I have just returned from a 5 day visit to what I believe is one of N.America's great Cities.
I lived there for 30 years, and in the past 25 years I have visited many times.
Old Montreal fascinates me. The port has been built up in modern style and is clearly viewed from the road to Le Casino (Largest in the World !) I was hoping to see a Radisson ship !!
Cruise ships dock at the very area where Champlain discovered and founded the city.
If anyone intends to visit the City, please e-mail me and I will give my advice on everything depending on desires and tastes.
I would not suggest renting a car. The Montreal drivers consider driving as a sport. They tend to intimidate and bluff to the nth. degree.

I have to agree with you Neville. Love old Montreal and Quebec City is my favourite. I hate to have to say this but Montreal drivers are even worse then T.O. drivers. Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip back.

Hey - Neville - we are there on the Sept 22 cruise, ending up in Montreal - we will be there 2 nights, ChatKat and husband will be there 3 - give us all the info you can - restaurants, places to go/see, we are all staying at the Ritz Carlton, so whats nearby, what should we do, where should we go, and what are some great "french bistro" type places for lunch and/or dinner nearby? So cool to have someone familiar with the city to give us really good advice!!
JoAnn :eek: :eek:

Neville -- I've been in Montreal only once, several years ago. I absolutely fell in love with the city. Like you, I loved Old Montreal, and the people were wonderfully friendly and helpful. It's high on my list of cities I would like to experience again.

Hi Neville,

Thank you for your gracious offer. We will be there in less than 2 1/2 months! We'd be appreciative of any tips you can give us! You mentioned once a restaurant with Kasha Varnishikas and Corned Beef - My Frank loves Corned beef. Wouldn't think about Montreal having that, but, hey, what do I know about Montreal except that I am excited to be going there!

I loved Montreal and Quebec ... fantastic cities and very picturesque. :)

Masaki

Masaki,

I've already printed your review of Montreal and Quebec to take with us!

It's not much of a review since we didn't have enough time to spend there (I could have easily spent a few days in each city). Need to head back there at some point.

Masaki

Well, here are my best recommendations for a 2 day stay in Montreal, la plus belle ville au monde !!
Montreal is an egg shaped island plump in the middle of the mighty St.Lawrence. The wide part runs from East ( Quebec City and the Atlantic) to the West, which links to the St.Lawrence Seaway, a canal from the Great Lakes to the sea. Ships sail under the Jacques Cartier bridge and anchor at the very site where Cartier landed in the 16th. century. A mountain lies in the centre of the island, called Mount Royal. All streets run East and West and North and South, except when they go around the mountain.
The mountain is a public park with a large lake , hiking trails, picnic areas and one road over it.
Start with restaurants. Hundreds !! But for two nights why not pick the best. After all, multiply the Canadian dollar by 75 and you get the U.S. dollar cost. Taxes are 15%. Add the taxes and that's the tip !! Purchased goods over $100 can receive a rebate, and this includes hotels but not meals and car rentals.
DO NOT RENT A CAR. Montreal drivers treat driving as a sport and can bluff the best poker players. They are agressive, rude, and intimidate everyone who drives slow. Besides, parking costs about $10 per hour downtown IF one can find a parking space.

The best steak house in Canada is "Moishe's" located in the old ethnic section of St.Lawrence Blvd. which street effectively divides the city from East to West. They age their meat and serve with pickles, and cole slaw,so good ,that patrons buy boxes to take home. Varenikas and latkes are side orders not to be missed as well as bite sized French pastries.
The best French restaurant is Chez La Mere Michel on Guy St.
The best Chinese restaurant is Chrysanthemums in the Windsor Hotel on Peel St. All with an easy cab ride.
For a 3/4 day tour I would recommend getting a
taxi or van and negotiating a deal. If you are at a hotel, call the concierge before arrival, or show the cabbie this route:-
Up Peel St.to Pine Ave. Pass the Shriners' Hospital, stop at the magnetic hill on Cote Des Neiges Rd. and turn left after the Armoury to the Westmount lookout. Observe the multi million dollar homes built years ago in the English style.
Drive to the REAR of St.Josephs shrine. The descend via Roslyn or Grosvenor to Queen Mary Rd. and view the shrine from below. Carry on Cote Des Neiges and go over the mountain Rd. to the lookout. Then go along Park Ave. to Notre Dame Cathedral, which is a replica of the one in Paris.
Leave the cab here and walk along Rue Notre Dame which is the longest street in N.America, to City Hall. You will arrive at Place Jacques Cartier which is the beginning of old Montreal. Pick any place and have lunch. Afterwards, stroll along the old streets. These streets are alive at night with music and shows far into the night.
Day 2. Either a taxi or the clean, easy to follow metro to the olympic stadium. Nearby is the Biodome which is worth an hour or two followed by the famous botanical gardens.
A wonderful area for lunch or dinner is in the ethnic area close to St.Lawrence and downtown.
Prince Athur and St.Lawrence streets is the beginning. Go to a Depanneur (7/11)buy a bottle of vintage wine and choose a restaurant which will chill, open and serve. This area has street musicians, etc. all evening. The ethnic groups comprise Greek, Portuguese, Italian ,Caribbean and Chinese, and they all get along in typical Canadian democratic fashion.
The casino is located in the 1967 World's fair French pavilion, 6 stories high and is the largest in the world. Their lunch buffet at $16 Canadian is equal to any in Vegas. Either take the metro or a cab.
If you have any questions about anything please e-mail me at imiglaw71@aol.com
Montreal is a metropolis and like other big cities has highlights for a short visit which I have described to suit the majority of cruisers.
Bon chance, and 90% speak both languages.

Thanks very much for an outstanding summary - we are on Navigator 9/8 NYC to Montreal - you have added a great deal to our anticipation.

Ted

Neville -

Thank you so much. I will print this and put it in my trip file. Sound really wonderful! We will think of you when we are en route!

Neville - wow, wish we had this before we went. Thanks in advance for a future tour of Montreal. :)

Masaki

You will be on Navigator and we will be on Voyager, 09/7 Rouen to Barcelona !!
I forgot one thing. Weather. I always say that there are 2 seasons in Montreal - winter and July !! Sept can have 75 deg. days or 50 deg. days. Take a sweater. Several layers beat cold.