jean

We are planning a trip to the Montreal area in early May for 10 days and need help. We have never been to this area - don't have a clue as to what is there. Please help me plan our trip - it will be 4 adults. Don't have any reservations yet anywhere, except plane tickets. We are very open to suggestions - places to go, eat stay - we love the mountains, scenery, wildlife, moderate priced motels - should we go to Quebec City also - will be there 10 days, how far is to far to plan on traveling out from Montreal. All help will be greatly appreciated. Also, how will the weather be then?

Bonnie

I was curious why no one had responded to your posting as there are always people that will talk about Montreal. I think it was because you asked so many questions that it would take a long time to respond. I will try my best but may not have all the answers you want. I just came back from Montreal. What I love about it is the European flavour, the hustle and bustle, the nightlife. I would suggest you stay downtown and that means anywhere from approx. Mountain Street to Parc, from Sherbrooke to Rene Levesque. You didn't say what your price range is and if you're using US$, since even the high end hotels will sound cheap to you. I always look for suite hotels when I travel as I like that extra space. Check out the following websites for deals: expedia.ca, google (Montreal Hotels Discount), marriott.com(ebreaks).<BR>Email me directly or post your final choices to fodorites and we will critique your final choices. I enjoyed the Sheraton Centre with kids, the Marriott Courtyard with teenagers, don't mention the Ritz Carlton to my kids or you're hear about the snooty staff (still, four years later), the Chateau Versailles was rundown) etc. Also look at Fodor's Rants and Raves for hotels. You should expect a bargain to be around $115 downtown and if you can get parking or breakfast included grab it. Try for the concierge level or for loyalty points. Are you Automobile Club members (AAA/CAA), AARP, is it on the week-end? That helps with the rate. For things to do in Montreal: Expect to eat well and do a lot of walking. The areas to explore are downtown, Old Montreal, Laurier Avenue. You must eat in one of the famous longtime delis, you must find a place for crepes and onion soup, you must head underground to Place Ville Marie, you must check out some of the galleries on Sherbrooke. Do you know French? You must learn some if you don't. Re: the Mountains- head for the Laurentians. You can go to Mt.Tremblant which has a wonderful village at the base of the mountain. Forget your car for a couple of days as you enjoy the scenery and the fresh air. Don't stay anywhere but at the base even if it means staying only one night. You could stay in St. Sauveur on your way back to Montreal. Also charming. The drive north of the city is easy, highway driving (one hour to Sauveur, 2 hours? Mt. Tremblant). Don't go on a Friday or in rush hour. Well, I'm done. I'll leave it to someone else to elaborate further. Have fun.<BR>

Jean

Bonnie, thanks for your suggestions. As I am in the very early stages of planning this trip, any and all help will be greatly appreciated. We have never been to this area. Is there any wildlife (moose) in the mountain areas? Do you have any ideal how far it is to Halifax from Montreal? I'm sure it's to far for this trip. Also, Quebec City - tell me some about it. Thanks again

Bob

As for Quebec City, do plan to visit it. It is a fascinating city, with much to offer, especially the old town, both upper and lower parts. There is also a wonderful variety of museums. There is history galore, as it is among the oldest cities in North America, and possibly the most "European" one.

DougD

Jean, I have been to Montreal many times, and Quebec City a few times. Here are some tips: First off, Provence Quebec puts out excellent free tourist guide books for both cities. Try and get them if you can. For Montreal -I feel there are three basic neighborhoods of interest to stay in for first time visitors.<BR> 1. The downtown. This is where most tourists usually stay. There are lots of tall buildings, stores of every description, museums, and lots of big hotels. This area is like New York, with a French twist. I would recommend one of the big 3* hotels on or near Sherbrooke - the Delta, Holiday Inn, & Courtyard are all fine. This is a very central location. <BR>2. Old Montreal - Very old, quaint, somewhat touristy, a bit away from the Metro. I have never stayed in this area, but there are several very nice small hotels ands b&b's here. <BR>3. The Sherbrooke East/Latin Quarter area - My preference, especially in warmer months when you can walk the interesting streets. This is a very French, very lively area with hundreds of shops, outdoor cafes, bars, etc, etc. Not too many big hotels here other than the Crowne Plaza. Lots of small European style hotels, and some very nice b&bs. Just avoid anything from St. catherine Street or below, as that area is not as nice. Not much scenery or wildlife around the city, but lots of flat farmland south of the city. <BR>As for Quebce City, for a 10 day vacation, you should spend at least a few days here. It is very much like a small, very old French walled city - very scenic! Do stay in the old city or very close by. There are a few large chain hotels just outside the walls, and lots of smaller hotels and b&b's inside. As for scenery, the park of 7 waterfalls is very much a 'north woods' type environment about 45 minutes outside the city. The Ile De Orleans is a very unspoiled agricultural island just outside the city, great for bicycling.<BR>Both Cities are very special, with their own personalities. <BR>

Jonathan

If you plan to travel from Montreal to Quebec City, I would suggest you take the train. There are 5-6 daily departures and the return fare is only US$40.

jean

Jonathan, why would you travel by train from Motreal to Quebec City if you have a rental car? <BR>Also, has anyone been up Rt. 155 to Lac St. Jean? What's the drive like up there and how far from Montreal? Any spectacular scenery up that way?<BR>Also, Bonnie said to stay at a village at the base of Mt. Tremblant. Can anyone tell me the name of it? Thanks<BR>

Bonnie

Jean, a couple of websites for you: mt-tremblant.com (Yes, you need the "-") and the quebec tourism website (it's in English) www.tourisme.gouv.qc.ca. One of the hotels at the Tremblant base is the Marriott Residence Inn. There are others,too.

al

We are also first time visitors to Montreal (this June). We have booked rooms at the Hotel Maritime Plaza. Prices seemed very reasonable. Any comments?

Jean

DougO - Do you have any of the names of any of the smaller hotels or B&B in the Sherbrooke East/Latin Quarter - sounds lovely, also any in the old city of Quebec? Thanks, Jean

Jean

Are there any guided fishing trips in the areas out from Quebec City or Montreal? My husband loves to fish and usually tries to fish a day or two on our trips?