Tourist Recommendations...

[angeleyes]

Well, my long awaited trip to Montreal and what is surely to be the highlight of my summer is just about upon me. Thanks in large part to this board I have managed to plan out (at least ideally) all of my evening's activities (hint: they consist entirely of dance clubs and beautiful women ). That being said a major, if secondary, motivation for this trip is for me to take in the city itself. I have done some research in this department as well (though not through merb) but nonetheless I am curious to hear some of your recommendations regarding "must see" attractions in Montreal (perhaps some obscure things that the average tour guide might not mention). For what it's worth I am particularly interested in stuff that's historically and culturally noteworthy (and I'd also like to do some shopping). So without further ado, if any of you have any advice/recommendations to throw my way, lets hear them!

Merci!

AE

PS - Following the trip I will, barring any contrary requests from the ladies, be posting reviews.

 

[EagerBeaver]

Must see attractions:

Botanical Gardens & Biodome
Museum Chateau de Ramezay in Old Montreal
Notre Dame Basilica in Old Montreal
Schwartz's (get there early - before 11:30 a.m.)
Horse drawn carriage ride in Old Montreal
Atwater Market

 

[ck_nj]

Hi angeleyes!

I used to have a non-profit personal website that gave lots of information to people visiting Montreal, from a tourist's perspective. The site is not active anymore, but I still remember a few things. I had visited Montreal for 10 years before discovering this hobby, and would visit as a regular tourist.
Here are my personal recommendations from my old website:

1. For $31.50, you can buy a "get an eyeful" package. It includes the Biodôme, Botanical Garden, the Insectarium, and the Olympic Tower. It should keep you busy the entire day.
http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/biodome/site/gabarit.php?dossier=info&page=tarif&menu=tarif

2. Go to the Infotouriste building at Dorchester Square. They have Grey Line Bus Tours. They give you a good feel for the city landmarks, and you can then make decisions on where you would like to go back to, to see more detail later on.
http://www.grayline.com/franchise.cfm/action/details/id/25

Hope this helps.
CK

 

[shijak]

the old Port in Old Montreal is the biggest tourist trap we have (watch out as many restaurants and convenience stores overcharge for items such as water bottles, ice cream cones, juice, etc. compared to other areas of town).
But there are quite a few fun things to see and do there, such as a horse-drawn carriage ride (as mentioned by eagerbeaver), watching various buskers (comedians, musicians and magicians), caricaturists who draw your picture, some great restaurants, the cobblestone-covered roads, the IMAX theater, the Bateau-mouche ride (about 15$ for a speed-boat ride on the St-Lawrence river), gift shops for tacky souvenirs, and many other things worth spending a few hours...

 

[danleo]

correction : Notre-Dame is a basilica, not a cathedral. The cathedral is Marie-Reine du Monde near the 1000 de la Gauchetière

If you are into churches, there is also St-Joseph Oratory on the other side of Mount Royal

Mount Royal itself

Tam-Tam on Sunday on Mount Royal East Flank

La Ronde

St-Helen Island and Notre-Dame Island

http://wikitravel.org/en/Montreal

 

[EagerBeaver]

danleo,

You are correct, Notre Dame is a basilica, not a cathedral. Either way, it must be seen!

 

[Kaempferrand]

Well if you are mathematically inclined with some quick mental calculation skills with risk/reward ratios, you can try out the Baccarat tables for instance at the Casino de Montreal.

 

[starbuck1105]

Hi angeleyes!

1. For $31.50, you can buy a "get an eyeful" package. It includes the Biodôme, Botanical Garden, the Insectarium, and the Olympic Tower. It should keep you busy the entire day.
http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/biodome/site/gabarit.php?dossier=info&page=tarif&menu=tarif

Hope this helps.
CK

Wow, that is a great package. I'll take advantage of that the next time I'm in town!

