Montreal or Quebec City?
Sep 20th, 2004, 08:44 AM
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Montreal or Quebec City?
My Husband and I would like to get away for a romantic weekend at the end of October(my birthday), and I would love to go to Montreal or Quebec City, but I'm not sure which place to go to, or where to stay. Any advice or hotel recommendations would be greatly appreciated- thanks!!
Sep 20th, 2004, 09:51 AM
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The age old question, which has come up many, many times on this forum. Do a search back for lots of thoughts on this subject.
In a nutshell, choose Montreal if you want a hip, cosmopolitan, ethnic stew type city with unlimited dining and shopping all with a French twist. Choose QC if you want a mini escape to a beautiful, small French city complete with lots of cobblestone streets, and 1600's stone architecture.
In a nutshell, choose Montreal if you want a hip, cosmopolitan, ethnic stew type city with unlimited dining and shopping all with a French twist. Choose QC if you want a mini escape to a beautiful, small French city complete with lots of cobblestone streets, and 1600's stone architecture.
Sep 22nd, 2004, 05:46 AM
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Hi. For a "romantic" weekend, I would choose Quebec City. Montreal has an "old" section which is fairly atmospheric, and lots of shopping and good restaurants. However it is "big & bustling" and I think less romantic than Quebec City.
In Quebec City - you want to head for "Old Quebec", the beautifully preserved ancient walled section. It is old European in architecture and very popular with "couples". Cobblestone streets and alleys lined with artists, specialty shops, sidewalk cafes and restaurants. Not huge - just perfect for a weekend's exploration. If you have time and want a diversion, try a day trip up the St. Lawrence to the Charlevois region. Nice scenic drive, there's a casino up there, and if you make it as far as the Saguenay - there is good whale watching (depending on time of year).
Places to stay: there is a big famous old hotel right in the "Old" city - the Chateau Frontenac which will be expensive. There are a number of small inns also in the Old section although I've never stayed in them. There are a number of chain hotels "downtown" which I've also never stayed at (involve driving to the "Old" city which is not downtown). There are a couple of big upper end "chains" just outside the Old city walls (so you can walk to where you want to go). And, there are lots of moderate hotels and motels in Ste. Foy which is a western suburb of Quebec. Again you will need to drive or cab to the Old city from there.
In Quebec City - you want to head for "Old Quebec", the beautifully preserved ancient walled section. It is old European in architecture and very popular with "couples". Cobblestone streets and alleys lined with artists, specialty shops, sidewalk cafes and restaurants. Not huge - just perfect for a weekend's exploration. If you have time and want a diversion, try a day trip up the St. Lawrence to the Charlevois region. Nice scenic drive, there's a casino up there, and if you make it as far as the Saguenay - there is good whale watching (depending on time of year).
Places to stay: there is a big famous old hotel right in the "Old" city - the Chateau Frontenac which will be expensive. There are a number of small inns also in the Old section although I've never stayed in them. There are a number of chain hotels "downtown" which I've also never stayed at (involve driving to the "Old" city which is not downtown). There are a couple of big upper end "chains" just outside the Old city walls (so you can walk to where you want to go). And, there are lots of moderate hotels and motels in Ste. Foy which is a western suburb of Quebec. Again you will need to drive or cab to the Old city from there.
Sep 22nd, 2004, 10:25 AM
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We (my husband and I) travelled to Montreal and QC last year at the end of September...let's just say I cried when I had to leave for home on the plane! Absolutely one of the best getaways we've ever been on! If you're looking for romantic, I would have to agree with the reply from mtjt...QC would be the place for you!
We stayed at the Hilton just outside the walls, and across from the Parliment bldgs...it was an easy walk into Old Quebec...we did have a rental car since we drove up from Montreal...but hardly ever used it! It's a bit on the expensive side, but we both work for gov't, so we got a decent rate. We took a horse-drawn carriage ride around the old QC the first evening we arrived, and it was unforgettable, and VERY romantic! I love fall weather to begin with, and it was about 5 pm, so the sun was just starting to set! Our driver was fabulous and offered advice as to the best places to eat, the best cafes, and shops, etc...we tipped him very well!
You must explore some of the side streets as well, the architecture is unbelievable, and the intricate details are astounding!
A walk in the evening down to Quartier Petit-Champlain will provide you will several options for a romantic dinner...most restaurants place their menus outside, so you can browse thru' them and then make a decision based on your what appeals to you the most!
My husband and I really took our time, just stolling down the streets hand-in-hand and poking our heads into all the little shops...then we'd sit and have coffee and biscotti late in the evening and talk for hours while people-watching. QC is one of the "safest" places I've ever visited, and there is really no need to worry walking back to the hotel from old QC after dark...
Ahhh....it's amore!
