Montreal plus Quebec or ?? June 2010
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Montreal plus Quebec or ?? June 2010
We will be attending the Rotary International Convention in Montreal June 20-23, 2010. We would like to extend the trip by two weeks prior to the convention. We are having trouble deciding where else to visit besides maybe one week in Montreal which would include the convention. We are thinking Quebec, but would also like to spend some time in the countryside. Questions: How many days in Montreal? How many days in Quebec? Good place to go in the countryside to get a taste of the area? We very much enjoy local dining, museums, architecture and interesting scenery. We have never been to eastern Canada. Any help you can provide would be most appreciated!
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Hi Wm,
Two weeks is a pretty good amount of time to get a thorough glimpse of the area.
An idea:
If the conference will be all-encompassing and does not leave you time to enjoy Montreal, then spend 3-4 nights in Montreal.
Then go enjoy 3 nights in Quebec City.
For countryside, maybe continue up to the Charlevoix region north of Quebec City (2 nights) and go to Tadoussac (2 nights) where you can see belugas playing right off the shore and go for whale-watching expeditions.
Then drive back toward Montreal, but spend one night instead in Trois Rivieres (history: 2nd oldest Quebec city), the Eastern Townships (e.g., North Hatley; scenery: low mountains, rolling countryside, east of Montreal) or the Laurentians (e.g., Ste. Agathe, scenery: slightly higher mountains north of Montreal).
Finally, go from there to Ottawa, Ontario to spend 2 nights in the nation's capital. Visit the Museum of Civilization and National Art Gallery.
This I think would give you a nice overview I think, mixing up dining, museums, architecture and scenery.
With 2 weeks though, possibilities abound....
Daniel
Two weeks is a pretty good amount of time to get a thorough glimpse of the area.
An idea:
If the conference will be all-encompassing and does not leave you time to enjoy Montreal, then spend 3-4 nights in Montreal.
Then go enjoy 3 nights in Quebec City.
For countryside, maybe continue up to the Charlevoix region north of Quebec City (2 nights) and go to Tadoussac (2 nights) where you can see belugas playing right off the shore and go for whale-watching expeditions.
Then drive back toward Montreal, but spend one night instead in Trois Rivieres (history: 2nd oldest Quebec city), the Eastern Townships (e.g., North Hatley; scenery: low mountains, rolling countryside, east of Montreal) or the Laurentians (e.g., Ste. Agathe, scenery: slightly higher mountains north of Montreal).
Finally, go from there to Ottawa, Ontario to spend 2 nights in the nation's capital. Visit the Museum of Civilization and National Art Gallery.
This I think would give you a nice overview I think, mixing up dining, museums, architecture and scenery.
With 2 weeks though, possibilities abound....
Daniel
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Two weeks does give you lots of time. I've taken fairly extensive vacations in Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia/New Brunswick) in a 2 week time period - including the drive there and back from the Toronto area - 5 hours further than Montreal. So - if you don't mind a spending the time in the car to get there, some exploration of the Maritime Provinces is a possibility well worth considering - lots of charm, history, beauty and nature.
Otherwise - I agree with Daniel about the 3-4 nights in Montreal, 2-3 in Quebec City, and a trip up through the Charlevois to Tadoussac for a couple of days. The Eastern Townships and Trois Rivieres I haven't done much more than drive through and have not til now thought of them as major tourist destinations. But perhaps Daniel is more familiar with their offerings.
I very much like Ottawa, visit regularly, and the 2 museums mentioned are very good. But although Ottawa has a very pleasant atmosphere with lots of bistros and cafes in the Byward Market area, it might seem a little tame after having spent time in Montreal and Quebec.
Otherwise - I agree with Daniel about the 3-4 nights in Montreal, 2-3 in Quebec City, and a trip up through the Charlevois to Tadoussac for a couple of days. The Eastern Townships and Trois Rivieres I haven't done much more than drive through and have not til now thought of them as major tourist destinations. But perhaps Daniel is more familiar with their offerings.
I very much like Ottawa, visit regularly, and the 2 museums mentioned are very good. But although Ottawa has a very pleasant atmosphere with lots of bistros and cafes in the Byward Market area, it might seem a little tame after having spent time in Montreal and Quebec.
