My fiance and I were planning to go to Montreal in mid-July to check out the comedy festival and also have a romantic weekend. Can you recommend some places to check out, places to stay, eat, etc?

Thanks!

Dear Karina,
What is your budget?

Do a search back on this site for 'Montreal' - you'll get a ton of info. In brief, the comedy fest is centered around Rue St. Denis, which is possibly the most fun street in the city even without the festival. This part of the city is know as the Latin Quarter & Plateau neighborhoods. If you want to stay right in this area, the
Auberge Jardin d'Antoine is a small hotel right in the midst of the action. If you want a large 3* hotel with pool, etc, the Crowne Plaza on Sherbrooke East is a short walk away. There are also many small b&b's in the Plateau area, especially around Sq. St. Louis (very nice area!). You can also stay downtown, which is more 'Manhatten like', or stay on Old Montreal, which is very charming, but a bit of a hike to the festival. Must sees for the first time visitor would include the Old City and waterfront, the cafe and shopping scene on the plateau (lots of byob places), and the bustling downtown with it's department stores and underground malls. The Botanical Gardens are amazing, as is the Biodome.

we are probably looking to spend $500 or so for 2, 3 nights

Go to the "tam-tams" if you are there on a Sunday at Mont Royal. If you have a bongo drum all the better.

Stayed downtown Montreal. Metro stop: Berri-UQAM & nr bus stn to P. Trudeau airport. www.augitann.com tel: (514) 523 4494. B/fast is optional. Free tea/coffee & kitchenette so you can do yr own meals. Very clean.

Go visit the Musee Pointe A Calliere in old Montreal - archaelogical musuem with an Imax cinema.