sebas030 Posted April 4, 2013 #1 Share Posted April 4, 2013 I will try to not break any rules this time. I am a 41 years old cruise addict and I live in Montreal...I have been living here all my life. I would love to help any cruise addict, like myself, who are coming to Montreal and give you pointers about the city. Feel free to ask and I will try to help you have a great time. talk to you later !! Sebastien Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moomduck1 Posted April 4, 2013 #2 Share Posted April 4, 2013 Do you know of a good website with an online walking tour and map? I know there's a nice 30 page brochure that I can buy when I get there. We are staying at the Innercontinental. Any suggestions on places to eat? We have 3 generations - people in their 20s, 40s, 50s, and 70s. A place not too loud and not too stodgy? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetsleep Posted April 11, 2013 #3 Share Posted April 11, 2013 We would really appreciate the name of a reputable small tour company that can give us a good overview of Montreal that includes a drive up to Mount Royal and other sites. We have 3 full days in Montreal before boarding our ship. My mom is in her 80s and very active(still drives,no walker or cane) but a comfortable tour would be great for her. We are staying at a suite hotel in Old Montreal-Le Saint Sulpice-TripAdvisor has great reviews. What is your knowledge of this hotel? Its on Rue St. Sulpice and close to Notre Dame. Can you recommend any nice restaurants in that area? We don't need uber gourmet dining but are not hot dog/burger/pizza eaters either! We will be eating too well on the cruise anyway! There is also a fabulous event at the Botanical Gardens starting June 22-September 29 called Mosaiculture Internationales and we got tickets for that. I assume we will be there for a major part of one day. Should we bring a picnic lunch? We will be there the last week of June. Thanks for your advice and suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eternal City Posted April 11, 2013 #4 Share Posted April 11, 2013 We would really appreciate the name of a reputable small tour company that can give us a good overview of Montreal that includes a drive up to Mount Royal and other sites. We have 3 full days in Montreal before boarding our ship. My mom is in her 80s and very active(still drives,no walker or cane) but a comfortable tour would be great for her. We are staying at a suite hotel in Old Montreal-Le Saint Sulpice-TripAdvisor has great reviews. What is your knowledge of this hotel? Its on Rue St. Sulpice and close to Notre Dame. Can you recommend any nice restaurants in that area? We don't need uber gourmet dining but are not hot dog/burger/pizza eaters either! We will be eating too well on the cruise anyway! There is also a fabulous event at the Botanical Gardens starting June 22-September 29 called Mosaiculture Internationales and we got tickets for that. I assume we will be there for a major part of one day. Should we bring a picnic lunch? We will be there the last week of June. Thanks for your advice and suggestions. Great Restaurant is Bar B Barn(no it`s not a strip joint) - half way up Guy from Rene Levesque - Hotel Maritime on the corner and not far from - Queen Elizabeth Hotel the starting point for good bus tours and the underground mall shopping 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
govols1 Posted April 17, 2013 #5 Share Posted April 17, 2013 This is our first time in Montreal. We arrive late on Friday evening (midnight) and sail on Saturday around 4pm. We will only have a few hours to sightsee. What would you suggest? We also need to get some wine to bring on-board. We are going to be staying at either the Hyatt or Marriott and wont have a car. Are there stores in close proximity and whats your favorite place to pickup some wine? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryann ns Posted April 17, 2013 #6 Share Posted April 17, 2013 Sebastien, this a great offer you have made. I would advise you to start a file on your computer with notes and links to useful web sites. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apathasia Posted April 18, 2013 #7 Share Posted April 18, 2013 We'd love a recommendation for a place for a quick lunch near the Westin Montreal. Thanks for offering up your expertise! Sheri Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hvsteve1 Posted April 18, 2013 #8 Share Posted April 18, 2013 We're arriving three days before our cruise and staying in the convention/old town area. What's the best way from the airport to the hotel? The last time I was in Montreal was '08 and I drove. The time before that was for Expo (:eek:) and we also drove. Thanks for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuAnn Posted April 18, 2013 #9 Share Posted April 18, 2013 (edited) Thanks for you offer. I am wondering if I can pre-book a transfer in a limo and/or taxi from the port to the Old City? We are arriving on the Maasdam on 5/16 and I understand that is hard to get taxis upon arrival? Do you have the name of a service? Also the best way to get from the hotel to the airport? Also...is there a very famous hotel in the city? I always like to go to them to see them and have a drink! Also...your favorite restaurant in China Town??? See what happens when you offer help on CC???? WE ALL APPRECIATE IT!!! :) LuAnn Edited April 18, 2013 by LuAnn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p_mori7 Posted May 20, 2013 #10 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Well... I was perusing the threads...saw this one...and noticed that sebas never came back to answer questions...so I will try and address them...see following posts below. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p_mori7 Posted May 20, 2013 #11 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Do you know of a good website with an online walking tour and map? I know there's a nice 30 page brochure that I can buy when I get there. We are staying at the Innercontinental. Any suggestions on places to eat? We have 3 generations - people in their 20s, 40s, 50s, and 70s. A place not too loud and not too stodgy? Thanks! Suggest visiting this website for tourism info: http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/ Good restaurants near the Intercontinental: http://www.restaurant-toque.com/en/ http://www.steakfrites.ca/en 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p_mori7 Posted May 20, 2013 #12 Share Posted May 20, 2013 We would really appreciate the name of a reputable small tour company that can give us a good overview of Montreal that includes a drive up to Mount Royal and other sites. We have 3 full days in Montreal before boarding our ship. My mom is in her 80s and very active(still drives,no walker or cane) but a comfortable tour would be great for her. We are staying at a suite hotel in Old Montreal-Le Saint Sulpice-TripAdvisor has great reviews. What is your knowledge of this hotel? Its on Rue St. Sulpice and close to Notre Dame. Can you recommend any nice restaurants in that area? We don't need uber gourmet dining but are not hot dog/burger/pizza eaters either! We will be eating too well on the cruise anyway! There is also a fabulous event at the Botanical Gardens starting June 22-September 29 called Mosaiculture Internationales and we got tickets for that. I assume we will be there for a major part of one day. Should we bring a picnic lunch? We will be there the last week of June. Thanks for your advice and suggestions. Tour Company: http://www.guidatour.qc.ca/en/ Hotel: You will enjoy the St-Sulpice ! Restaurant: Many Many restaurants in the area, all easy walking distance...streets are cobblestone...wear good shoes ! http://www.gibbys.com/index.php Botanical Gardens: A picnic lunch there is ALWAYS enjoyable...but there are also snack bars & a restaurant. http://espacepourlavie.ca/en/services Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p_mori7 Posted May 20, 2013 #13 Share Posted May 20, 2013 This is our first time in Montreal. We arrive late on Friday evening (midnight) and sail on Saturday around 4pm. We will only have a few hours to sightsee. What would you suggest? We also need to get some wine to bring on-board. We are going to be staying at either the Hyatt or Marriott and wont have a car. Are there stores in close proximity and whats your favorite place to pickup some wine?Thanks Old Montreal on a Friday night is always fun, lots of pubs, cirque du soleil, outdoor dining & drinks, etc. Saturday during the day, visit downtown, explore the Metro (subway system) and underground city. For wine you need to find a S.A.Q. store (Societe de Alcools du Quebec), there are several near your hotel choices (ask concierge) and they always have excellent selections. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p_mori7 Posted May 20, 2013 #14 Share Posted May 20, 2013 We'd love a recommendation for a place for a quick lunch near the Westin Montreal. Thanks for offering up your expertise! Sheri Typically Canadian quick lunch: Tim Horton's ! 1 block east of the westin, right on St-Antoine street. Another good choice: Van Houtte directly behind the hotel on St-Jacques. 2 blocks south: http://www.legrosjambon.