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Quebec city is physically nice but I find the restaurants mostly tourist traps and over priced. People are cold and non welcoming. I'd take some time to see old Quebec and can be walked around in a day and push on to Baie St Paul or La Malbaie. People warm and welcoming. Scenery and food hands down better. Don't have to spend time in Tadoussac. Run down and accomodations very dated. Nothing to speak of restaurantwise. You can make la Malbaie your base and drive to Baie St Catherine and catch the whale watchings tours and comfortably return in a day.Stay at Manoir Richelieu for grand elegant hotel or le Pinsonniere for quiet luxe Relais et Chateau. Many other nice accomodations and wonderful restaurants depending on your pricepoint.
Highly recommend Ottawa for 2-4 days. about 6 hrs back from la Malbaie. Many nice museums including Civilization,National Art Gallery along with Parliment buildings. Nice walking dowtown in market,Sparks street,Hull for nightlife and casino if that's your thing. May want to check out Chateau Montebello on way from Quebec to Ottawa. Nice location and historic log Fairmont property on the Ottawa river with a lot of history behind it.
Highly recommend Ottawa for 2-4 days. about 6 hrs back from la Malbaie. Many nice museums including Civilization,National Art Gallery along with Parliment buildings. Nice walking dowtown in market,Sparks street,Hull for nightlife and casino if that's your thing. May want to check out Chateau Montebello on way from Quebec to Ottawa. Nice location and historic log Fairmont property on the Ottawa river with a lot of history behind it.
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We've had entirely different experiences than Pontet Canet over the years in Quebec City. We find the people to be very nice, particularly if you try to say please and thank you in French. We spent four nights in Quebec City last June and felt it was almost enough time -- we did three nights in Montreal, then a train ride to Quebec City. STayed in a B&B in the old City, which was an interesting hilly walk from the train station (with the kids, it made more sense to help them with the luggage than to pile everyone into a taxi!).
We did a bunch of free things:
walking tours on our own in the old City,
took a tour of the legislature (Assemblee Nationale),
went to the local (free) public swimming pool for two afternoons,
walked along the Promenade to the Plains of Abraham
learned about the history of the city at the Visitors' Centre near the Plains
and generally wandered around the streets in new and old Quebec -- stumbled upon an open air music festival, in fact!
We went to only one potentially 'touristy' restaurant (on our first night when we were tired and hungry and had cravings for French food!) but even there, the staff were very nice. Our then-5 year olds loved the live music, danced and drew pictures for the musicians.
We went to the Couchon Fou (I think that's right - the translation is the crazy pig) because one daughter loves pigs. It was much nicer than we'd expected.
Another night we went to a diner near the art galleries in the old city -- listed in a couple of my guidebooks. It was cheap, decent food, made all the better by the view from our booth on the second floor. We entertained the kids by watching the food being made and talking about how they'd make it, what they would order another time, etc.
We also had a charming lunch at a creperie just on the edge of the old city. Again, found in our guidebook, and quite pleasant (as long as the kids were separated until the food arrived - they were a bit cranky and hungry!).
Note though, that we deliberately took everything at a slower pace than adults might, and that what we did in 3/4 days, others might do in 2-3 days.
Going further north is an excellent idea! I spent a summer in northern Quebec, and had some nice daytrips hiking, rafting and whale watching.
With some planning you could likely do the whole trip by train, which might make things easier in Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec City. All of those places can easily be done on foot or public transit; driving and parking in most cities is a pain to be avoided in my opinion
We did a bunch of free things:
walking tours on our own in the old City,
took a tour of the legislature (Assemblee Nationale),
went to the local (free) public swimming pool for two afternoons,
walked along the Promenade to the Plains of Abraham
learned about the history of the city at the Visitors' Centre near the Plains
and generally wandered around the streets in new and old Quebec -- stumbled upon an open air music festival, in fact!
We went to only one potentially 'touristy' restaurant (on our first night when we were tired and hungry and had cravings for French food!) but even there, the staff were very nice. Our then-5 year olds loved the live music, danced and drew pictures for the musicians.
