Montreal on shoestring budget April05
 

Hi: Im planning to visit Montreal in April for 3-4 days maximum. Wish to accomplish most touristy things in Downtown but is there some place exotic near or around Montreal within driving distance? Also, I wish to accomplish all this in a fixed budget. Suggestions welcome. Thank you.

Montreal is easy to do on a showstring budget. There are lots of b&b's that are under $80 US a night and are in great locations. As for dining, check out Duluth Street near St. Denis - there are lots of interesting, inexpensive byob restaurants in this area. I can't think of anything 'exotic' outside of the city. However, there are lots of interesting ethnic neighborhoods throughout the city, such as Chinatown, Spanish, Portugueese, Middle Eastern, Jewish, Italian, etc which might be considered somewhat exotic. For an inexpensive morning, head up to the Jean Talon market, which is a huge, European style farmers's market with shops and stalls selling foods and goods from around the world.

There's an excellent train museum south east of the city, if this counts as exotic.

BAK

Zootsi: Where is the Jean Talon market located?

It's way up St. Laurent, quite a bit north of the downtown area, near the Italian and Middle Eastern neighborhoods. There is a Jean Talon metro stop, which leaves you a few blocks from the market. Not something you can walk from downtown unless you don't mind walking for about an hour.

While in Montreal remember to try out St. Viateur Bagel @ Park Ave and St. Viateur. And Swartz on St. Laurent near Rachel..a bit south of Rachel. Can't remember the exact street.