katzen

My sister and I are thinking about flying to Montreal and training to Quebec sometime this summer/fall. Airfare seems to be hovering around $560ish from Washington, D.C. to Montreal. I searched May - September. We've never flown to Montreal so aren't sure if this is a bit on the expensive side or not. If it is, any idea when we may get a cheaper flight? Any tricks or time of year to go?
Thanks!

aucho53

Hi Katzen,

One way to save some $$$ if you are willing to rent a car is to fly into an airport in the US that is close to Montreal, Burlington VT is a good choice. Montreal has very expensive landing and departure fees for some reason. Maybe the alternate airport could work for you? Instead of training it to QC you could use your rental car??

Good luck!

Layla

nanciej

Katzen
I live in Montreal and fly to Dulles and Reagan often enough. The rate you have sounds about right. Sometimes you can get it a little cheaper but with fuel prices I know the rates have risen slightly.

YOu could do as Layla suggests and drive the 2 hours or so up from Burlington. it is a nice and easy drive. I know you can get pretty cheap rates to burlington.

Train to Quebec is one option, but I would say that depends on what you plan on doing and for how long. Personally, I would spend far more time in Montreal. If you are just planning on going to the old city in Quebec, train would be fine. If you want to get out to the countryside at all, a car may be better.

As for time of year, well, MOntreal is fabulous from May to September, However, a few times to note: Formula 1 Grand Prix is early JUne (usually around the 7th). The city is packed and it is very expensive. End of june, first week of July is the Mtl Jazz Festival. Don't be fooled by the Jazz part-it is really an international music festival with at least 8 outside free stages. Fantastic time to visit. (headliners this year for paid venues include Al Green, Aretha Fraklin, Steely Dan...)

If comedy is your bag, mid July is the Just for Laughs festival-one of the largest comedy festivals in the world. check out www.hahaha.com. Huge headliners and a wide range of shows over 10 days.

Weather is hot and humid in the summer. September and May/early June are my favorite months for weather but some folks love the heat.

Lots to do in the summer-enjoy!

Nancie

katzen

Thank you Layla and Nancie!! We will definitely look into flying to Burlington, VT. We would only be going for 3/nights. We would only want to visit the old town in Quebec City. Nancie, thank you for all of the information about Montreal!!

aucho53

HI Katzen,

If your trip is only for 3 nights I think I would stick to Montreal, but adding QC is doable....it would just be adding a little bit too much moving around within such a short period of time for my liking. But if you want to do by means go for it!!

If you have any other questions about Montreal don't be shy!

Layla

teacherCanada

Katzen

I have to agree with aucho53. I love Quebec City, but your time will be better spent absorbing the joys of Montreal rather than chasing down 2 cities in 3 days.

Relax in Montreal, sit in the cafes, check out the many sites that appeal to you. Don't rush off. Save Quebec City for another trip.

I would encourage you to book your accommodations soon depending upon whether your dates hit a busy time.