Any suggestions of what to do in Montreal?

[shirljean]

We will be on the Maasdam 15 days, ending on May 23rd. We will be staying overnight before flying out of Montreal. HAL doesn't show any excursions, etc. for that day. Any suggestions?

[aliaschief]

We will be on the Maasdam 15 days, ending on May 23rd. We will be staying overnight before flying out of Montreal. HAL doesn't show any excursions, etc. for that day. Any suggestions?

 

How about joining our Roll Call for the May 8 cruise on the Maasdam. Than those who are going can plan together. Haven't been there since Expo but some basic city tours are a must. We should be able to schedule those through local tour lines.

 

I might add it is rather brisk here in the Florida Panhandle this morning.

 

See you on the Roll Call!:D

[sail7seas]

Did you check the Ports of Call Board? Might want to do that.

[numbersix]

The one must-do is to stroll through Old Montreal...especially enchanting at night. The shops and "artists" can be touristy, but the history and atmosphere is unique. Adjacent to Old Montreal is the Old Port Area...an expansive park area on the old waterfront...great for strolling, harbour cruises, boat trips to the Lachine Rapids (for the adventurous), some public buildings...

 

Stroll through the Quartier Latin (St. Denis street, south from Sherbrooke St)...a stroll along St. Denis Street from about Mont Royal to Roy Streets...small shops, boutiques, food shops, restaurants...

 

http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

 

Have lunch or a late snack (really late, when it's at it's most atmospheric) of the best smoked meat anywhere at Schwartz's...

 

http://www.schwartzsdeli.com/

 

Have a nice dinner at L'Express...French Bistro cooking (French "everyday", not fancy, cooking)...you'll think you're in Paris (but with nicer waiters)

 

http://www.montrealfood.com/restos/lexpress.html

 

Have a nice breakfast, lunch or afternoon drink at an outdoor "terrasse" on Place Jacques Cartier (the main square in Old Montreal)

 

http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

 

We quite like the Jardin Nelson, on the square. Great crepes.

 

The view over the downtown from one of the lookouts on the "mountain" is unforgettable.

 

Some people like the casino, on Ile-Ste-Helene (an island in the St. Lawrence River...quite close to downtown). The casino is somewhat more formal than most North American ones these days, and it, apparently, has quite a good restaurant, but I have never been.

 

St. Catherine Street is the main shopping drag, but is rather tired in most places. Most of the shopping action is inside in the downtown malls, or the "underground city", or in the small shops and boutiques of rue St. Denis, Old Montreal.

 

For any ice cream lovers, some of the best ice cream I've ever tasted (and sometimes I think I travel the world only to seek out the best ice cream) was from Bilboquet...

 

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/montreal/D53704.html

 

It's also available from a few locations around town...from a couple of ice cream carts in Old Montreal/ld port area, for example.

 

Quebec produces something like 90% of the Maple Syrup produced in North America. It is fantastic...one taste and you'll be off the Aunt Jemimah's forever! There's a shop on St. Paul Street in Old Montreal, Les Delices de L'Erable ("Maple Delights"), that has everything maple...maple syrup, pastries, ice creams, maple sugar, candies, cookbooks...

 

http://mapledelights.com/

 

There are some fine museums...Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (excellent, especially the Canadian/Group of Seven/Krieghoffs collections), the McCord Museum (Canadian History), Museum of Contemporary Art, the Canadian Centre for Architecture, the Point-a-Calliere museum (Museum of Archaeology) in Old Montreal (great presentation on the history of the city). More info here...

 

http://www.montreal.com/tourism/museums.html

 

The Montreal Botanical Gardens are world-renowned...

 

http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/en/menu.htm

 

and are quite close to the Olympic Stadium from the 1976 Olympic Games...the big "O", or the big "owe" (it cost a $Billion in 1976 dollars) as Montrealers refer to it, should you want to go up the incline tower of the stadium ("the world's highest inclined tower". The Insectarium is here also, for the bug fans

 

http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/insectarium/en/index.php

 

Bucky Fuller's geodesic dome which served as the American pavilion at Expo 67 has been made over into the Biodome, an exhibit space which recreates most of the earth's climate zones.

