Montreal at Christmas
 

My family will be skiing in Tremblant for Christmas, and will be staying in Montreal for about a day and a half before flying out (cheaper fare that way and the opp to experience M). With such a short schedule, I thought we'd just spend time shopping and dinner. Afraid that the weather would prevent any sight seeing, and thinking Underground City would be great bc of the weather. Here are my questions: Any other recommendations for shopping in December? We love to bargain shop, any good places to hit? Is there a good three to four star hotel near an entrance to Underground City? I've been to Montreal but the others have not -- I just adored Old Montreal. Any restaurant reccomendations in that area?

Note that holidays are taken very seriously in Canada and you may have a difficult time finding dinner on Christmas day (other than hotel dining rooms).

There are several fine hotels connected to the underground - Queen Elizabeth and Bonaventure Hilton for example.

Note, however, that since Christmas is on a Thursday this year, all the underground shops may be closed on Friday as well.

Since you won't be skiing indoors at Tremblant, there's no probable need to stay indoors in Montreal, either.

Thge horse drawn carriages in Old Montreal all have thick blankets to keep the tourists warm.

Got bargain antiques, head to Notre Dame Steet near the Atwater Market.

Don't let the weather keep you inside.

BAK/

December 26 is boxing day, which is the biggest shopping day of the year; the stores will open at 1 p.m. that day. Being a friday, they will be open till 9 p.m.
I never go to the sales that day myself, it's too crowded but being downtown, you'll be able to wander in the areas where it will be less crowded......

I can't say much about Montreal in winter, I just pass through to Tremblant and never stop.
But for dinner, The Globe is the beet resturant I have ever been to. IThe food is to die for (very pricy) but fab.
The wait staff all look like they have fallen out of the pages of mademoiselle mag. But the food is so good that you really have to stop and try it out.
Don't bother trying to shop around Christmas in Quebec it's the worst experience you will ever have.