TravelRibbon

Hi,

I need some expert advice. I want to see Stevie Wonder in concert at the Jazz Festival on June 30. I could drive up from Boston and get to the concert in time (it doesn't start until 9:30 p.m.). I thought I'd try to visit Toronto as well. I did some price comparisons and it seems that the train is the best option. I looked at the VIA Rail station website and it appears that there is long term parking available. Would you recommend leaving my car there for long term stay?

My thoughts are to leave Montreal on July 1 and then return to Montreal on July 5 and then drive back to Boston.

Am I crazy to even entertain a trip such as this?

Thanks,
TR

LJ

If you live in Boston, I am not sure why you would feel it is necessary to go to both Toronto and Montreal in one trip: with all the bargain fares or by car, its not so hard...I go to Boston once a year whether I have to or not!(BTW, I am assuming you don't know Montreal very well...)

Go to Montreal. See Stevie (its such a great experience!) "Do" the rest of the jazz festival scene, visit Old Montreal, the cafes and bistros, the art gallery, Mount Royal, the gardens... relax...if you really can't bear to hang around in Montreal, check out Quebec City if you've never been there.

But for a trip of less than a week, personally, I think you'd be foolish to try to pack in BOTH Montreal and Toronto in less than a week.

But next time you get itchy feet, come to Toronto...if you want to know why, search Toronto here...there are a lot of knowledgable folks who will give you lots of ideas, even without the Wonder of Stevie.

BAK

Toronto's a fine city -- I live there -- and Montreal's a fine city, too. I used to live there on weekends.

Depending on your intrests, and how much you like to drive, how about going to Ottawa instead of Toronto?

And do it by car.

That solves the long term parking expense, and gets you to see Canada's capital, whcih in the summer time is a very nice place indeed.

BAK

TravelRibbon

Thanks for the suggestions!

I go to Montreal every year for the Jazz Festival and since there isn't really a big pull for me this year(besides Stevie), I wanted to combine a couple of cities in one trip. Hmm, Ottawa instead of Toronto. That is a very real possibility. I looked online and it does seem like a very nice place to visit.

TR

Daniel_Williams

TravelRibbon--

Since you've been to Montreal a number of times, I think actually that your original idea sounds like fun... go to Montreal, park your car, see Stevie and catch VIA Rail to Toronto. Then spend the bulk of your vacation in Toronto. That might put you in T.O. in the evening on Canada Day, which I imagine might be good fun.

Enjoy whatever you decide! DANIEL

toedtoes

I'd second the idea to drive to Ottawa. 4 days in Ottawa would be great. You could see the Canada Day events on Parliament Hill and enjoy the next few days exploring the city and all it offers.

Then, as LJ suggests, you can plan another trip to see Toronto (and maybe add Niagara Falls) which deserves a week of it's own.

kodi

Another vote for Ottawa, if you really don't want to stay in Montreal. Just be sure to make your reservations as soon as possible. It will get very very busy for Canada Day. I have not been there on Canada Day, but have heard its lots of fun...but very crowded.

almcd

Nobody has mentioned so far that July 1st is the biggest holiday of the year in Canada. Everything is shut, but there are a huge number of events going on, especially in Ottawa. I too would avoid Toronto at that time and do the Montreal/Ottawa combination. The drive from one to the other is easy.

TravelRibbon

Wow! At first, I was leaning more towards Toronto, but when I looked at Google Maps, I saw the amount of distance I would cover going from Montreal to Toronto to Boston, I sighed. I don't mind driving, but I'm thinking that Toronto needs a trip on its own.

So, I think that Ottawa is it! Thanks for the helpful thoughts and comments. Now, I need to find a place to stay. Any thoughts??

TR

kodi

Are you on a real budget? I really like the Arosa Apartments. ( Google Arosa) They are very basic, but you have a one bedroom apartment...clean and comfortable. The location is very good.. just off Elgin St within walking distance of all the action, Parliament Buildings, Byward Market etc.

toedtoes

My last trip, I stayed as the Days Inn downtown. It was a couple blocks from the ByWard Market and fairly inexpensive. Kodi's suggestion is closer to all the action and I would vouch for her suggestions as she has not steared me wrong yet.

When you are in Ottawa, be sure to visit the cat sanctuary on the Parliament grounds. There's something about seeing a bunch of REAL "fat cats" outside the political ground zero.

laverendrye

Here's some information on the events in Ottawa on Canada Day

http://tinyurl.com/5ynl6o

TravelRibbon

Wow! Thanks for the additional suggestions!

Kodi: I called Arosa and they were booked! The individual gave me some recommendations and I wound up booking at Cartier Place (via Expedia).

toedtoes: thanks for the suggestion to visit the cat sanctuary. I can't wait!

laverendrye: thanks for the link! It looks very helpful. I'll have to dig deeper when I have a free moment.

I am so excited to see Stevie Wonder in Montreal and then heading to Ottawa! However, I must remain somewhat calm - I have a final coming up a week from today (Wednesday).

TR

LJ

Good luck with your final...I can't think of a nicer way to treat yourself than Stevie plus Ottawa on Canada Day(don't forget to eat a beaver tail!)

kodi

TR, I'm glad you found something.. It's a real busy time in Ottawa on Canada day, and a real festive mood .
Now back to reality for now and concentrate on that final. Good luck..
and have fun in Montreal and Ottawa.