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p_mori7 Posted May 20, 2013 #15 Share Posted May 20, 2013 We're arriving three days before our cruise and staying in the convention/old town area. What's the best way from the airport to the hotel? The last time I was in Montreal was '08 and I drove. The time before that was for Expo (:eek:) and we also drove. Thanks for your help. Traffic has grown exponentially worse since 1967 ! For a no headache experience, hire a limo at the airport...not much more expensive than a regular cab, a flat rate fee of $55 (taxi is $40). Your hotel may have a shuttle service ! Check with them first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p_mori7 Posted May 20, 2013 #16 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Thanks for you offer. I am wondering if I can pre-book a transfer in a limo and/or taxi from the port to the Old City? We are arriving on the Maasdam on 5/16 and I understand that is hard to get taxis upon arrival? Do you have the name of a service? Also the best way to get from the hotel to the airport? Also...is there a very famous hotel in the city? I always like to go to them to see them and have a drink! Also...your favorite restaurant in China Town??? See what happens when you offer help on CC???? WE ALL APPRECIATE IT!!! :) LuAnn The Massdam docks at Alexandria Quay, which is in the heart of Old Montreal. You can walk...but wear good shoes...streets are cobblestone. Limo service: http://www.limousinemurrayhill.com/index.htm Famous Hotels: John Lennon & Yoko Ono bed-in: http://www.fairmont.com/queen-elizabeth-montreal/special-offers/hotel-offers/promotions/everyones-an-original-summer-offer/?cmpid=google_qeh_search-branded_branded-e-revsh&s_kwcid=TC|1025556|queen%20elizabeth%20montreal||S|e|25313914620&gclid=CNm9zILxpLcCFcef4Aod5GEAjw Restaurant in Chinatown: [/url]Restaurant Hong Kong 1023 Saint Laurent Boulevard Montreal, QC H2Z 1J4 But there are MANY choices in Chinatown...your mileage may vary GREATLY from place to place ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apathasia Posted May 20, 2013 #17 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Thanks for all the suggestions, p mori7! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricruise Posted May 24, 2013 #18 Share Posted May 24, 2013 We're booked at the Auberge du Vieux-Port, good choice? What's a must see within walking distance? Could we walk to the Massdam? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p_mori7 Posted May 24, 2013 #19 Share Posted May 24, 2013 We're booked at the Auberge du Vieux-Port, good choice? What's a must see within walking distance? Could we walk to the Massdam? You will enjoy the Auberge...it's a nice place. Walking to Maasdam is possible...but I don't recommend it...narrow streets, cobblestone or horrible pavement...dragging luggage...you're better off getting a cab...it's close enough that it will be a short inexpensive ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p_mori7 Posted May 25, 2013 #20 Share Posted May 25, 2013 (edited) What's a must see within walking distance? I don't know why there is a 'thumbs-down' on this post...nor how to get it off ! Forgot to answer this question ! - Notre-Dame Basilica & Museum - Place Jacques Cartier (especially for lunch or dinner) - Marguerite Bourgeois Museum - Promenade du Vieux-Port - Cirque du Soleil (Jacques-Cartier Quay) - Parc du Bassin Bonsecours - Montreal City Hall - Saute-Moutons (jet boat on the Lachine rapids...you will get very wet!) http://www.jetboatingmontreal.com/ Copy and paste any of these into Google for more info on each. Edited May 25, 2013 by p_mori7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sugarcharlie Posted May 25, 2013 #21 Share Posted May 25, 2013 Thank you soooo much for your helpful answers. Lately I find a lot of posts on CC that are just posters saying nothing. It is great to find one like yours. I am arriving late Friday night as well and staying near the airport. Never been to Montreal either, but want to start early Saturday morning and see as much as possible on my way to the port. I was going to just figure a route from my hotel and try to get a driver but perhaps you have a better idea. If I leave the hotel by 8:00AM I should have about 4-5 hrs until I will board the ship. I'm not interested in any restaurants, just want to get a feel for the city I've heard so much about. I hope to return later in the summer by auto from Chicago and spend a couple of days there. Thanks for any help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p_mori7 Posted May 26, 2013 #22 Share Posted May 26, 2013 I am arriving late Friday night as well and staying near the airport. Never been to Montreal either, but want to start early Saturday