Montreal and Quebec City for Christmas Holidays
 

Hi!

I'm considering spending 3 days in both Montreal and Quebec City, maybe 2 in Montreal and 1 in Quebec City. Coming from Toronto possibly from 26th to 28th Dec. Want to take the 'cheap' route for this trip. Have a few questions?

1) Apart from Via Rail or Greyhound buses, are there any other 'cheap' options for getting to Toronto to Montreal, and then also from Montreal to Quebec City?

Haven't yet decided the route.....i.e. TO to Montreal then Quebec City and back to TO, or other way around. Suspect it shouldn't make a difference.

2) Any suggestions of 'cheaper' hotels or motels to stay in both Montreal and Quebec City?

3) I won't be having a car. So, is it worthwhile going to Quebec City? What is public transport like there?

Thanks,

Gtrekker2003

topping

Don't know much about transportation, but I highly encourage you to go to Quebec City for Christmas. It is simply enchanting! An inexpensive place to stay in Quebec is Maison Historique James Thompson, in the heart of the walled city. Check out its website at http://www.bbexpo.com/jamesthompson

Via Rail is probably your best option for Toronto -> Montreal. I've never been to Quebec City, but hear it's beautiful, romantic and very picturesque. In general, public transportation in cities is good in Quebec, so I can't imagine it's too difficult in Quebec City. I know you'll have no problems finding your way around Montreal on public transport.

As for hotels, check on hotels.com - there are so many hotels in Montreal, you're bound to find a good price somewhere. I have friends that often stay at the Marriott Residence Inn on Peel Street. It's pretty nice and the rates are reasonable, I think. Depends how cheap you want to go. There are less expensive options, I'm sure.

Just a few suggestions!

Once you are in the old city of Quebec it is very walkable. There are B&Bs there to stay in. Very beautiful even in winter. Dress warmly though. Montreal and Quebec are a good ten degrees colder than Toronto. I have been in Montreal around New Years and it is lovely, but cold.

Yes, it definitely cold. I live in Montreal and the temperatures are starting to drop quickly. It is -12 degrees celsius today, and that's a pretty average winter temp in Montreal. Bundle up!

Do you think January is too cold to spend a few nights in Quebec City? Are the stores and restaurants open? And can you walk to them without becoming a block of ice?

Are you from Toronto? If so, Québec City shouldn't be too cold for you to skip, although it will be colder than Toronto at that time. Just follow the usual precautions of dressing warmly.

You did not ask about what to visit, but I must recommend a visit at Art Museum in Montreal - there is a big and very beautiful exposition about landscapes of Provence.
I hope you will enjoy as I did!

Check out this place in Montreal, www.augitann.com Downtown, & b'fast is optional as there is a kitchenette & fridge so you can do yr own food. Shops & supermarket round the corner. Small, only 3 rms but very friendly, helpful & clean.
Ann who runs the place is very organised.

A very reasonable place to stay in Quebec City is the Chateau de la Terrasse Dufferin. It is almost next door to the Chateau Frontenac and overlooks the boardwalk and St. Lawrence River. We fell in love with the place on our visit last year.

Google the hotel and also look on Trip Advisor for some great reviews.

Gina

I am starting to plan my Christmas vacation (Dec 24 to Jan 2) and thinking about flying into Montreal on Dec 24, spend 3 days there, and take the train to Quebec City (Dec 28), spend 3 days there, before flying back to Newark (Jan 1). I have never been to Quebec before, but will all the stores and museums be closed on Christmas Day on Montreal and/or Quebec City? How about Boxing Day?