discounts on your tickets.. If you can pay in advance and print them - it would be a good idea as sometimes the line ups to buy tickets are long. If you already have them, you can head straight to the gates.

For the underground, as glendalais suggested, you can ask for a map in the metro. Here is a link for information about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underground_City,_Montreal Lots of info there. Most of the Malls run along Ste. Catherine Street and you can exit most of the Malls by Ste. Catherine Street. Not hard to figure out once you are there.

Hope this helps,

 

[diskids2]

HI diskids2,

I just learnt something from you - you mentioned a museum pass for $60.00. I hadn't heard about it. I was in the Metro today and saw the information on a sign - I just went on the website. There is a museum pass for $65.00 which includes bus fare. Here's the blurb...

The second, for 65$, gives you access to museums and the Montréal public transit system. It is valid for three consecutive days after it is first used. Each museum can be visited only once.


As for Laronde, I would suggest that you look at the map and just decide what you want to do first. The newest rollercoaster is "Ednor". It's fun and usually has a long line up. Then next one would be "Goliath". Just look at the map at www.laronde.com/larondeen The park is easy to get around and not all that big. Everything is close together. Also, before you come to Montreal, check out the LaRonde Website for discounts on your tickets.. If you can pay in advance and print them - it would be a good idea as sometimes the line ups to buy tickets are long. If you already have them, you can head straight to the gates.

For the underground, as glendalais suggested, you can ask for a map in the metro. Here is a link for information about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underground_City,_Montreal Lots of info there. Most of the Malls run along Ste. Catherine Street and you can exit most of the Malls by Ste. Catherine Street. Not hard to figure out once you are there.

Hope this helps,

Yes, everything from everyone helps! I did a quick cost comparison and at the moment, it won't work for me to get the museum pass. Most of the special exhibits are not included and we aren't going to the museums in three consecutive days....but I'm glad I checked it out.

Thanks for the tips on the two rollercoasters. I am going to take a look at the map and try to plan the day. Maybe I'll ask my DS, 16 to do it as he is becoming an uber planner like me and my DH and DD just

 

[diskids2]

I found out that IGA delivers to my hotel and that the hotel will accept the pre-paid delivery and put it in our room and if necessary refrigerator.

Thanks for the tip on IGA!

 

[weewuvvdisney]

Well, you are one ahead of me. I didn't even think of having things delivered (even though we have used Garden Grocer - d'uh?). That's great.

Have you been able to find a map of Mtl's. Downtown Underground?

Also, do you know where the Tourism Office is?

Before you know it, you will be here.....

 

[glendalais]

I just looked, again, at the Just For Laughs Festival website and it looks like there are no shows playing at the end of July which is when we are going. Maybe that will change and I will keep my eye on it.

It hasn't actually all been posted on their website as of yet, but yesterday's The Gazette announced a series of English-language acts that will be appearing during your visit.

Craig Ferguson from CBS' Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson will be hosting a gala on 30 July at 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. in the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier of the Place des Arts performing arts centre (located on Sainte-Catherine Street, but also attached to the Place-des-Arts metro station).

In addition, British comics Danny Bhoy and Jimmy Carr will be performing at the Gesù Theatre on Bleury Street (also near the Place-des-Arts metro station) from 21 to 30 July at 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., respectively.

More information can be obtained by visiting the website of the Festival at http://www.hahaha.com/en.

 

[diskids2]

It hasn't actually all been posted on their website as of yet, but yesterday's The Gazette announced a series of English-language acts that will be appearing during your visit.

Craig Ferguson from CBS' Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson will be hosting a gala on 30 July at 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. in the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier of the Place des Arts performing arts centre (located on Sainte-Catherine Street, but also attached to the Place-des-Arts metro station).

In addition, British comics Danny Bhoy and Jimmy Carr will be performing at the Gesù Theatre on Bleury Street (also near the Place-des-Arts metro station) from 21 to 30 July at 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., respectively.

More information can be obtained by visiting the website of the Festival at http://www.hahaha.com/en.

Thank you so much! I just got tickets to Craig Ferguson for the 30th. Front row first level Mezzaine. My DD is so excited. She loves Craig Ferguson.

This Sunday, the group is getting together after Easter dinner to discuss restaurants. I have a whole pack of menu's that I have personally chosen (LOL which means I want to eat there!). Each person is going to choose a favorite. Then I'll insert them into the itinerary. Just love this planning. Now if the dollar would get stronger, I could buy some "loonies"! I know you guys are happy with the conversion rate at the moment

Thanks everyone!

 

[diskids2]

Well, you are one ahead of me. I didn't even think of having things delivered (even though we have used Garden Grocer - d'uh?). That's great.

Have you been able to find a map of Mtl's. Downtown Underground?

Also, do you know where the Tourism Office is?

Before you know it, you will be here.....

Yes, I have a map of the Underground and I know where the Tourism office is.

I am enjoying every part of this planning. Your city is so lovely and full of interesting things to keep me busy. I am actually having trouble fitting everything we would want to do into my plan.

My cast of characters has many different tastes, likes and dislikes, and I'm finding that there is something for everyone!

 

[diskids2]

Checking in again with a few comments/questions...

Last night we met to discuss restaurants. My family seemed to be slanted towards pub type food, but when it comes to eating, I just want them happy.

They picked: McKibbons, Winston Churchill, Chez Suzette, Pub St. Paul, La Banquise, 3 Brasseurs, Hurley's.

Anyone ever been to any of these? I'm wondering about the dress code. Usually we go to dinner straight from being out all day. I'm guessing, since we are going in July, that we will be in t's and shorts/capris. Is this acceptable for the pub type restaurants we selected?

Thanks again,

 

[weewuvvdisney]

Hi there,

The only one of those restaurants that I have been to is Les 3 Brasseurs.
Good food and great atmosphere.

I don't think you will have a problem with shorts in those restaurants. Things are pretty casual in the summer. Of course, there are certain restaurants that you would need to dress up but at those pubs/restaurants, I think you would be okay.

Hope someone else can chime in.........