Why To Go To Montreal
Why to go to Montreal?
Montreal has always been my favourite getaway destination. From my university days to now in the post-pandemic era, I will always look to book a trip there no matter the season. Even now, I am planning my next weekend trip. I have done Montreal in all four seasons. Each season has its advantages and disadvantages.
In choosing which season to go to Montreal, it all relates back to knowing yourself. While no one can guarantee perfect weather at any time of the year, I can say that in summer there will be hot days. Then in winter there will be frigid days. Spring and fall there will be rainy days. Then there will be perfect days of sun and the right temperature for doing the touristy things.
A Real Short History
Hochelaga was the original name of Montreal as given by the Huron nation. The first known visitor was Jacques Cartier in 1535-36. More than fifty years passed before the next Frenchman visited – Samuel de Champlain. While Champlain’s original vision was to set up a fur-trading post, it became missionary centre named Ville-Marie. The outpost consisted of dwellings, a chapel, a hospital, and a stockade to protect against Indigenous attack.
Jumping forward in time to the 1760’s, the British defeated the French on the Plains of Abraham, near Quebec City. The Province of Quebec including Montreal became part of British North American. This is significant in relation to the upcoming American Revolution which will drive folks of English, Sottish, Irish decent north to settle in and around Montreal. English names for streets and parts south of Montreal started to become prevalent.
In modern times, Montreal rose to become the site of many industries with companies headquartering there. Through the 1800 and early 1900s, the city had the first electric lighting; the first electric tramways; first to have auto traffic and more.
The highlights for Montreal in the modern era, were the building of Place Ville Marie; hosting of Expo ’67; the construction of the Metro system; hosting of the Olympic Games in 1976 which left so many landmarks across the city. Check out the Britannica Online and Wikipedia if you want more on the history of Montreal.
What to wear
Do I Need to Speak French?
One of the biggest questions slash statements that I get from most Americans and surprisingly some Canadian acquaintances is that they’d love to go to Montreal, but they don’t speak French, so they aren’t comfortable going. Let me cut that rumour down now: tourism is one of Montreal’s lifelines and hence it is rare that someone would not be willing to communicate with someone in English. Leave those fears at home.
How to Get to Montreal
I live in Toronto. A flight to Montreal is about 45 to 55 minutes in the air. But that does not include the trips to and from the airports that can be extensive and expensive. Think about $100 if you take a limo or taxi. Public transport exists but again you would need to add more time to your journey that could take up to about an hour. There are flights out Toronto’s Billy Bishop (Island Airport) located near downtown. But to me the cost does not justify the means.
On top of this you must deal with the airport security. While it can be hit-and-miss, there are days when I have walked right through security of to the gate. But most times, it has taken one to two hours to get from check in to gate. Me no like..lol.
You may have read a previous blog of mine and know that I am a big proponent of using Via Rail to get to Montreal from Toronto. Why? Mainly because it is a downtown-to-downtown service. You leave Toronto’s Union Station which is the confluence of multiple public transit systems. You will arrive at Montreal’s Gare Centrale which is again near public transit and close to the downtown hotels.
From elsewhere, most major North American airlines fly into Pierre Trudeau International Airport or they connect with Air Canada (my preferred airline), WestJet or Porter Airlines. Another option is to fly into Burlington in Vermont, rent a car and drive up to Montreal.
One other option many may not consider is Amtrack. There is a daily train to and from New York. I have done this trip. I highly recommend this trek especially if you can book it in the fall when the foliage is at its peak. It is beautiful as you come up past Lake Champlain and into Montreal from the south.
Where to Stay in Montreal
Montreal has the full range of hotels from high end luxury brands to the budget brands. I have my favourites which would be considered budget brands. Check her for complete hotel listings. I will talk about the key locations in the city.
If it is your first time to Montreal, you will want to stay in Old Montreal (Vieux-Montreal). There are many hotels in this district. You will be surrounded by the history of Montreal; historic buildings; great shopping; things to do for the whole family. There is easy access to public transit.
In the Downtown (Centre-Ville), you will find all the major brands and all price ranges. You will be near St. Catherine, Maisonneuve, Sherbrooke, and Rene Levesque Streets. Shopping, restaurants, and bars will all be at your doorstep.
Finally, the Mont Royal Plateau is an excellent location for families and food lovers. You will be situated a little above the downtown but again transportation makes getting around easy. Restaurants of all types abound in this neighbourhood.
My two favourite locations are the Hotel 2170 Linclon in Westmont It is situated just a little west of the downtown core. The hotel is a short walk to Atwater Metro station. Across from the Atwater station, is an Alexis Nihon shopping centre with a pharmacy and grocery store to fulfill all your daily needs.
I have recently added The Fairfield Inn Downtown to my preferred list. It is a newly renovated location. A short walk to the main Metro station of Berri-UQAM which is a springboard to all points in the city. I have stayed there only during the COVID lockdowns so I can’t at this point give you much beyond the fact I really liked the rooms. To my delight, there are tons of electrical outlets and USB ports for work and charging equipment.