 

http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/biodome/site/site.php?langue=en

 

I haven't been to either the Insectarium or Biodome, so can't really vouch for either....I've heard mixed reviews on each.

 

With such a mix of French/English/Irish/Scottish/Italian commumities, Montreal is blessed with many fine churches...Notre Dame, and Bonsecours churches (in Old Montreal), Mary Queen-of-the-World (Marie Reine-du-Monde) (a (smaller) copy of St. Peter's in Rome), St. Patrick's Basilica, and Christchurch Cathedral (downtown) are all worth a look. On he other side of Mont Royal ("the mountain") is St. Joseph's Oratory...it;s mind-blowing...a shrine to Brother Andre, who is legendary in Quebec as a healer...you may still see pilgrims ascending the formidable outdoor staircase on their knees, pausing to pray at each step.

 

http://www.montreal.com/tourism/churches.html

 

 

BTW...Montreal is probably one of the best examples of how a bilingual city should be. Almost everyone in the downtoen area, certainly those in any type of servive capacity, will speak both French and English....sometimes French, with an English accent, sometimes English with a French accent. They'll know your tourists, BUT...just a few words of French....even just trying, will go a long way to getting that bigger scoop on the ice cream, if you know what I mean. Like: (with a VERY amateurish pronunciation guide...)

 

Bonjour...Hello, Good Day...("Bo-jure")

 

Au Revoir...Good bye, "See you later"...("O Re-vwar") the last "r" is very faint

 

Merci...Thank you...("mair-see") the "R" is very faint

 

S'il-vous-plait....Please..."see-voo-play"

 

Je prend... "I'd like"......("Juh prawn")

 

Pardon..."Excuse me"...("pardoh")

 

The French are somewhat formal (but, in Quebec, not as formal as in France), so it's always considered good form to say "Bonjour Madame (Mademoiselle)(Monsieur)" upon entering a small shop, and "Merci-au revoir" as you leave (even if you were just looking). Now, obviously, most you'll come across in Montreal will speak to you only in English, but if you get the feeling that a shop-person or proprietor is French, it'll be a really nice gesture to at least say a word or two in French.

 

You'll have a great time in Montreal!

[aliaschief]

Thanks so much. Could you go on our cruise and be our tour guide!!:D

[numbersix]

Chief:

 

Thanks for the invite!

 

Hmm...go on a cruise/don't go on a cruise...hmmm.....like that's a tough choice!!

[honey-bunny]

We will be on the Maasdam 15 days, ending on May 23rd. We will be staying overnight before flying out of Montreal. HAL doesn't show any excursions, etc. for that day. Any suggestions?

go to montreal casino it is huge and great has intertainment 24 hours a day and is always open

take a taxi to it and back and must vist to old port

just walk around old port eat and shop for art

the best food is over htre trust me i live in montreal for over 20 years

[sail7seas]

Of all the deli's, Honey-bunny...........

 

Which do you think has the best smoked meat sandwiches. We went to Schwartz's and the food was pretty good but I really didn't like the place. We've been to Ben's but I think we like Dunn's best? Which is your favorite?

 

Thanks.

[ON cruiser]

Number6 may be an ex-pat Montrealer as am I, and his suggestions above are excellent and comprehensive. I would only add that a stroll on Sherbrooke Street West, from Atwater, still somewhat residential with lovely older apartmet buildings, but the begginings of west downtown, through to Phillips Square ("Caree Philipps") is great. That is a long walk and you may not want to do it all, there is a bus that goes along Sherbrooke Street at regular intervals.

 

There are many nice shops along the way, especially starting at Mountain (de la Montagne) Street. Holt Renfrew is a notable, upscale Canadian chain--think Nordstrom's for a comparator. Ogilvy's at Montain and St. Catherine is another old and charming local department store. As our Canadian dollar is low again, shopping in Canada may make sense for tourists.

