Visiting Quebec/Montreal

[allison443]

DH and I are thinking of a trip this summer, he suggested Quebec or Montreal. We have never been to either one.
Does anyone have any suggestions? Which city would you recommend?
Would four days be long enough?
Ideas on things to see? Places to stay/eat?

Thank you so much for any info!

 

[goofyernmost]

I will let someone that knows the cities better than I answer your questions but either one would be worthwhile. Montreal is a vibrant and easy city. It has a safe feel to it and there are unlimited things to see and do. Plays, concerts, shows, nightclubs, shopping. The underground city which primarily connects the subway stations is massive and interesting and under the city proper. Hotels everywhere and really fine eating establishments (for a less sophisticated fare, try the famous Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich). It is to die for.

Quebec city is mostly "old time" Quebec. Steeped in history and tradition it is a very relaxing place to be. If you have never been to Europe this is as close as you can get without crossing an ocean. It's not cheap but Château Frontenac is a very old, very posh hotel and in the heart of Quebec City.

 

[amyy]

goofyernmost-Did a nice job comparing the two.

http://www.fairmont.com/frontenac
I agree with staying at the Chateau Frontenac. I have only stayed there once and so glad I did. To me it is one of THE places to stay. My parents stayed there on their honeymoon and I believe my husband's parents stayed there on their honeymoon.

I have been to both cities numerous times but more as a child and teenager. I would lean towards Quebec as it is so unique.

 

[mommasita]

Seeing as I am biased I would say Montreal, but I do love Quebec City, especially Old Quebec. The Frontenac is the best place to stay.

If you were coming here, I would say the Chateau Champlain. It is bang spot in the center of downtown.

Summertime has so many festivals that run one after another. Jazz, Just for Laughs, and many more.

I would think 4 days would more than cover either one, even possibly a day trip to the other one.

If there are any specifics you would like, feel free to PM.

 

[Gigi22]

And, even when crossing the border by land--you will each need either a valid passport or another WHTI-compliant identity document.

 

[soulmates]

I say Quebec, but I've never been to Montreal. We did Quebec and it is a VERY romantic city. Full of cafe's, theater in the parks, amazing nightlife, excellent food and you HAVE to do a carriage ride around the city. We stayed at the Château Frontenac which is PHENOMENAL. Great city!!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I LOVE MONTREAL! We go at least once a year to just spend time there. That said, like any city in Quebec, almost all public signs are in French, so it's good to know at least a few directional names in French to navigate.

My favorite place to stay in Montreal is Hotel Vogue but navigating Montreal is pretty easy and their subway system is great. Food is a big deal in Montreal, there are some absolutely amazing restaurants! The nightlife is great too, but if you're conservative, don't be shocked at the abundance of adult entertainment options, even on main roads next to generic retail places.

 

[goofyernmost]

goofyernmost-Did a nice job comparing the two.

http://www.fairmont.com/frontenac
I agree with staying at the Chateau Frontenac. I have only stayed there once and so glad I did. To me it is one of THE places to stay. My parents stayed there on their honeymoon and I believe my husband's parents stayed there on their honeymoon.

I have been to both cities numerous times but more as a child and teenager. I would lean towards Quebec as it is so unique.

Thanks...I stayed there on my honeymoon as well. Middle of winter, cold, but who really wanted to go out anyway?

 

[Sonya]

I love Quebec. It is so romantic as some have said. Make sure you visit the Citadel and go to lower town. Try Poutine! If you can get out of town, go east and visit the St. Anne Cathedral and the waterfalls on the side of the road.

 

[anniemae]

I have been to both and have to say I would love to go back to Quebec City. It is so beautiful, there are great restaurants, lots to do etc. You can even do side trips (montmorecy falls, st.Anne-beaupre).

You must stay at the chateau frontenac, it is so beatiful and historic. The whole city has a very European feel to it.

 

[allison443]

Thank you for all the responses!
I think we will be going to Quebec.
Chateau Frontenac looks amazing (looked at the website quickly)!!
We are trying to use frequent flyer miles for the flight so maybe we can splurge on that hotel...I think it would be perfect!

We do have passports like a poster mentioned...we went to London/Paris a few years ago. Quebec looks very European like someone said..

We will probably go in July or August, we can be flexible with the dates so I am going to play around with the calendar and see what I can do.

I really appreciate all the responses!!

 

[allison443]

Seeing as I am biased I would say Montreal, but I do love Quebec City, especially Old Quebec. The Frontenac is the best place to stay.

If you were coming here, I would say the Chateau Champlain. It is bang spot in the center of downtown.

Summertime has so many festivals that run one after another. Jazz, Just for Laughs, and many more.

I would think 4 days would more than cover either one, even possibly a day trip to the other one.

If there are any specifics you would like, feel free to PM.

Thank you!
Actually it was when I saw your post on another thread I saw you are from Montreal and that gave me the idea to post my question here!