Montreal vs Toronto vs Vancouver????
 

We're planning a trip during the Labor Day Weekend and beyond but airline blackout dates keep us from traveling in the US. One of us is coming from the West coast, the other from the East. We're game for anything(whitewater rafting, hangliding), but prefer museums and parks. Its been so long since we've both been to Canada, we have no idea what city to visit for about 10 days. Any fabulous ideas on what to do and where to stay in any of the above mentioned cities? Thanks.

What about Ottawa - one of the best museumes in Canada, white water rafting in the area, close to Quebec - for a cultural experience. One of the greenest cities I've ever seen. You can also go to the Museum of Civilization. Great social scene. Tons of bike paths throughout the city. Sorry I can't pick between your three cities they are great. I believe Toronto and Vancouver win on parks, but Montreal wins on the cultural experience for me. Vancouver has one of the largest parks in a major city centre (Stanely Park), plus UBC has beautiful rose gardens and a traditional Japanese garden. Vancouver wins for nature for sure. Toronto sounds like the most 'fair' for distance for the two of you. Toronto Island is a huge and beautiful park. The AGO has the Courtuld (sp!) exhibit on until Sept 20th - Impressionist collection. Let us know what you decide.

Have been to Montreal and Vancouver -- of these two, I would elect Vancouver -- has great marine park in center of its largest park and if you go, do go out to the Japanese garden. Also, how about taking ferry from Vancouver to Victoria (Buchard Gardens - spelling?, sorry)? They should still be lovely in early September. We didn't have a car, but if you did rent one, there are mountains just outside the city.

First, are you sure that Canada doesn't have the same blackout days. Labor day is celebrated in Canada at the same time. <BR> <BR>I have lived in Vancouver, worked and stayed in both Montreal and Toronto. I am from the US but get around a lot. In my opinion, Montreal wins hands down. Vancouver is pretty nice and a visit to Victoria and the Island would be enjoyable. However, they are much like being in the US. Toronto is like a clean Cleveland. In fact, maybe Cleveland is as clean now. Don't get me wrong, Vancouver and Toronto are nice cities but they are not unique like Montreal. The people in Toronto can be pretty rude at times. Sort of like New York without a sense of humor. <BR> <BR>Montreal is a different story. It is truly a foreign city with a lot of charm. Great parks, restaurants and lots of culture. It is quite cosmopoliton even though it is predominantly French Canadian. I rank Montreal right up with San Francisco and New York as great cities to visit. You can visit Quebec City which is really unique and Ottawa. I found the people deightful and had a great time. I do NOT speak French at all but that was no barrier to enjoying myself.

<BR>First of all I would like to congratulate you on making a terrific choice of a destination: a Canadian city. Having been born and raised in Canada (Toronto), I have course have a bias, but would like to comment on all 3 destinations all of which I have visited close to the time of year that you will be visiting. <BR> <BR>Toronto: A great city for museums and parks! I would recommend the Harbourfront area, Centre Island (accessible by ferry for a very nominal fee (around $1 I believe), High Park (beautiful fall colours, in the west part of the city) and Edwards Gardens/Wilket Creek Park (in the North York community of Toronto -- beautifully manicured lawns). <BR> <BR>Toronto has an abundance of excellent museums. The first and foremost is the Royal Ontario Museum (easily accessible by taking the underground transit (TTC) to the appropriately titled "Museum" subway station). The "ROM" is a beautiful work of art in itself, perfectly showcasing the works it displays. Currently the ROM is housing works from the Victoria and Albert Museum. <BR> <BR>Other notable 'museums': The Ontario Science centre -- a wacky, fun place to check out the world of Science and Hi Tech. Lots of interactive displays! <BR> <BR>Finally, the Art Gallery of Ontario (the AGO)is currently housing some rare Impressionist paintings as part of the Courtland Collection (I hope i've spelled this correctly!), so it's a great time to check out our city! <BR> <BR>With respect to one other park Iwould like to mention, the U of T campus is a great place for a stroll if you enjoy architecture of a variety of periods...especially look out for Hart House, University College, Trinity College, and Victoria University. <BR> <BR>Montreal -- I recall there are several parks and recreational areas for families especially near the Lake. <BR> <BR>Vancouver -- the ocean is nearby and this sets a backdrop for the greenery -- check out Stanley park for Native totem poles; a day trip to Whistler may be well worth the spectatular ride up and the view from there of the mountain peaks. <BR> <BR>Enjoy Canada!