;o)
We stayed at the Hilton just outside the walls, and across from the Parliment bldgs...it was an easy walk into Old Quebec...we did have a rental car since we drove up from Montreal...but hardly ever used it! It's a bit on the expensive side, but we both work for gov't, so we got a decent rate. We took a horse-drawn carriage ride around the old QC the first evening we arrived, and it was unforgettable, and VERY romantic! I love fall weather to begin with, and it was about 5 pm, so the sun was just starting to set! Our driver was fabulous and offered advice as to the best places to eat, the best cafes, and shops, etc...we tipped him very well!
You must explore some of the side streets as well, the architecture is unbelievable, and the intricate details are astounding!
A walk in the evening down to Quartier Petit-Champlain will provide you will several options for a romantic dinner...most restaurants place their menus outside, so you can browse thru' them and then make a decision based on your what appeals to you the most!
My husband and I really took our time, just stolling down the streets hand-in-hand and poking our heads into all the little shops...then we'd sit and have coffee and biscotti late in the evening and talk for hours while people-watching. QC is one of the "safest" places I've ever visited, and there is really no need to worry walking back to the hotel from old QC after dark...
Ahhh....it's amore!
;o)
Sep 23rd, 2004, 02:30 PM
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Quebec City...hands down for the most romantic city in all of Canada. You don't have to stay the the Frontenac either. We did on on our first trip, but it was March when the rates are low. AND...you can't get a bad meal there. I'm such a foodie.
Sep 24th, 2004, 05:08 AM
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I heartily recommend the Manoir Victoria -- right in the heart of old city Quebec... quite beautiful and comfortable. Easy walk to everything.. even around the back to the lower town. Also has a garage w/ great service (don't know if you'll have a car) we walked from MV to a great open market with local farmers for breakfast one day -- down the hill, towards the port...3 minute walk!
Sep 26th, 2004, 08:10 PM
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kitten: the horse carriage ride was a well spent $65 (incl. generous tip! - I think $50 w/o tip?!)...was supposed to be 30-45 minutes, but because it was a slow night, our driver took about an hour and showed us some of the residential areas and gardens that otherwise are not usually included! You can find their "base" on rue d'Auteuil, just within the city walls near the St-Louis Gate. We had Russell, if he's still there, I highly recommend...
You don't have to pre-book, just simply walk-up, and if you want romance, you should definitely try and go 1-2 hours before sunset! It was slower and there was hardly any traffic compared to what we experienced during the day walking around!
;O)
You don't have to pre-book, just simply walk-up, and if you want romance, you should definitely try and go 1-2 hours before sunset! It was slower and there was hardly any traffic compared to what we experienced during the day walking around!
;O)
Sep 28th, 2004, 09:22 AM
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Just my 2 cents worth:
Though I can't compare the 2 cities since I've not been to Monreal, I find it hard to imagine anyplace in North America that is more romantic than Quebec City's old town area.
Ken
Though I can't compare the 2 cities since I've not been to Monreal, I find it hard to imagine anyplace in North America that is more romantic than Quebec City's old town area.
Ken
Oct 2nd, 2004, 05:48 PM
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Definitely Quebec City! Imagine strolling on the broad walk, watching the St.Lawrence River, with musicians entertaining behind you... in addition to all the above mentioned on this thread.
You might want to try one of the B&B instead of a hotel, seems much more intimate. There is one I really enjoy: La Maison Robert. It is inside the wall. I think he has a website: http://www.inntravels.com/canada/qu/lmr2.html
Enjoy!!
You might want to try one of the B&B instead of a hotel, seems much more intimate. There is one I really enjoy: La Maison Robert. It is inside the wall. I think he has a website: http://www.inntravels.com/canada/qu/lmr2.html
Enjoy!!
Oct 2nd, 2004, 06:07 PM
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My wife and I just got back from a five night anniversary at The Chateau Frontenac in QC. It was a memorable visit. The weather wass great...the hotel was great...the food was outstanding and the trip was outstanding. I would highly recommend a trip to QC. Be sure to have dinner at Le Saint Amour.......fantastic. Good luck.
Oct 4th, 2004, 09:43 AM
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The kids are spending a long weekend with their Grandmother at Disney World in a couple of weeks. It's been a loooonnggg time since we've had a free weekend. Wondering if it would be stretching it too much to travel from Florida to Quebec from Thursday to a Sunday?? I've been wanting to go to Quebec for years now.
Is there a web site that is known that has a list of hotels very near to Old Quebec?
Is there a web site that is known that has a list of hotels very near to Old Quebec?
Oct 5th, 2004, 02:46 PM
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I have not been to Montreal either, however, like Lord Balfor, I simply cannot imagine a more romantic city than QC. We went there last year and I am already thinking about a return trip.
By the way, Like lke stated, Le Saint Amour is a fantastic and romantic restaurant. Be sure to ask for the "Winter Garden Room" if you go.
Enjoy!
AL
By the way, Like lke stated, Le Saint Amour is a fantastic and romantic restaurant. Be sure to ask for the "Winter Garden Room" if you go.
Enjoy!
AL
