Trip to Ottawa/Motreal/Quebec City

[JUDYKN]

Hi,

Need some advise. My DH & I are planning a trip to Canada from PA this summer. We are driving and will have 8 nights, using one night each on the way up and back. That gives us 6 nights in Canada. Is is possible to stay 2 nights each in Ottawa, Montreal & Quebec City and really enjoy a bit of what each has to offer?? Or is it smarter to pick two and spend 3 night each?? We were in Quebec City for a day a few years ago on a cruise and just loved it! We have never been to Ottawa or Montreal.

Also, what are the 'not to be missed' places in each city?? Very excited about our trip!!!


Thanks for any advise and suggestions!

 

[ccudmore]

What are the dates you're thinking of? Lot of special events I could recommend here in Ottawa but I'd need to know the dates.

 

[JUDYKN]

It will be at the end of July or first few weeks of August.

Thanks!

 

[ellen82]

I am from Ottawa and I would say that Montreal and Quebec City have more to see so if you wanted longer stays I would say in those two cities. Not that Ottawa isnt great but its a smaller city. To give you an idea of driving distance, Ottawa is about 1.5-2 hrs from Montreal (depending on speed and traffic) and Quebec City is about 5 hours from Ottawa.

Montreal traffic is BRUTAL. For some reason there is only ONE hwy through the city so always try to avoid traveling through rush hour.

Now for things to do!

Ottawa
Parliament Hill-is a must see. Tours are free
http://www.parl.gc.ca/visitors/index-e.asp and is beautiful!! Walking around the grounds are also great.

Cats on Parliament Hill-keep there is a CAT sanctuary to the side. A hidden gem but super cute and a must see! http://www.parliamenthill.gc.ca/histoire-history/terrains-grounds/snctr-snctry-eng.html

The Byward Market is really great-lots of cute shops and stalls. You can walk to the Market from Parliament Hill and see the Chateau Laurier-a mini version is in the Canada Pavilion. In the Market is where you can get Beaver Tails-yep, the original location. Along your walk you will also see the rideau canal and there are boat cruises-pretty cheap. Take the one along the Ottawa river-the sunset cruise is my suggestion.

There are also tons of Museums in Ottawa.

Montreal
Its a huge cosmo city. And GREAT for shopping. Here is what I would recommend:

Walk up to St Catherines street for great shopping
Seeing the Old Port area-so gorgeous and great restaurants
Want to try good smoke meat? There is a famous restaurant and its called Schwartz's you may have to wait in line but worth it! http://www.schwartzsdeli.com/
The Ottawa Bio Dome. Former Olympic building is now a indoor type zoo where you can see all the worlds biodiversity. http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/biodome/site/site.php?langue=en
Mont Royal for a great view!
Notre Dame is a great church to view!!

Quebec City-my favorite city and I will be doing a "mini moon" there after my wedding. Just SO SO gorgeous. I would recommend staying within the city walls in the old part of the best experience. My top two hotel recommendations are: Obviously Chateau Frontenac if you have the cash for even one night!! OR even going there for a dinner or the BEST BB in town (ask to stay in the top loft) and former house of a solider on the Plains of Abraham-Maison Historique of James Thompson http://www.bedandbreakfastquebec.com/ The BEST place to stay. Very affordable, gorgeous historic house, great owners. Not to disappoint.
Best upscale restaurant is Le Saint Amour. A bit pricey but so so worth it. Still the best dinner there http://www.saint-amour.com/

The Haunted Walk of Quebec City is really cool and great!! Always a must do.

Best walking tour with food: http://www.toursvoirquebec.com/en/home BEST Tour guide in the CITY! I have been back more than once! Any of them are great.

I know lots of restaurants in each city so send me a message if you want to know more

 

[JUDYKN]

Thank you so much, ellen82!!!

I was looking at staying at Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa. I found rooms for $157 on Travelocity. I would love to stay at Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City....will see...I think you are right if only for one night

Really appreciate all of the info! Want to do and see as much as possible while on vacation! We really enjoy touring the historical buildings and museums, and will definitely do the cruise on the rideau canal. The walking tour in Quebec City sounds great! I also read about the Montreal Gardens, which looked amazing!

The vacation to Canada was my DH's idea, I always want to return to Disney ...but I have to say I am really excited about this vacation!

 

[ellen82]

Hi,

Let me know if you want restaurant suggestions as I am a big foodie

Both of the Fairmont (Laurier and Frontenac) are lovely. My only warning is sometimes the cheaper rooms can be fairly small (just the way they are built).

Lord Elgin in Ottawa is another historical hotel not far from the Laurier and has bigger rooms and are cheaper.

I just adore Quebec City and summer is a lovely time to go

Again, just DONT travel through Montreal during rush hour. So if you are heading to Montreal from Ottawa or vice versa avoid those hours. Montreal is bad at the best of times for driving but it can be like a parking lot during rush hour!!

I really want to go to Disney but my fiance wants to explore other places/not interested in Disney before kids (working on him!) but your trip sounds great-all beautiful cities!

The boat tour in Ottawa is run by Pauls Boat lines and they pick you up below the Chateau Laurier on the river.

OH and another tip, everynight on Parliament Hill there is a cool lightshow..similar to the O Canada 360 show but it plays on the Parliament Buildings a must see!! Ask your hotel when you check in.