I am on an Air Canada flight from DC to Paris that stops in Montreal. What was originally a 2 hour layover has now been changed to 7 hours due to flight schedule changes.

Does anyone have ideas of what to do with 7 hours in Montreal? I would love to venture into town to explore a bit, but am unsure if it is worth it. Opinions? If you think it is manageable, which area of town would be good to explore? Also, what is the most convenient way to get to town from the airport?

Thank you in advance for all the suggestions - the prospect of killing 7 hours at an airport is not very appealing, so any suggestions you can offer would be much appreciated!

If Air Canada is ready to take your luggage back immediately after you've cleared immigration and customs, I think it is do-able. Whether it is worth "it" (i am never quite sure what the the it is that people keep asking the worth of) probably depends on the time of year and weather. If I had never been to Montreal, I'd probably ask the taxi driver to take me to Old Montreal (vieux Montreal) -$35 - and spend my time just walking around the cobblestone streets and 18th century buildings and perhaps visiting Notre Dame Basilica (contrast and compare to Notre Dame in Paris), Bonsecours church, Chateau de Ramezay museum, the old harbour.

Alternatively, I might just demand that Air Canada give me a pass into the Maple Leaf Lounge for the inconvenience of the extended stay over.

I dont' see why Air Canada would not take your luggage since you are already flying with them from DC.

Once that's settled, I agree with Ron: take a cab and ask to go to Old Montreal. the ride should last between 30 to 45 minutes (pending on traffic and wheather). There, you will find all the things you need in terms of sightseeing, restaurants and cafes.

Visit this link for more info as to what you can do.

http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/B2C/00/default.asp

Just make sure you give yourself time to get back to the airport...

Hi sonrisa17,

I would try to venture in for a few hours, why not? It would be a great way to get a feel for the city. I would probably also go to Old Mtl, but if you have them drop you at the corner of ST Catherine Street and Peel you'd be in the heart of the city and there's tons of stuff to do around there also.

Let us know what you decide and if you enjoy the time spent in Mtl!

Layla

Hi sonrisa 17

You might think you have seven hours, but it is not probably the case. Allow time for immigration clearance, check-in and security clearance, and you probably have, at best, four.

Four hours is not enough to go into the city and get back in time.

Montreal has an atrocious road system, and traffic is totally unpredictable. Another "great" thing about the Montreal airport is that it does not have a rapid, and reliable link to the city. You are at the mercy of taxis.

You are going to Paris, save your sightseeing for the real thing.

I would just get a day room at the Airport Hilton and relax.

Mark

I'm not sure what the previous poster means when he says that Paris is the "real" thing.....maybe that Montreal is an imposter?? Please.... Paris is my favourite place ever, but Montreal is amazing in it's own right (I live here and love it!) every city has something fantastic to offer and Montreal is no exception.

Yes you might catch a little traffic but wouldn't you rather spend even just 2 hours strolling the streets of a beautiful city than look at the walls of an airport Hilton for 7hrs? I sure would.

Montreal is the "real" thing and I think it would be a shame to miss out on a few fun hours in a unique city....

Layla

It's too bad that people are stuck in the mentality that Quebec is just France Light - for those who can't afford to go to France. With that logic, the USA is England light, or Boston's London Light. Montreal is not Paris, although it's the largest French-speaking city outside of France. Montreal offers things you'd never find in Paris, or elsewhere in North America. It's a very unique city - a blend of modern and French colonial history. Plus, it's bilingual - unlike any other city in North America.

i was certainly not emplying that Montreal is "France Light" i was trying to say that Montreal is unique and has much of its own to offer and is still definitely worth the trip. But it does sound like cdnyul was trying to imply that montreal is a "worse" version of Paris....

Layla

I know Layla.

I wasn't aiming my response at anyone in particular - I was just ranting about a sentiment I see frequently on travel forums in general. Just my way of letting off steam.

No problem Carmanah,

I get frustrated with that sentiment as well...so I just wanted to be sure no one thought i was expressing it!!

Happy Holidays!
Layla

If I had a 7 hour layover in Montreal on the way to Paris and could get the mandatory things at the airport taken care of quickly, I'd definitely catch a cab to the city, but I'd head for the Plateau area, even if I only had two hours to enjoy it. Absolutely love that part of the city!

Oops, didn't realize how old this post was! Sorry!

travgina, that post is not that old, less than a month, lol...