barca_fan_bb

I am considering travelling to Canada in November, Toronto and/or Montreal more than likely although not confirmed. What are some good things to do, places to visit, food places to go to during this month? Any suggestions guys/gals? Don't hold back as I don't want to limit myself. I want to keep my choices open.

OceanBreeze1

Just out of curiosity, why November?

garyt22

Toronto has a wealth of museums and Theatre available as well as both the NBA and NHL... there is an underground system of passages to keep you out of the weather...

... however Toronto is alive in the summer and I would encourage you to reconsider your timing... much of the fun of both Toronto and Montreal (as well as Quebec City) revolve around walking and exploring the waterfront, historical sites, outdoor festivals, markets and neighbourhoods...

It would unfairly paint those cities during their "off seasons" when they are so alive in the summer months...

zootsi

I'm a big fan of Montreal - it is rich in good restaurants ( many of them byob), fun cafes, clubs, parks, biking trails, shops, street fests, etc. Unfortunately November is perhaps the worst month to visit with it's ice, sleet and grey days.

barca_fan_bb

Hello All,

Thanks for all the responses so far. Honestly November simply because that is when I getting my vacation this year. I know the weather will not be as good but surely the experience can be nice at this time even it isn't Summer.

Keep it coming.

OceanBreeze1

barca,
Well, no...it will not "surely" be a nice experience. November in Toronto and Montreal is bleak. And, Montreal can be bitterly cold in Nov. I used to go to Montreal mid Nov to visit my son when he was @ McGill.

If it is at all possible for you to go another time, I would highly recommend that you visit Toronto and Montreal at that time. October wld be nice. Could you switch your vaca to Oct?
Or, May. May is absolutely beautiful...not too cold, not too hot, just beautiful. Spring is in the air! Lovely.

But if you must go in Novenber, I hope it is at least very early November so you can piggyback on some great end of October weather if we get it this Fall. That said, early October is better. Sept is great!

OB1

outdoor1

If you must travel in November you could get lucky. The wineries in Niagara on the Lake do a tasting event in November that we often go to and we have been very lucky with the weather. We usually sit outside the wineries basking in the weak sun. However it could snow.
But that said millions of us live in this climate and we make do.
There is The Royal Winter Fair in Toronto that is well reputed if you like that sort of thing.
The restaurant 360 on top of the Cn tower doesn't need nice weather , just a clear day. It is a stunning place to pass a couple of hours over a so so meal.
The Distillery District offers galleries and restaurants and is nice to walk around.

We visited Our University student son in Toonto in March this year and it was bitterly cold . We made it into a foodie trip. We ate a lot , did the Cn Tower, and the Distillery Districtand went to St. Lawrence Market.. There is also Kensington Market.

As for Montreal I haven't been in November, but my son went for a cold April weekend and had a lot of
Again I think they ate a lot , plus went to museums.
I think a trip is what you make of it.
If you can switch to October you are more likely to have better weather, but sometimes you have to work with what you've got.

zootsi

Ok even though November isn't the ideal, Montreal is always fun. Rue St. Denis is perhaps the livliest street in the city - lots of restaurants (many are byob), bars, jazz and other live music clubs, interesting shops, etc. Rue St. Laurent is also hopping between St. Catherine and Mt Royal, lots of clubs and restuarants. St Catherine downtown is the big shopping mecca, and if the weather is really nasty, you can go into the underground city, which is a huge complex of malls. Other interesting streets would include Mt. Royal, Rue Rachael, and Crescent. For museums, the Fine arts and the Redpath (McGill Campus)are interesting. Don't miss going in the Notre Dame Basillica in Old Montreal.

Vttraveler

Our older son went to McGill and we always visited him over Thanksgiving weekend. Late November is not the ideal time for visiting Montreal but there is plenty to do and lots of good food. We are from north central VT so probably not as depressed by the weather as others--it is at least as bad here.

For museums I always recommend the excellent Pointe-à-Callière museum of Archeology and History

owencantik

I will come visit Canada November also, so you are not alone. I like to show the kids snow. Does anyone know is Quebec start snowing on Nov 2013?
Thank you.

jamierin

Owencantik - The first snowfall of the year typically occurs in November so you may get lucky. Usually happens towards the end of the month and historically, around a foot (12 inches) of fresh snow will fall in Quebec City throughout November.

eliztravels2

The Biodome in Montreal is wonderful. On a grey ,chilly November day the rainforest section will warm your soul and your body.