morning and see as much as possible on my way to the port. I was going to just figure a route from my hotel and try to get a driver but perhaps you have a better idea. If I leave the hotel by 8:00AM I should have about 4-5 hrs until I will board the ship. I'm not interested in any restaurants, just want to get a feel for the city I've heard so much about. I hope to return later in the summer by auto from Chicago and spend a couple of days there. Thanks for any help. I am presuming you are arriving by air. I am presuming you will be leaving the airport with your luggage. The easiest and least expensive would be to take a cab or limo from the hotel directly to the cruise terminal at Alexandria Quay and drop your luggage with the porters...then explore Old Montreal on foot or better yet, hire a caleche (horse drawn buggy) for an hour or two. You might also be able to negociate with a knowledgable cab driver to drive you around for 3-4 hours to see the sights...although I have no clue how much that would cost...probably a couple of hundred bucks or more... Sights to see to get a flavor of Montreal: - Mont-Royal & Beaver Lake park at the summit (nice views if a clear). - Olympic Stadium (ride the funicular to the top of the mast). - Old Montreal (go for that Caleche ride). - Downtown Montreal, walk St-Catherines street. - Ride the subway system and visit the underground city. - Visit Ile Ste-Helene (sight of Expo 67 & the F1 racetrack & Casino). - Visit Notre-Dame Basilica - Visit Botanical Gardens (next door to Olympic Stadium). - Visit St-Josephs Oratory (on Mont-Royal). - Visit the Biodome (also at the Olympic Stadium) - Montreal Canadiens Hall of Fame (if you're a hockey fan). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruisin Kay D Posted May 26, 2013 #23 Share Posted May 26, 2013 P_Mori7: You have great suggestions for everyone & I have copied several of your comments for my Montreal page. Now for some questions concerning our upcoming trip. Our ship Veendam will be our hotel on 6/21 in Quebec City prior to disembarking morning of 6/22. We have decided to spend a night in a hotel in Quebec City to enjoy more of the city, although I have not yet selected a hotel there. (Any advice?) On 6/23 (Sunday) we will take ViaRail to Montreal, either around noon or the later train,-OR- we may take a bus, although I have read that the train route is more scenic. (True? Advice?) We plan to stay 2 nights in Montreal. I have TENTATIVELY booked the Spring Hill Suites in Old Montreal, as we can get a good Senior rate. We would consider other hotels if the location is more convenient to the main things we need to see. We are 71+72 & can walk several blocks but not a mile! Also considering a Hop On Hop Off type tour in Montreal (Comments? Other suggestions?) On 6/25 our flight back to Tennessee departs at 6 PM, so we will have a good part of Tuesday to sightsee before going to airport. Airport website recommends US passengers allow 3 hrs prior to departure for check-in, security, & clearing US customs. (Should we use a taxi or a limo service? What time should we leave the hotel?) Really looking forward to reading your comments on this!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sugarcharlie Posted May 26, 2013 #24 Share Posted May 26, 2013 I am presuming you are arriving by air. I am presuming you will be leaving the airport with your luggage. The easiest and least expensive would be to take a cab or limo from the hotel directly to the cruise terminal at Alexandria Quay and drop your luggage with the porters...then explore Old Montreal on foot or better yet, hire a caleche (horse drawn buggy) for an hour or two. You might also be able to negociate with a knowledgable cab driver to drive you around for 3-4 hours to see the sights...although I have no clue how much that would cost...probably a couple of hundred bucks or more... Sights to see to get a flavor of Montreal: - Mont-Royal & Beaver Lake park at the summit (nice views if a clear). - Olympic Stadium (ride the funicular to the top of the mast). - Old Montreal (go for that Caleche ride). - Downtown Montreal, walk St-Catherines street. - Ride the subway system and visit the underground city. - Visit Ile Ste-Helene (sight of Expo 67 & the F1 racetrack & Casino). - Visit Notre-Dame Basilica - Visit Botanical Gardens (next door to Olympic Stadium). - Visit St-Josephs Oratory (on Mont-Royal). - Visit the Biodome (also at the Olympic Stadium) - Montreal Canadiens Hall of Fame (if you're a hockey fan). Thanks. Yes I am arriving by Porter Air from Toronto where I will be for 4 hrs as well. I travel very light with just a carry on. I think I'll go to the port as you say and then explore the area around there. I don't have any problems walking in any terrain so it should be fine to do your basic recommendation. If you are ever planning to come to Chicago maybe I can reciprocate. Unfortunately we don't have a cruise port but we do have quite a few world class attractions. