Should i visit montreal

Quebec is the largest province in Canada so there are plenty are very friendly French Canadians! Because of this I went into Montreal with low expectations for the city itself and the people.

I always thought that the city was talked up a lot and those that really loved it only loved it because they grew up there and French Canadians are proud people.

But was I wrong to have low expectations! The people were more than friendly and very willing to speak in English. I also went to the city knowing very little about it.

I knew that it was a young and hip city with a good nightlife, but I had no idea about the history and art scene present in the city, making it all the more interesting. With only a few days really only a day and a half in the city we had little time to explore, but did our best to see as much as we could. Our first day we arrived in the morning and had some time to kill until we could check into our hostel.

We got ourselves oriented and headed out to the closest tourist attraction to us. We were hungover and extremely tired I do not recommend going on a pub crawl until AM when you have a train to catch at AM.

Old Montreal was our first stop. The streets once again brought back memories of Europe and the original cobblestone streets had me feeling like I was stepping back in time.

If you love French pastries you will love Montreal! Plus they have such great poutine!! Toronto is also home to some of the best Indian and Vietnamese food. There is fine dining as well as tons of places to grab a quick bite. It does not matter what you are interested in Montreal offers something for everyone! Montreal has great museums as well as the Art Public Montreal. There are plays and concerts that take place in French but many that are in English too!

Toronto also has a theater that brings in Broadway shows and major musicians. Toronto in general just has more going on.

Montreal has a mix of old and new architecture. The Old Town has some of the most well preserved buildings in all of North America. Cobblestone streets, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Montreal, and old storefronts are all part of this historic neighborhood. Toronto has some great architecture as well, but it is very modern.

It is easy to get away from the city feel in Montreal. Toronto has lots of parks, too. Lake Ontario offers beautiful views and beach and sailing options. If money is tight I recommend staying just outside of the city to save your dollars. It is colder in Montreal in the winter but hot and humid in the summer.

In general the weather in these two Canadian cities is similar; however during winter months, typically November through April, Montreal can experience harsher cold snaps while Toronto sees milder ones. In Toronto it is much more temperate due to being close to Lake Ontario. Both are very safe for tourists and I would not worry more than anywhere else about being safe. It's an obvious pick for kids, but animal-loving grown-ups get just as much of a kick out of watching the antics of species as diverse as penguins, puffins, beavers, monkeys, frogs, snakes, bats and countless fish and birds.

In warmer weather, while you're in the neighbourhood, be sure to visit the Montreal Botanical Garden , a hot spot for the city's birdwatchers. And don't miss the Biodome's gift shop, which offers creative gift ideas for all ages. Superb shopping Just like the French, Montrealers are known for their style, and their city offers retail destinations to match. Museums for everyone If you're a fan of art, culture, history or science, you'll find plenty to keep you occupied in Montreal.

If the classics are more your style, check out the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts for the best in European and Canadian art, Mediterranean archaeology and antiquities from around the globe. Places to stay for every budget Montreal offers a wide variety of accommodations , from high-end hotels to cosy bed-and-breakfasts. Ask for a north-facing room on an upper floor for a fabulous view of downtown and Mount Royal. A world of culture Whether you're looking for romance or trying to expose the kids to some culture, you'll find the best of les beaux arts in Montreal.

In summer, bring a blanket and take in some outdoor theatre in English by Repercussion Theatre. Note that performances have surtitles in both English and French.