Other highlights to see in Vancouver include the Dr. Sun Yatsen Classical Chinese Garden (the first classical Chinese garden built outside of China) and the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia (UBC) featuring one of the finest collections of native art in a remarkable setting. The latter is located close to the Nitobe Gardens and the Rose Gardens mentioned in earlier messages. <BR>The Van Dusen Gardens are always a treat and it is a favourite past-time of locals and visitors alike to walk (cycle? rollerblade?) the Stanley Park seawall. It is about six miles around and is extraordinarly beautiful. <BR>Also, price-wise Vancouver might be a pretty good value this year....the tourism industry has been detrimentally effected by the downturn in the Asian economies.

My fiancee and I stayed in Montreal this summer, we loved it! There are tons of parks and lakes to visit and amusement parks, and events everywhere, there are two film festivals in August, depending on where you are you can visit Beaver Lake on the Mountain, Park Maissoneuve, with a manmade lake, or stay on the old port stay anywhere, rent an apartment they are easy to find right now, and the dollar (canadian is low, also montreal prices are fantastic! I mean really Wow! Low! and people are extemely nice) My fiancee doesn't speak french but said it didn't matter everyone spoke english to him, since Montrealers are billingual.

We loved Montreal, especially compared to Quebec, which we found beautiful but unfriendly. Both have historical sites and interesting architesture, as well as museums and arts districts. Montreal's subway system is the most efficient and clean as we've seen anywhere...you don't really need a car to get around in the city. <BR>But we just got back from a week in Vancouver, and for scenery there's no comparison. The backdrop of rugged mountains agains the ocean on the horizon still takes my breath away when I think about it. Vancouver is friendly, easy to get around, cosmopolitan, and full of coffee, chocolate and pastries to die for. We were very pleased with the Sutton Place Hotel on Burrand St., it is central and elegant. We didn't know until we got to Vancouver that it's in rainforest. The greenery and flowers were spectacular. The train to Whistler was a highlight for us, with severe mountain landscapes all around. Whistler Village is a wonderful day trip...we plan to return during ski season. <BR>Right now the exchange rate is great...we found we got a lot for our money. Use credit cards when possible for ease of $$ conversion. <BR>Have a safe and wonderful trip <BR>

My family and I are planning a trip to Canada. It will be our first trip there and would like any helpful advise on the best destination. We have a 2 y/o so we aren't too concerned about keeping her busy. We would however like to visit places that are scenic and photo worthy. Could you provide ideas for first time visitors. Than you.

Montreal! Just returned yesterday. I wish I had budgeted more time. What a friendly city. I speak no French but didn't have to -- didn't even find a McDonald's where everyone spoke French and English. <BR> <BR>RE Toronto -- it's a great and safe city -- has a wonderful Chinatown. But if your not from a large US city and used to beggars, beware. They are on every street corner and in between. Also, if driving, there is a big problem now with "squeegee kids" -- they're at every street corner downtown and not even downtown. You stop at the light and they come out and wash your windshield and try to shake you down for money. <BR> <BR>It's a facinating city -- great theatre (and as everyone says - SAFE! Just beware that there is a downside.

AS a Canadian, I like to suggest Montreal and Quebec city. If you're from US, Vancouver and Toronto would be nothing new to you. I suggest you to look around Toronto and Niagara falls quickly and head to Montreal. It takes around 5 hours to get to Montreal from Toronto by car. Stay in Montreal and Quebec City for most of your trip. Montreal is called "Paris in North America" and you'll undersand why it's called in that way when you go there. Enjoy your trip!

Definitely Montreal! I have been to all three cities and hands down prefer Montreal. The city has so much to see. Great night life, lots of touristy stuff. Great place to meet friends. If you are an outdoorsy type and prefer to do camping hiking biking kayaking etc then I would recommend Vancouver area. <BR>