Only One Day in Montreal
 

Were going to be staying in a cabin in upstate New York in mid October and thought we would get up early one day and drive to Montreal (120 miles) for the day...what suggestions and ideas would anyone have for just 1 day in Montreal? Would like to see a couple of sites, shop some, have lunch and dinner . Thanks

Sounds like a long day. Don't forget that in addition to the driving, you need to allot time for the border crossings in both directions which could be 10 minutes or over an hour.

Here's what I would do, but of course your interests may be different. I don't know your ages, gender, interests.

One of your meals at Schwartz's --smoked meat sandwiches.
Walk up and down St. Laurent street or St Denis street(boutiques, ethnic stores, clothing, housewares shopping) before or after Schwartz's,
Walk around the Old Montreal to see the old buildings (Notre Dame cathedral etc) and the waterfront area in general.
Pointe a Calliere Museum, at the edge of the Old Port.
Bonsecours Market (crafts shopping and an occasional exhibit) at the other end of the Old Port.

I think that would fill a day for me.

Agreed, it sounds like a long day to me too... the border might especially not be fun if it's around Canadian Thanksgiving (U.S. Columbus Day).

I'm not big on Schwartz's... too artery-clogging and ornery for my tastes. I'd grab a sandwich/salad at Olive et Gourmande instead while in Old Montreal

With the little time you have, though, a stroll in Old Montreal for history and up St. Denis streets (focus between Roy and Mont-Royal avenues) for shopping is about all you'll have time for I think. Lots of great restaurants to choose from on Duluth Avenue near St. Denis.

Thanks for the advice. I know we will not have that much time and hope just to see a few sites and plan a trip back. As for the border crossing, will be going on either Tuesday Oct. 13 or Wed. Oct 14 so will miss the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday on that Monday.