Montreal — tell me all about it

[Anonymous]

Thinking about a summer trip to Montreal for a milestone birthday for DH and me.

Tell me all about it — where you stayed and what you did. Hotel or Airbnb? What is not to be missed?

We are thinking of driving from DC. We may not have enough time for that though. Probably staying less than a week. Traveling with DH and teenage DD

[Anonymous]

You can drive to Montreal in one day from the dc metro area (leave super early, and you’ll be there in time for dinner). Stay two or three nights, and then move on to Old Quebec for another two or three nights.

Lots of threads. Watch YouTube videos.

[Anonymous]

Do a search in this travel forum. There have been several recent ones on Montreal.

[Anonymous]

Go to Bota spa, and hike up Mont Royal for the view

[Anonymous]

Do you like Cirque du Soleil? They often have a show running downtown at the port in the summer.

[Anonymous]

It’s great for jazz and food. There are outdoor concerts in the summer that are fun. It is very much a big city though—if you want something more European-feeling or scenic I’d suggest Quebec City. One thing Montreal doesn’t seem to have is good museums. Or if it does I haven’t found them on several visits. The Botanic Gardems are pleasant.

[Anonymous]

It's more French than France.

[Anonymous]

It was a few years ago but McGill had dorms available. You can stay there cheap and your teen might like it. Felt like it was only tourist staying not crowded. It's a regular high rise in a great location, feels like an apartment building.

[Anonymous]

We stayed at the Ritz -- it was a big occasion. Great location. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is spectacular! Don't miss it. The Botanic gardens are nice too.

[Anonymous]

We went last winter. Fabulous time. Stayed at Le Mount Stephen. Walking distance to everything. Food was phenomenal. On cold evenings, enjoyed having a drink and playing board games in local bars. Not usually my scene, but really relaxed.

[Anonymous]

Montreal is fabulous in the summer.
Quebec City is also charming.
Can def do both in 1 week.

McGill accommodations or Square Phillips hotel downtown - kitchen with closed bedroom and separate living room.

Lots to see and do. An amazing joie de vivre ambiance.

I try to go every summer to the jazz fest or sometime in the fall.

[Anonymous]

One word.

Schwartz’s.

You will not regret it.

[Anonymous]

All I know is it must be very popular over memorial day because most there arent very many hotels left.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One word.

Schwartz’s.

You will not regret it.

It was better 10 years ago! But still worth it.
Eat in though. The takeout side is not as good.

[Anonymous]

I have driven home from Montreal in one day as the only driver -- if you have two drivers it should be pretty manageable.

Go during Jazz Festival.

We liked staying at Hotel Le Germain, which had an amazing breakfast. Very close to McGill. I thought it was pretty nice at the time -- kind of mid-century style -- and it has since been renovated.