 

[bond_james_bond]

IMHO, don't overdo it. Just pick a few attractions to visit. It will be less stress on you. I find the most relaxing thing is just lying on my bed in my hotel doing nothing ... except waiting for an SP, of course

 

[Techman]

One thing I didn't see mentioned is the Jet Boat Tours that run the Lachine Rapids. They take you from Old Montreal through the Lachine Rapids and back again. They have packages that include lunch or dinner at a restaurant in Old Montreal. I have no idea of the prices though.

Whatever you choose to do I hope you enjoy your stay here and let us know how it went!

 

[gohabsgo]

http://www.jetboatingmontreal.com/english/index.html

... and don't forget all the great restaurants in Montreal, there are several threads already on this subject in the lounge section, enjoy your trip to our great city.

GHG

 

[picasso]

Jet Boating

One thing I didn't see mentioned is the Jet Boat Tours that run the Lachine Rapids....... I have no idea of the prices though.

$60CDN all inclusive including getting drenched ! Definitely recommended.

 

[angeleyes]

Well if you are mathematically inclined with some quick mental calculation skills with risk/reward ratios, you can try out the Baccarat tables for instance at the Casino de Montreal.

Now there's an idea. I was a huge fan of the old (Connery/Lazenby era) James Bond movies as a kid and part of me has always wanted to sit down at a baccarat table (in a French speaking place, of course) just to hear the dealer say "neuf a la banque" and such. I have absolutely no idea how to play Baccarat though, which is kind of a hindrance.

Thanks for all the info everyone! I do indeed plan on writing about my experiences (sp related and not) when I return.

 

[Juliana]

Attractions in Montreal !

This weekend there is a festival of Latin Music at Park Jean Drapeaux !

 

[Kaempferrand]

Now there's an idea. I was a huge fan of the old James Bond movies as a kid and part of me has always wanted to sit down at a baccarat table (in a French speaking place, of course) just to hear the dealer say "neuf a la banque" and such. I have absolutely no idea how to play Baccarat though, which is kind of a hindrance.

Thanks for all the info everyone! I do indeed plan on writing about my experiences (sp related and not) when I return.

Here you go angeleyes... http://www.casino-de-montreal.com/montreal/nav/en/games/baccarat

That is if you are interested.

Baccarat is very easy to learn. Much easier than say Poker and Blackjack. Also not to forget better odds too.

 

[angeleyes]

and don't forget cleopatra and say hi to us when you come in

Do they get uptight if you don't drink in that place?

 

[Rex Kramer]

Do they get uptight if you don't drink in that place?

Just buy a bottle of water for $4.50CDN, give the waitress a $1 tip, and everyone will be happy. With the $2 tip to the doorman, they add up to $7.50 and you can stay there and watch as long as you like. BTW, the girls dancing on the stage do not expect people to tip them while they are on the stage.

 

[angeleyes]

Just buy a bottle of water for $4.50CDN, give the waitress a $1 tip, and everyone will be happy. With the $2 tip to the doorman, they add up to $7.50 and you can stay there and watch as long as you like. BTW, the girls dancing on the stage do not expect people to tip them while they are on the stage.

Right on. Perhaps I will make a point to stop in there one night-- I would get a kick out of meeting some of the faces behind the monikers of this place. Is Cleopatras within walking distance of the Hotel de la Montagne?

 

[Kaempferrand]

Is Cleopatras within walking distance of the Hotel de la Montagne?

It is within walking distance but make sure you do it on a nice beautiful day though.

Hotel de la Montagne is right smack in the middle of action of St. Catherine right behind Oglivy. Cleo's is a little bit pass the Hyatt/Complexe de Jardins.
It is not far but it is a walk.

 

[angeleyes]

Hotel de la Montagne is right smack in the middle of action of St. Catherine right behind Oglivy.

Forgive my naivete, but what kind of action are you talking about? Is St. Catherine a shopping or clubbing district or something (or perhaps something else...)?