First time visit to Montreal - looking for suggestions
 

Hi there. I will be visiting Montreal the first week of October, traveling on my own. I would love some suggestions on a good mix of "touristy" and "non-touristy" things to do while I am there. Would also love to hear about cool neighborhoods, bars, restaurants, shops, and galleries as well. I'll be staying for 4-5 days. Any "musts" for Montreal?

In addition, I'd like to visit some surrounding towns/cities as well. Preferably places I can get to via train in a few hours. I would like to just do one or two days max in each place. Any suggestions on places to visit? Quebec City? Ottawa?

Cheers,
Mike

The archive for this forum contain a steady flow of suggestions for Montreal. The city's tourist information site is also very useful, which has often been mentioned here. Ottawa and Quebec City are both worth at least a full day, which would mean two nights in each one, with decent train or bus service for the travel. But you should get cracking on your research and reservations since tourists keep coming into the fall.

As already stated, there's a ton of info on this site.

Heres a link to the Montreal Visitors guide, which is very useful.
http://octgm.com/guide/

My favorite neighborhood is the Plateau - lots of cafes, byob restaurants, funky shops, bars, etc. However ALL of Montreal is great!

Both Ottawa and Quebec City are great, but if I had to choose one, it would be Quebec City.

I would also pick Quebec City over Ottawa but either would be interesting/worthwhile.

Two museums I really like:
Pointe-à-Callière archeology
http://www.pacmusee.qc.ca/en/home
and the biosphere (not the Biodome)
http://www.ec.gc.ca/biosphere/

Thank you for the suggestions and assistance. Quebec City is a for sure. Any suggestions on reasonably priced, good location, hotels or B&B options based on your experience? Just me going so I only need a decent location and some basic comforts.

mike_pakowski, i assume you've had a chance to read all the great ideas offered to me on my query " a week in montreal".

btw. i have used the bixi bike system in both ottawa and toronto. it is a very affordable way to travel. montreal has a larger network than the others so i can't wait to bie around

cheers
AndrewDavid

Mike, we almost always choose a b&b, preferably in the plateau area. As a single traveller, a b&b would be a good option for you. Last visit we stayed at Shezelles, a small b&b in an excellent location. The rooms are small, but clean,and the breakfasts are good quality. Other b&b's we've enjoyed include Pierre and Dominique's, Welcome B&B and Gite du Parc La Fontaine. There are many others however.