Montreal & Quebec City in 2 days?
 

My husband and I (early 30's)have never been to either Montreal or Quebec City. We will be in Montreal for 2 full days plus 1 evening in November. Would it be crazy to take 1 full day and go to Quebec City and spend another full day seeing Montreal? I heard Quebec City is wonderful and I don't forsee going back to this area any time soon. We mostly want to see the major sights (not museums)and walk around historic areas and I realize we won't see the gardens in Montreal this time of year. If we go 1 day to Quebec City, should we drive a rental car or take the train? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I've been to both cities many times, and this is a tough call. First of all, Montreal can easily keep you busy for 2-3 days. Realize travel time between the cities is a good 3 hours. On the other hand, Quebec City is possibly the most scenic city in North America. If you don't think you'll ever be back AND if you don't mind the 6+ hours travelling, then go for it. If you don't, you'll still have a great time staying in Montreal, one of the most fun cities anywhere.

November? Stay in Montreal.

Quebec City will be cold and rainy and not all that scenic. Montreal will be cold and rainy, too, probably, but you'll be seeing it rather than riding on a train or in a bus or driving on a dull highway.

And Montreal is well worth the two days.

BAK

Im agreeing with the other posters that this is a tough call but all I can say is that if you get a taste of these cities and you are able you will make the effort to go back. They are gems!!!

I would stay 2 days in Montreal. Quebec City is beautiful. We spent 3 full days there in the end of September and I wish we had more time for side trips.. Plan another trip for Quebec City. Nobember is not the best time to go to Montreal either, but 2 days will be sufficient to walk in Old Montreal and downtown area and cover the underground city. Good luck with the weather.
Lev.

As mentioned, November is not a good month for weather. And the 2 cities are quite different. Quebec has a much more extensive "historic area", in fact, that's mainly what there is to do in Quebec City - wander the Old Walled section. Montreal has an "Old" section too, but also has the expected "big city" attractions. If you have to be in Montreal anyway, and you've only got 2 days, I think there probably isn't time to do both - you'll waste a lot of the time travelling in the attempt.