Last minute to Quebec City and Montreal
 

We are taking a last-minute trip to Quebec City and Montreal this weekend. What with deciding to go, getting a sitter to stay with the kids for the weekend, making arrangements at work, etc, I have not done any homework on Quebec yet and am asking the kind of question I usually wouldn't: Is anyone willing to give me the highlights of:
* The sights to see
* Great places to eat (both thrifty and nice), and
* Specialties/souveniers of the region?

We'll be in Quebec City two nights and Montreal one night. I will do some reading on the plane but between now and leaving Thursday I won't have much time. Nous parlons francais so that should help a little. We'll be traveling by car.

Also --I recently heard the phrase "maple shacks"--I have no idea what they are but it sounds interesting, anyone know what/where they are?

Thanks so much,
KG

I haven't been there yet, but I've been planning for a few months to go the weekend after you.
Montreal's biodome and underground shopping area looked like the most interesting.
This website lists walking routes in Quebec for upper and lower town. Lots of history to see. I heard Chateau Frontenac is a beautiful place to see. There is also a 40 minute shuttle ride to an "Ice Hotel" nearby that you can sight see in the afternoon and hit the absolute bar during the evening.
If I think of anything else I'll let you know. Otherwise, between this website and AAA freebees you can accumulate plenty of reading material to see what's best for you.
Have a great time and let me know if there's anything I should know when you get back. My friend and I will be driving to Montreal for two nights, then up to Quebec for two more nights right after you.

Hi Kellygirl,

Not sure if you will get this post before you leave... Considering the time of the year you are going, sugar shack seems like a good thing to do (if you can handle greasy food and the delicious sweetness of maple!) I've heard that the Sucrerie de la montagne, about 45 mns West of Montreal, is very good for a meal and for learning how maple products are made - http://www.sucreriedelamontagne.com There are tons of sugar shacks in the greater Montreal and Quebec areas, just ask around. If you don't have time for an actual meal, sometimes they have maple shack stands outside in Old Quebec city, so you will likely get acquainted with the tradition anyway!

Have fun!

Hi kellygirl,
I'm actually going to Sucrerie de la montagne next week.

Sugar shacks (cabanes à sucre)are maple syrup "farms" where they produce maple syrup. A lot of them provide tour, activities (french-canadian folk dancing, anyone?), and maple-based meals to curious people. It can be an interesting excursion for you.

In Montreal for sure you have to go to Old Montreal.
I would suggest you to go to www.frommers.com, and print their free guide. They have guides for short trips normally.

Bon voyage!

Thanks all for your help! I am headed to the airport in a few hours and really looking forward to the trip.

KG

Hello all,

We had a great trip, sans enfants, it was wonderful. I found Montreal and Quebec City to be delightful. We also went to Charlevoix for a drive.

The old city areas of both cities were charming and interesting. Quebec certainly has it's own style of architecture, a mix of many things that makes it uniquely Quebecois. I am hoping we can go back in the summer or fall sometime. We did have a great trip even though it never went above 0 degrees celsius.

I bought all kinds of maple everything, which is wonderful.

PS I got such a deal on our hotel--$80/night through priceline to stay at the Loews Le Concorde. I highly recommend it.

kelly, glad you enjoyed your trip; it was so cold last week, lower than average for the date.
Let us know where you ate, in Montreal in particular.