 

There are many nice dining establishments in Montreal--a city that values fine food and wine so, even though you will have wined and dined on the ship, save room. A favourite of mine is called Les Mas des Oliviers, a classical french dining establishment for over 40 years in Montreal, on I think, either Bishop or Crescent streets, south of St. Catharines...you can look it up and the locals will know it. Perfect for dinner on your last night but you must reserve.

 

A tour through Westmount (at one time the Anglo bastion in Montreal) and then through Outremont, where wealthy French Canadians did and do reside, would be nice--Montreal architecture is kind of unique.

 

It is a city dominated by Mount Royal ("the mountain") and Westmount, also, has look out points from where you can survey a good part of the city.

 

Certainly it is safe for walking in the core and in most other areas, but as always, take sensible precautions as you would anywhere.

 

Too bad you only have one day--May in Montreal is the beginning of good weather, usually, and a perfect time to be out, and enjoying all the culture and charm the city has to offer. Have fun!

[red knight]

Schwartzes have the best Smoked Meat, the rest are just pretenders! Like Toronto Maple Leafs or any other NHL team vs Les Glorieux!:) And the atmosphere at Schwartzes is part of their charm!

[sail7seas]

Judging from the long line out front, I am sure you are correct.

Our group of four got in just before the huge line formed and were shocked when we came out and saw it. The sandwiches were huge and tasty but I didn't love it.

[shirljean]

WOW! Thanks so much for your response(s). Maybe we should stay the week? :)

[newlaxfan]

One of my favourite places to go is the Marguerite Bourgeoys museum!

[earl_m]

Remember to visit the Pepsi forum and the Bell center.

If you like to shop. there many indoor malls . Most of

them on St. Catherine west .

[judiabs]

We will be on the Maasdam 15 days, ending on May 23rd. We will be staying overnight before flying out of Montreal. HAL doesn't show any excursions, etc. for that day. Any suggestions?

I am from Montreal and I would suggest going to Old Montreal. It has cobblestone streets, tons of restaurants, shops and street artists and performers. The architecture is amazing and lots to see and do.

[whenzuc]

Having spent only three days in Montreal- The gardens were beautiful- amazing water lilies, japanese gargens and live butterfly pavilion- truly memorable. Old town where the Artists are- the pastel and charcoal pics are a great value compared to Monmartre in Paris and NYC. Bring along a picture and have a pasel done of your children. I did this in Paris at a much greater cost. Scwartz's Deli is like NYC kosher pastrami- not worth waiting on line if you have other alternatives. Good food but not worth the wait if you've had kosher style pastrami before.

[~Jo~]

For a truly Quebecois experience, you should try a platter of poutine. It is a dish that consists of homemade french fries, fresh cheese curd and gravy. Absolutely delicious but not heart healthy. When we are in Quebec, we eat poutine and smoked meat sandwiches, it's a must!

[Cinema15]

If you have only one night in Montreal I suggest you do not waste it on the casino...extremely disappointing. Spent 3 nights in Old Montreal for Xmas 2007 and it was wonderful. Have a great time!

[numbersix]

For a truly Quebecois experience, you should try a platter of poutine. It is a dish that consists of homemade french fries, fresh cheese curd and gravy. Absolutely delicious but not heart healthy. When we are in Quebec, we eat poutine and smoked meat sandwiches, it's a must!

 

Of course...how did I forget the Poutine!! Good one, Jo!

 

Sail7Seas...Unfortunately, Ben's Deli closed on 2006...I used to enjoy their smoked meat, and especially, used to like their cheesecake. Yes...Schwartz's is different, and not everybody's cup of tea. It's nothing fancy (nothing's changed in eons), and their smoked meat is somewhat fatty (you're not "supposed" to ask for it "lean", but that's more urban legend than anything). Some might think it's very fatty, but old-school deli theorists say that's the secret! It's crowded, it's noisy, and the waiters (who can serve you in about 8 languages!) are known to be a bit "brusk", kind of like a Katz's Deli in NYC, or a Durgin Park in Boston...all part of the charm.