We went to the Couchon Fou (I think that's right - the translation is the crazy pig) because one daughter loves pigs. It was much nicer than we'd expected.
Another night we went to a diner near the art galleries in the old city -- listed in a couple of my guidebooks. It was cheap, decent food, made all the better by the view from our booth on the second floor. We entertained the kids by watching the food being made and talking about how they'd make it, what they would order another time, etc.
We also had a charming lunch at a creperie just on the edge of the old city. Again, found in our guidebook, and quite pleasant (as long as the kids were separated until the food arrived - they were a bit cranky and hungry!).
Note though, that we deliberately took everything at a slower pace than adults might, and that what we did in 3/4 days, others might do in 2-3 days.
Going further north is an excellent idea! I spent a summer in northern Quebec, and had some nice daytrips hiking, rafting and whale watching.
With some planning you could likely do the whole trip by train, which might make things easier in Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec City. All of those places can easily be done on foot or public transit; driving and parking in most cities is a pain to be avoided in my opinion
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Hi
A few thoughts based on what I read...
I suspect the previous poster is referring to "Le Cochon Dingue" in Quebec City.
Having visited a friend in Quebec City maybe a half-dozen times, I would not say Quebec City residents are cold and non-welcoming, although I can understand how some would perceive their behaviour as such. I have trouble generalizing about an entire city, but if I were to come up with words based on my impressions, I find (at least within well-mannered society there) that there's a polite but unobtrusive reserve. Many friendships are often based upon family or lifetime associations with shared humour and socio-cultural context that is quite different from other North American locales; this makes it difficult for an outsider to penetrate (at least those less worldly among) Quebec City society beyond simple pleasantries of commercial exchange, even for someone with decent school-learned French skills.
I'm a bilingual anglo-Montrealer (although U.S citizen), so perhaps am not a good example due to my own linguistic/cultural awareness, having a Quebec City friend and general gregariousness, so possibly more apt at "cracking the nut" culturally of Quebec City society than many... Nevertheless, I felt once engaged in private conversation that many citizens I met were warm, welcoming and curious.
Any, my two cents. Daniel
A few thoughts based on what I read...
I suspect the previous poster is referring to "Le Cochon Dingue" in Quebec City.
Having visited a friend in Quebec City maybe a half-dozen times, I would not say Quebec City residents are cold and non-welcoming, although I can understand how some would perceive their behaviour as such. I have trouble generalizing about an entire city, but if I were to come up with words based on my impressions, I find (at least within well-mannered society there) that there's a polite but unobtrusive reserve. Many friendships are often based upon family or lifetime associations with shared humour and socio-cultural context that is quite different from other North American locales; this makes it difficult for an outsider to penetrate (at least those less worldly among) Quebec City society beyond simple pleasantries of commercial exchange, even for someone with decent school-learned French skills.
I'm a bilingual anglo-Montrealer (although U.S citizen), so perhaps am not a good example due to my own linguistic/cultural awareness, having a Quebec City friend and general gregariousness, so possibly more apt at "cracking the nut" culturally of Quebec City society than many... Nevertheless, I felt once engaged in private conversation that many citizens I met were warm, welcoming and curious.
Any, my two cents. Daniel
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Thank you all for your suggestions. Just a thought: We tend to take general negative comments on the citizens of any large city with a grain of salt. In our experience, each culture/country has its unique socio-cultural ways which enriches our travel experience. We have observed that so often it is the attitude of the individual tourist/traveler that determines how they are treated. What is most helpful is to know how we can best behave to not offend those of cultures not our own.
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Daniel_Williams --> Yes, thanks for the correction. I did mean "Le Cochon Dingue" in Quebec City. (I think I missed the "u" in Dingue.
I totally agree with the attitude of the tourist/traveller determining things. On their first visit to Quebec City, my parents had their car break down. They were travelling with two little kids and spoke no French. The mechanic spoke very little English, but managed to take care of us, get the car running, and refuse payment. That sort of experience coloured my father's view of the area, in a positive way!
