Quebec or Montreal?
 

Question for Fodorites;
Which city would y'all choose for a 3/4 day stay in Canada, Quebec or Montreal?

Thanks in advance
Greg

It all depends on your interests. Montréal is a large metropolis with many and varied things to see and do (historic, museums and galleries, shopping, night-life etc.) Québec is a much smaller city, and the emphasis there is on its historic roots, although it has good shopping and superb restaurants. The time of year might also come into play, as Montréal is more accommodating in the winter than Québec, especially for someone who might not be used to Canadian winters.

Although neither city poses a problem for someone who speaks only English, Montréal is a much more bilingual city than Québec.

Montreal!

Thanks laverendrye,
The part about historic Quebec is attactive. Are both cities walkable?

I guess the time we will go is September/October. How cold will it get?

Thanks
Greg

We were in both cities in October 2006. Quebec City is very walkable-old city walls surround the historic centre. Great restaurants & interesting old buildings. Montreal is a much larger city with an old quarter near the river, a large University, department stores, shopping malls, museums and galleries.
We spent 2 nights in each (they're about 3 hrs easy driving apart) & thought that was just about right.

This question comes up about once a month, just do a search. QC is much smaller, much more scenic. The countryside outside QC is more interesting, with spectacular drives up along the St. Laurence, and the unspoiled countryside of I'le D'Orleans.
Montreal is big, bustling, and the downtown is a little reminiscent of Manhatten. There are lots of interesting ethnic neighborhoods (Portuguese, Greek, Chineese, Jewish, etc, etc)that you can walk thru. Dining, shopping and nightlife rival any world class city.
If you want knock your sox off scenic, French, and unique, choose Quebec City. If you want a lively, fun city with a European feel, choose Montreal.

Thanks to all:

We decided on a 4 day stay in Quebec, with a daytrip or two up the St. Lawrence. The beauty of Quebec City, the surroundings, and the accommodations were the deciding factors.

We will be staying at the Clos Saint-Louis, in the upper town inside the walls.

Could y’all help with some can’t miss shops, restaurants, and sights?


Thanks
Greg