Montreal

[MaryH]

I'm going to Quebec for 4 days in June (sadly not for the jazz fest). I'm staying at a hotel in Vieux Montreal and was wondering if anyone has recommendations for must see/must eat things to do while there. Although I'm going for a conference, I do not know how much of it I will actually attend, so I'm pretty open to suggestions for things to do/see.

OK, brain fade - I am going to Montreal. I swear I get lost without leaving home. LOL

[Natasha]

Mary,

How fun! I think you'll love Montreal. It's a wonderful city. I lived there for a little while (a long time ago ) and visit frequently. Vieux-Montreal is fun to walk around, as is the rest of downtown Montreal, and you won't be far from the subway (metro).

I think you should try poutine because I'm a fan and it is a cultural experience, but I know it grosses lots of people out so you may pass it up. I also love sugar pie but again, it freaks some folks out because it's so sweet, and because of the name.

Montreal-style bagels are absolutely delicious. You can find those in various places around the city. Fairmount Bagel is famous but there are other good places as well. And don't forget the croissants, both sweet and savory. I'm not a big fan of all almond things but almond croissants... yum.

Quebec is also famous for many of its cheeses.

Faubourg Ste-Catherine is a short walk from downtown (west on rue Sainte-Catherine) and has some interesting shops and places to get a snack (or at least it did the last time I was there): http://www.lefaubourg.com/english_pa...lefuabourg.htm

I love shopping and browsing in Montreal, primarily for French books, but even the window shopping is good. People there have a very keen sense of fashion.

You should walk up Mont-Royal if the weather permits. What a workout! Gorgeous views from the top. There are also a few gorgeous churches (Basilique Notre-Dame in Vieux-Montreal, and St. Joseph's Oratory which is further north but close to Snowdon and Cote-des-Neiges metro stations, are two that come to mind).

I don't eat dinner downtown very often but hopefully others will be able to chime in with suggestions.

That's it for now. Hope this helps! Oh, BTW, miss you on the VRB thread. Come and "visit" sometime!

[newcook]

Some time ago ErinlovesMarc posted really good information on this thread: http://community.cookinglight.com/sh...light=montreal

[Natasha]

Thanks newcook - I'd forgotten about that thread! I'll have to remember to come back to it next time I have a bit of a longer stay in the city

[MaryH]

Oh thank you both so much.

At least I wasn't completely losing my mind when I talk about the two cities.

Natasha, I will try to pop in over on the VRB thread. Not running, but hey that why it's a "virtual" thread.

[SusanMac]

We were there for a work conference with a few added tourist days 2 years ago & loved it! Ditto Mont-Royal.

We took the train out to the Olympic grounds, which was quite fun. They have a beautiful gardens area you can visit there, as well.

One evening we hung out in the gay/drag part of town. I forget what it's called, but Nat or others might know. Very funky shops, bars & cafe's. They close off a few blocks to traffic & people just mill around. Fantastic people watching.

We also visited a great brew pub called Les 3 Brasseurs. They have a location in Old Montreal.

Ditto on missing you on the VRB thread :-)