My son and I are planning a Toronto trip for the end of July. I've been to Toronto and plan on taking him to a baseball game, the zoo, the Royal Ontario Museum and a few other places. We'll have 7 or 8 days and would like to visit Monteal. I've never been there, and although the online tourism websites are great...I'd appreciate some ideas that would make a few days in Montreal fun for him. We like basic city things: walking/exploring/outdoor markets/bookstores/museums/parks/music. Also, I'm looking at B&Bs. We'd be taking the train in...which parts of town would be best to stay for easy access to train and public transportation?

In Toronto, you want to stay more or less downtown.

Depending on your hotel, you can easily walk to the train station, or get there by the subway, or take a cab if you have luggage and it is rush hour.

The Toronto train station is across the street from the Fairmont Royal York, and linked by tunnels to the Sheraton Center and the Hilton, but lots of other hotels are close.

In Montreal, you want to stay downtown, ir in Old Montreal. Regardless, you'll stay in one and visit the other. the Montreal train station is under the Fairmont queen Elizabeth and connected by tunnel to the Bonaventure Hilton, (really close) and some other hotels if you walk farther.

Your son will love the Insectarium in Montreal. And it is even better if he brings a magnifying glass.

I've talked to a lot of children in the past few days, in Toronto. they all seem to enjoy looking for interesting statues. There are cows, horses, whales, and an elephantt in downtown / central Toronto.

B&Bs are not a big deal in Toronto. This is a hotel kind of a city.

BAK

Thanks for your reply/suggestions! We pretty much have the Toronto part of the trip covered...I've been there a few times and know the subway system and have a friend there.

I'm still working on Montreal. I understand there's an international fireworks competition that looks amazing, and I've checked out the Insectarium online as well! Any additional recommendations for favorite spots for kids in Montreal would be most appreciated.

On the waterfront in Old Montreal, there is plenty to keep kids occupied. We rented a bike that sat 4 of us and pedaled around for an hour. There were paddle boats and kids could also do trapeez. I believe there was a "fun house" and a few other things there. Perhaps a boat tour - many different kind to choose from. Plus in Old Montreal there are always lots of performers (buskers) around to keep you amused.

I would have to agree that the old city might be the best spot to stay with a child - lots going on at the waterfront which adjoins the old city - including an Imax theater, a maze, boatrides, bicycle and paddleboat rentals, etc. Also, don't miss the Biodome and the ride up the slanted tower, both at the Olympic Park.

One of our vacation "requirements" is good public transportation. I commute to work daily and do NOT want to operate anything heavier than a paddleboat while on vacation! Thank goodness my son is a train fan!

We're really looking forward to this trip...thank you all for you advice.

I took my 9 year old son to Montreal too, and highly recommend the Biodome and Insectarium. There, we also went up the Olympic tower to see a great view of Montreal. Get tickets to see Cirque du Soleil. Talk a walk on the paths of Mount Royal. Watch bagels being made on St-Viateur street. Walk around Old Montreal, go into the science centre or take a river cruise. Go to la Ronde, a 5 Flags style amusement park on an island in the St Lawrence river. Taking the metro (subway) everywhere is an experience too! There are Fodors/tripadvisor articles on Montreal with kids you should check out too.

Auberge Carre St-Louis is supposed to be a nice B&B. Anywhere downtown would be good in terms of location, close to metro etc.

Have fun!!!!