POWERPUFF71

Planning a trip to Old Montreal and Old Quebec in the last week of September for 2 adult cousins. Flying in from NY to Montreal from Thursday – Tuesday and want to split up the trip as evenly if possible. Not sure if I should start in Old Montreal or Old Quebec. Need information on transport from one city to the other and recommendations on where to stay. This will be my first trip to Canada so all info is welcome.

Southam

Since you will lose at least a half-day travelling at each end of the long weekend, and a half-day commuting between the two Canadian cities, I suggest visiting only one city. Montreal probably has more to occupy you although QC is a fine visit too. If you insist on doubling up, use a multi-destination search function to fly into one city and home from the other. Quebec City has fewer air connections and the bulk of the non-stops (although not all) appear to use Newark.

garyt22

Plenty of days for both cities... start in Montreal and consider taking a city tour on day one via trolley or bus... that will give you some history and an over view of the city... we stayed at the Queen Elizabeth, however there are some European hotels in Old Montreal that you may favor... prepare for some walking and side trips to more distant attractions... we also enjoyed the bistros and jazz clubs...

You can then either train, bus, or fly to Quebec City, where the old city is a walled area with a whiff of Paris... the classic Hotel le Chateau Frontenac sits at the edge of the old city and is full on french character... the old city also hosts festivals, reenactments, shops aND bistros...

Then either return to NYC from QC or Montreal after your visit... have fun

zootsi

Your time frame is just about right for these two cities. Realize that Quebec City is much smaller (but more scenic) than Montreal, so give an extra day in Montreal. Doesn't matter which one you start with, but Quebec City is more unique so you might want to do it first. also realize that there is a LOT more to Montreal than the old portion, which is quite small. After doing several days in Quebec City, you might want to consider staying in a different area of Montreal, like the Plateau which is rich in small byob restaurants, funky shops and quiet side streets. There are many b&b's in both cities, which are a lot of fun if you like interacting with other travellers.

POWERPUFF71

Thanks for the feedback.
So now I am thinking we will fly into Montreal and head straight to Old Quebec till late Saturday or Sunday then spend remainder in Montreal so we are closer to the airport.
Do you happen to have any advice for safe but affordable hotels in both areas? I have mostly seen prices 250-400 USD. It would be nice to stay in the 150-200 per nite range. I understand that might not be possible.
thanks

BC_Robyn

I don't have hotels to suggest, but I also want to emphasize that Montreal is so much more than its tiny old port, and don't just think of your visit there as a visit where you're going to be gawking at old buildings and cobblestone streets. Montreal has much more in common with NYC and San Francisco. It's a city with a vibrant art, music, festival, and food scene, and to miss out on those aspects would be a real shame. Please explore beyond the old port to get a real sense of Montreal's spirit. The old port is fairly touristy (think Disneyland), but when you get out exploring other neighbourhoods, especially the Plateau/Mile End area, that's where you get a glimpse of the "true Montreal" with little French patisseries, adorable cafes with sprawling garden patios (known as "terrasses"), quirky and eccentric unique-to-Montreal shops, and some really interesting multicultural dining opportunities, etc. Plus, the people watching's fantastic.

I think that's another factor about Montreal: it's really cosmopolitan, chic, and international - so many cultures live there. It's the city that spawned Cirque de Soleil and Leonard Cohen. Quebec City is culturally quite the opposite. I know people choose these destinations for the history, but for Montreal, the history is just one tiny part. The contemporary culture is what makes that city cool.

zootsi

Plenty of hotels downtown within your budget. Look for hotels on rue Sherbrooke , which is close to the plateau but considered downtown. On the plateau, it's mostly small hotels and b&b's. Both the downtown, the plateau and the old Montreal are quite safe.