Going to Montreal for the weekend

[jyyanks]

Does anyone have any suggestions on where to go and what to do? I have 2 kids (age 13 and 7). My kids love walking around and seeing the sights (we go to NYC often). Museums are ok but my younger gets bored easily. I would appreciate any suggestions you may have.
Thanks in advance.

[shootingstar]

Old Montreal is very interesting and different..European in feel. Back to the 1600's.

It's winter so I don't know what the street conditions are like..

Hopefully Grog will answer...she's been busy with her newborn baby...

[jyyanks]

Thanks Shooting Star. Just checked the weather forecast. Snow - yikes! I did hear there is an underground village and lots of great restaurants. Hopefully the weather won't deter us from going.

[shootingstar]

Your children will hear enough French and see enough written French..that's for sure. :) But enough people there are French-English bilingual. There is Metro (subway, I can't stick the l'accent over the e. )
It's too bad it's winter: Montreal has had a public bike share for the last few years. But every winter they put their bikes away.

I've been to Montreal several times -every season except for winter. I've cycled several times all over the city, but always immensely enjoyed walking the old downtown core. The whole area is worth photographs, architecturally, etc.

This video cycling clip was just produced from/in Montreal, worth playing just so you understand the spirit of Montreal, Quebecois culture:
http://vimeo.com/35927275

I find the finer European pastries are way more plentiful in Montreal...Toronto and Vancouver have become abit better. But there, it feels like 2nd nature to the cafe, restaurant cuisine there.

Do you have time to go to Quebec City? It also is really worth a trip. There is nothing like this in the United States.

[jyyanks]

Thanks Shooting Star!

LOL- that video is funny! Montreal looks beautiful. I wish it were summer as I've heard about their bike share program and it would have been great to ride with my family.

I'll be there for 3 days so will check out Quebec City for sure. Thank you!

[tulip]

I'll be there for 3 days so will check out Quebec City for sure. Thank you!

Quebec City is several hours north of Montreal. It is a separate city, not part of Montreal. If you will be in Montreal only for three days, you won't have time to go to Quebec City. However, if you had more time it's definitely worth a visit.

Three days isn't much; Montreal is a big city with tons to do and see. Of course it will be snowy and cold this time of year--it's winter in Canada! While you will be fine using only English in Montreal, French will be useful and appreciated. In Quebec City, French is a must. Have a good time.

[Crankin]

The Underground in Montreal is large and has tons of shopping/restaurants. So, if weather is snowy, you can probably go there.
I would hit some of the museums, etc, too.
Quebec City really is like being in Europe. There is less English spoken there than in the Czech Republic! I really felt as if I was in Europe, rather than an 8 hour car ride from my home.

[shootingstar]

Distance 1-way between Montreal and Quebec City 160 miles.

There are several buses (Greyhound I think) that also run daily between the 2 cities if you don't want the stress of driving.

[jyyanks]

Thanks All. I decided to cancel my trip this weekend (which was booked at the last minute anyway) and I re-booked for April when the weather is a bit warmer. Per your advice, I am going to stay in Canada and spend a couple of days in Montreal and a couple of days in Quebec City. I can't wait! Thank you!

[tulip]

That's great! Both cities will be beautiful in April--they always are IMO. And now you'll have time to practice your French before you go. Have fun!