My husband and I plan on visiting Quebec City and Montreal between December 13 - December 17th. We have 3 days in Quebec City and 1 day in Montreal. We were originally planning on 2 days in each city, but we decided to stay in Quebec City an extra day to catch a hockey game (when in Canada...).

I'd love some suggestions on must sees in both cities as well as restaurant recommendations. Our one-year anniversary is on the 14th so we're looking for a romantic restaurant in Quebec City. We love authentic, eclectic food in nice restaurants with no pretense. We both love food and prefer to stay away from tourist traps!

Finally, I still haven't booked a hotel in Montreal. Any suggestions on a Bed & Breakfast?

Thanks!

Hi Promethia,

Both cities are beautiful! Especially in all this snow! It's too bad though that you don't have more time in Montreal as it's the bigger (and better IMHO) city.

For restaurants, I'm not much help for QC, city but we did enjoy a lovely brunch at Le Cochon Dingue which is very popular with locals and tourits alike.

In Montreal, there are so many options. Do you have a preference of type of food Italian, French, Szechuan, Lebanese, etc etc??

Let me know what you prefer and then I'll give you my suggestions...

Layla

"..but we decided to stay in Quebec City an extra day to catch a hockey game (when in Canada...)."

The caliber of hockey you will get in Québec will be quite far from professional-level hockey as the "best" game in town is played by 16-18 years old kids at the junior hockey league.

I'm quite certain you will find things to do for your 3 days but if you really want to see fast-paced hockey, get tickets for the Montreal Canadien. They will probably loose against their opponent but the overall quality of the game will be much better...

Sorry, can't help you on B&B in Montreal but trhough a search in this forum, you can surely find some info.

As for Montreal, dining at l'Express has always been perfect for the last 10 years. There are newer and more trendy restaurants in town but as far as French classic fare go, you can't beat l'Express's carte, wine and atmosphere.

I'll take issue with travellingmad on hockey.

Of course the calibre of hockey you will see from the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre will be higher than that in Québec (although given the performance of the Habs these days that might be doubtful). And of course, the experience of an NHL game in Montreal is special. However, most games are sold out and tickets, espcially from scalpers, can be quite expensive.

The brand of hockey played by the Québec Remparts is not "quite far from professional-level hockey" In fact, it is one level below professional hockey, and players from this league (not just Stanley Crosby) and other major junior leagues sometimes jump directly to the NHL. Their star goalkeeper, Angelo Esposito has already been drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins. It is an elite league and not just a bunch of teenagers playing shinny. (The ages of the Remparts players, by the way, is 17-20 and the team has players on its roster from the US, Belarus, the Czech Republic and France).

By all means go to a game in Québec City. It's excellent fast-paced hockey, you'll be much closer to the action and you'll have lots more money left over to enjoy a good dinner than you would in Montréal.

We looked into getting tickets to an NHL game in Montreal, but it would have cost us $500! It was tempting, but we decided against it! We figured we'd go to a minor league game and check out the locals. Maybe we'll see the next Gresky??

We live outside of NYC so we decided to stick with a quaint smaller town for most of the trip. I have a feeling we'll visit Montreal again soon!

As far as cuisine, I'd like to try out a French restaurant in Quebec City and stick with 'local' cuisine.

I heard that Montreal has a big Italian population, so I would like to try an Italian restaurant in Monteal. Otherwise, we like Asian Fusion cuisine.

Thanks!!

Far from me wanting to start a war on the quality of hoceky played at the junior level but less than 10% of all LHJMQ players make the NHL/AHL.

That being said, Promethia, go watch a hockey game at Le Colisée - just don't expect to see good hockey. It's similar, let's say, to NCAA basketball: lots of shots but most miss the net.

As for attending a game at the Bell Centre, go to www.514-billets.com.
You could get 2 tickets (not perfectly located, of course) for around 250$ and since Montreal is playing Toronto Dec. 17, the ambiance will be spectacular.

As for Italian in Montreal, you will have plenty of choice. The classic place is Latini (1130 Jeanne-Mance) but it's pricy and many think it's going downhill.

Sorry, can't help you on Asian fusion.

Hi Promethia,

If you want a pretty good BYOW place in the plateau that's decently priced you should check out L'Academie, their menu is composed of some italian dishes and some french dishes. I enjoyed a dinner there 2 weeks ago and would go back.

I also LOVE L'express as was previously mentioned by others.

For great Italian restaurants, if you have the chance to make it to Little Italy, I would totally recomment Casa Napoli! The food was amazing.

For szechuan there's Le Piment Rouge in the Windsor hotel on Peel street which is pricey but amazing! One of my favourite places ever!

Enjoy!

Layla

>>>Our one-year anniversary is on the 14th so we're looking for a romantic restaurant in Quebec City<<<

I recommend Le Continental.

As for hockey, I suspect the kids might play a scrapier game than what you'd get at NHL level, which could make it much more fun and entertaining.

As fas as I know, le Continental is still closed since it burnt down...

If you want to eat Italian, I really think there are much better places that l'Académie, specially if you want to explore another neighborhood and take the metro to Little Italy. (I like Il Mulino on Jean-Talon)

I second Express as a classic choice. One of my favourites in town, specially when I miss Paris.

Hi, Promethia! For Monteal restaurants, I have a couple of suggestions. A few weeks ago we enjoyed a wonderful dinner @ La Capannina: 2022 Stanley @ de Maisonneuve (downtown, 2 minutes from Sherbrooke & Peel). Just Google La Capannina & you will get more info. Another great downtown Italian restaurant is Il Cortile (suggested to me by Mitchdesj here on this board). We did not get the chance to try it while I was in Montreal recently but friends went there & they loved it. Il Cortile is on Sherbrooke west of Peel(about 10 minutes).

PS to Layla: Good luck in your exams @ McGill. My son is writing today & he finishes Dec 20. When do you finish?

>>>As fas as I know, le Continental is still closed since it burnt down...<<<

Le Continental in Montreal burned down, sadly; I was referring to the restaurant in Quebec City.

Hey wow....thank you!! I am finished now actually, I handed in my last paper this afternoon and my only formal exam was the 7th!! I'm so glad to be done....I think I'm off to Florida for a bit before the semester starts up again for some much needed R&R!!

Ciao wow!! lol!

Layla