Montreal for Families
 

We are considering a summer vacation in the Burlington, Vermont / Smugglers Notch area and I see that Montreal is only about 1 1/2 hours north. Are there attractions there for a family with 2 kids (girls 10 and 6) to make it worth a day trip and the border hassle? Museums, basillicas and botanical gardens are nice for adults, but not of great interest for kids.

There are lots of fun/interesting things to do with kids in Montreal. Old Montreal has lots of activities. There are street performers at the Place Jaques-Cartier, a maze, bicycle rentals and much more.

Your daughters might also enjoy visiting Chinatown

Many people recommend the Biodôme, a facility that features replicas of four different ecosystems. I would keep it in mind as a bad weather possibility, but it is not one of my favorites.

There are quite a few museums that would interest kids: Pointe à Callière (Montréal Museum of Archeology and History built over the site of Montreal's original settlement), the Biosphère (museum of water and the environment at the site of expo 67, in the geodesic dome designed by Buckminster Fuller), the Science Museum and the planetarium.

You might want to post this on the Canadian forum, too.

Here's another huge recommendation for the Biodome. Worth a visit just for the penguins and puffins!

If your dates are flexible, be sure to check the calendar of events for festivals you may want to attend (or plan around)

http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/

The International Fireworks Competition is spectacular! Ticketed seats are truly worthwhile - for reserved seats - and the views! Fireworks are launched in the air, but also at water level, and all is synchronized to music. Unforgettable!

http://www.internationaldesfeuxloto-...alendrier.aspx

There's also a new Cirque du Soleil show April 23-July 12. All Cirque shows are amazing, but best enjoyed, I think, outdoors under the Grand Chapiteau.

Our favorite route to Montreal from Burlington is via the Grand Isle ferry, which is also great fun.

Actually, I think Montreal is the better destination, but would plan to spend several nights rather than just a day trip.

Another terrific destination with kids those ages is

http://www.zoodegranby.com/en/accueil.htm

My kids also liked the Insectarium (Butterflies galore!)
http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/ins...m/en/index.php

and they enjoyed a horse drawn carriage ride through Old Montreal.

I agree with spending a few days in Montreal to do it justice but remember you'll all need passports to cross the border from June 2009.

The Museum in the Old Port is actually quite kid friendly. The horse drwn carriages can be picked up just outside the basilica.

I love Montreal!