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p_mori7 Posted May 26, 2013 #25 Share Posted May 26, 2013 (edited) FOR CRUISIN KAY D: Our ship Veendam will be our hotel on 6/21 in Quebec City prior to disembarking morning of 6/22. We have decided to spend a night in a hotel in Quebec City to enjoy more of the city, although I have not yet selected a hotel there. (Any advice?) Hotels in Quebec City vary widely in quality & price, usually all types of hotels are more expensive in Quebec City...you can find excellent rates...but they are far from Old Quebec City. Choose one in Old Quebec City for best experience. For a great experience, Chateau Frontenac is the place to dine & stay. Request a room overlooking the St-Lawrence. http://www.fairmont.com/frontenac-quebec/ Second choice would be Leows Le Concorde, with the rotating restaurant at the top. Request seating 30~45 minutes before sunset. The view is second to none (as long as it's a clear day & evening). http://www.loewshotels.com/Quebec-City-Hotel There are a multitude of small 'boutique' hotels in Old Quebec City...you can browse them on trip advisor and choose one to your liking if the above suggestions don't fit the bill. On 6/23 (Sunday) we will take ViaRail to Montreal, either around noon or the later train,-OR- we may take a bus, although I have read that the train route is more scenic. (True? Advice?) True ! You will need to take a cab to get to the ViaRail station which is outside of Old Quebec City. The bus is OK...but I would take the train. Both will take you right to downtown Montreal...From there you can take a cab to your hotel (not far). We plan to stay 2 nights in Montreal. I have TENTATIVELY booked the Spring Hill Suites in Old Montreal, as we can get a good Senior rate. We would consider other hotels if the location is more convenient to the main things we need to see. Springhill Suites is 'OK'...location is A1. An interesting alternative would be Auberge du Vieux-Port. I don't know about the rates though. Suggest you also look into Hotel Le St-Sulpice, or Hotel Nelligan, all in Old-Montreal. Hotels in Old Montreal have a great walking location to everything...and if your legs get tired you can always hire a "Caleche" to take you back ! If you are planning on visiting other areas of the city, they are not as readily accessible via bus & metro (subway). We are 71+72 & can walk several blocks but not a mile! We have plenty of taxis, and the drivers are virtually all bilingual (French & English). We also have a fantastic bus & metro network. Also considering a Hop On Hop Off type tour in Montreal (Comments? Other suggestions?) We do have a HoHo bus, I've seen it around town...but I've never been on it. http://www.montrealtours.net/?event=offer.detail&offerId=5246 On 6/25 our flight back to Tennessee departs at 6 PM, so we will have a good part of Tuesday to sightsee before going to airport. Airport website recommends US passengers allow 3 hrs prior to departure for check-in, security, & clearing US customs. TRUE. Plan on arriving at the airport for 3:30pm latest...rush hour traffic in Montreal is a royal P.I.T.A. and you don't want to get stuck in traffic and stress out on your way to the airport. Tell your driver that you are going to the USA and he will drop you off at the newest part of the terminal building. Once you check-in and drop your bags, you will be directed to the security queue...a tuesday afternoon should not be too bad...once through security you will be directed to US Customs & Immigration...where you will wait again...lastly, you will walk through the duty free shop and on to the gates...If you make it through quickly, there are 2 sit-down restaurants with bars, and a number of food kiosks with tables & chairs should you want a bite to eat before sitting and waiting at the gate. Should we use a taxi or a limo service? Either one is fine...taxi will run you about $40CDN from downtown Montreal...a Limo will be about $55...you might need to ask the hotel concierge in advance for the Limo..they usually wait at the airport for fares. What time should we leave the hotel? Plan on leaving the hotel 2:30pm ~ 3:00pm... it's about a 20 ~ 30 minute ride from downtown depending on traffic. Edited May 26, 2013 by p_mori7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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