We are flying into Montreal Monday, Aug. 9th, and will leave out of Montreal 10 days later. We are planning to spend several days (5?) in Montreal and then to travel to Quebec City.

We need suggestions how to spend the 10 days wisely. When is the best time to be in Montreal - weekdays or weekends? What about Quebec City and Mt. Tremblant?

Can you recommend any other "must-see" sights in the area? (We are generally not museum-people and prefer to spend our time outdoors.)

Do you have any ideas for centrally located, mid-priced lodging in both Montreal and QC?

Should we rent a car to drive between the two locations? Will we need a car to get around each city, or can we rely on public transportation?

Any suggestions for this last minute trip are appreciated! Thanks!

Let's try to get this posting to the top as you need help...I am not a real expert in this field, but would spend time east of Quebec city up to the Saquenay district(Charlevoix region)..this area is full of quaint B and B's, whale watching, etc. Also, you could rent a bike and cycle around Ile d"orleans which is just outside of Quebec city..Maybe this is a start??

'the best time to be in Montreal - weekdays or weekends? '

Anytime, although restaurants are always more crowded on weekends.

' recommend any other "must-see" sights in the area? (We are generally not museum-people and prefer to spend our time outdoors.)'

Vieux Montreal, the Lachine Canal, Mont Royal, walking all over the city, rue Notre Dame for antiques, the Plateau, rue St Denis .



'Should we rent a car to drive between the two locations? '

You can take a train to QC from Montreal. You do not need a car within Montreal. Or within QC.

Public transport in Montreal is great.
Have a good time!

Thanks for the tips! We're actually checking the board quickly right now - we've visited Mont Royal, the botanical gardens, and the Biodome so far...having a great time. We're still looking for tips though, if anyone has suggestions!

In the evening, check out Sq. St. Louis and the adjoining Prince Arthur St. pedestrian area - lots of street entertainment, outdoor restaurants, very lively area.

After visiting Quebec City, drive up to Tadoussac. Take route 138 East to Baie-St-Paul, where you take route 362 east. Village itself is worth a stop for lunch on rue St-Jean-Baptiste, or overnight stay at many B&B. I recommend Auberge Cap aux Corbeaux, about 1 mile east of the village (there is a blue tourist info sign on route 362).
Continue on route 362 East to La Malbaie where 362 merges back with 138 east.
Now, if you have the time, take the following very scenic 5-hour drive. At St-Simeon, take route 170 West to Anse St-Jean (go down to the village itself). Continue to Chicoutimi, come back towards Tadoussac via 172 east, stopping at Ste-Rose-du-Nord.
If you don't have the time, from St-Siméon just continue on 138 east to Tadoussac (this takes only about one hour). The ferry across the Saguenay is free. Come back via 138 west.

Have a good trip.