(He is the kind of guy who rarely thinks badly of anyone and inspires others to do the same, so he probably would have thought well of the Quebecois. But, given that this came on the heels of the highly charged FLQ crisis (violent political/terrorist acts re Quebec separation), it stuck in his mind.) Almost 30 years later, he still tells the story.
I totally agree with the attitude of the tourist/traveller determining things. On their first visit to Quebec City, my parents had their car break down. They were travelling with two little kids and spoke no French. The mechanic spoke very little English, but managed to take care of us, get the car running, and refuse payment. That sort of experience coloured my father's view of the area, in a positive way!
(He is the kind of guy who rarely thinks badly of anyone and inspires others to do the same, so he probably would have thought well of the Quebecois. But, given that this came on the heels of the highly charged FLQ crisis (violent political/terrorist acts re Quebec separation), it stuck in his mind.) Almost 30 years later, he still tells the story.
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Well hello there.
Has for Montreal....a place to stay for less is university residences. They are called Résidences UQAM Ouest (private Studio 75,63$ txs included double bed and little kitchen area and private bathroom.
Has for the Contry side........Parc Safari In Hemmingford. Its a zoo but the most interesting part of it is the first moment of the visite its in your car.......driving around the animals....(see web site). Its about 45 minutes away from Montreal......close to US borders (albany)
Enjoye
emilieFekih
Has for Montreal....a place to stay for less is university residences. They are called Résidences UQAM Ouest (private Studio 75,63$ txs included double bed and little kitchen area and private bathroom.
Has for the Contry side........Parc Safari In Hemmingford. Its a zoo but the most interesting part of it is the first moment of the visite its in your car.......driving around the animals....(see web site). Its about 45 minutes away from Montreal......close to US borders (albany)
Enjoye
emilieFekih
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For Montreal, we will be staying in the hotel that is hosting the convention.
Another question: With our two-week time allotment which includes three nights in Quebec and four nights in Montreal, could we visit Nova Scotia in the week remaining?
Another question: With our two-week time allotment which includes three nights in Quebec and four nights in Montreal, could we visit Nova Scotia in the week remaining?
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Wm,
Yes, I would say it's doable.
Be aware that it's a LONG drive to Nova Scotia from Montreal, the most common route my friends take is going up via Edmundston and then down toward Moncton. Count on two very long days of driving, roughly 9 hours Quebec City-Halifax; 12 hours Montreal-Halifax. There's a sleeper train on VIA Rail to Nova Scotia, a great experience, but not cheap... Either way, this would give you 5 days in Nova Scotia, which would give you time to get a small sense of that province's offerings (Halifax/South Shore, Cape Breton). If you're a road trip or train enthusiast, you might enjoy these options.
You could also opt to fly into Halifax from Montreal, which would give you two roughly two extra half days in Nova Scotia.
Best wishes, Daniel
Yes, I would say it's doable.
Be aware that it's a LONG drive to Nova Scotia from Montreal, the most common route my friends take is going up via Edmundston and then down toward Moncton. Count on two very long days of driving, roughly 9 hours Quebec City-Halifax; 12 hours Montreal-Halifax. There's a sleeper train on VIA Rail to Nova Scotia, a great experience, but not cheap... Either way, this would give you 5 days in Nova Scotia, which would give you time to get a small sense of that province's offerings (Halifax/South Shore, Cape Breton). If you're a road trip or train enthusiast, you might enjoy these options.
You could also opt to fly into Halifax from Montreal, which would give you two roughly two extra half days in Nova Scotia.
Best wishes, Daniel
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Yes, I agree you could visit Nova Scotia in a week out of Quebec City. However, it's quite a drive and you might be best limiting yourself to spending several days in one main NS destination and including a couple of day-trips from there. Cape Breton is probably the most spectacular area if you like a mix of gorgeous scenery, outdoor activities (e.g. hiking) and a few quaint villages (some "fishing" villages, some more tourist oriented). Another option is Halifax which is a wonderful small city with a lively and historic Harbor area, and allows easy daytrips down the Lighthouse Route to Mahone Bay, Lunenburg and Peggy's Cove. Halifax you might be able to drive in one long day from Quebec City. Cape Breton National Park - you would probably want to do an overnight on route.
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