Hotels Des Gouverneurs located around the corner from Fairfield Inn. I have mixed reviews of it over the years. I have noticed that it has been rebranded as a Hyatt Place Montreal. If the price remains affordable, I will have to check it out again soon. Check out my video of Hyatt Place room and fitness centre here. Like Fairfield, it is right next to Berri-UQAM station and has indoor access to the station. There is also access to grocery and pharmacy and a food court all indoors which make those winter visits a whole lot easier.
Luggage and more
What To Do In Montreal
As far as restaurants and night life, I will have to wait to give you ideas after I get back to Montreal. I will need to find out what is still open, what has changed hands, what staffing changes have meant to my favourite places.
Every time I go to Montreal, a Montreal smoked meat sandwich is a must. Ask your hotel concierge what deli is closest to you? I usually end up at Rueben’s Deli which has two locations along St Catherine Street. There are other delis, but I refuse to stand in line for hours to eat.
The Streets of St Laurent, Mont Royal, Crescent, and Old Montreal will expose you to some of the best restaurants and bars. Walk around, look for a happy crowd and check it out.
A Senior Moment
Here I am going to provide information for those of you who have reached your senior years and or may have mobility issues. I, myself, have arthritis in my knee and in both feet which makes walking long stretches difficult.
That said, Montreal is easy to walk about. The main downtown districts are flat. Walking along St Catherine will be even and there are plenty of cafes and benches where you can rest, and people watch. When you switch directions however, the east/west avenues are quite hilly as the ascend towards Mont Royal. Use your judgement.
Another word of caution comes regarding Old Montreal. The streets leading to and from the port are hilly and steeply so. Then to top that off, many of the sideways are narrow and uneven with the streets themselves still being cobblestoned. I would recommend public transit, a Hop On Hop Off tour or Uber and taxi to get to and from the port. The port area once you get there is flat for walking.
Lastly as I have mentioned in other blogs, mobility access to many of the Metro stations can be hit and miss. Much of the infrastructure for the Metro was build in the ‘50s and ‘60s. While some key stations like Berri-UQAM have been made fully accessible, others may require you to climb stairs to access or egress. Prime examples are Atwater which has no escalator from platform to the ticketing level; De Castelnau which has only up escalators from train platform to ticketing but only stairs to street level and stairs only all the way down (at the time of writing).
Electronic Stuff You'll Need
City of Festivals
All said, I would look at planning your trip around one of the festivals or events held annually in Montreal. As we open up, I am sure your support of any one or all of them will help get the city back up and running. Here are just a few:
- Festival TransAmerique
- Festival Go Velo
- St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival
- L’International des Feux Loto-Quebec
- Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
- Just For Laughs
- Festival Fantasia
- Osheaga
- Ile Soniq
- Italfest MTL
- Montréal Pride
- And many more
What to do and see in Montreal
Once again, there are far too many things to list here. I will give some ideas:
- National Bank Tennis Open – Masters or WTA 1000
- Montreal Canadiens – NHL
- Montreal Impact – MLS
- Visit the Olympic Stadium
- Visit the Montreal Casino
- Rent a Bixi Bike
- Formula 1 – Canadian Grand Prix
- Visit Mont Royal Overlook
- Walk St Catherine
- Walk the Gay Village (eastern St Catherine)
- Visit Mt Tremblant in winter for skiing
- Atwater Market
- Musee des Beaux Art
- Old Montreal
- La Ronde
- All just to name a few
Why I Love Montreal
No matter where you live, I highly recommend that you put Montreal on your bucket list. European charm mixed into a modern metropolis. The people have a “joie de vivre” that I haven’t found anywhere else in my travels. Come on up to play, live, eat, drink and be merry in one of the best cities – Montreal
***************Important***********
Opinions provided in this blog are purely my own; the information set out should not be construed as advice. Please do your research and choose products, places, and journeys that are right for your situation and budget.
Please note: The opinions expressed in this document should never be construed as advice. The thoughts are based on my experiences after 40-plus years of business and vacation travel. My likes and dislikes may vary drastically from yours. Do your research and find products and experiences that align with your likes and dislikes. Most of all have happy travels and see you out there on the road!
Al of Al Murray Travel & Photography: From the time in my youth, when I would lay on our garage roof watching planes traverse the skies above me, I knew I wanted to see the world.
My passion grew after spending a semester of my university days in Barcelona. I spent more time on trains and buses than I did in class.
After earning my BA from Carleton University, life got in the way. But I did find time to graduate again from George Brown in Fitness and Lifestyle Management and then work my way through most of a degree in Sports Administration. However I needed to find work and pay for all this education!
It wasn’t until my “middle age” did I start exploring the world again. First, transversing the US and Canada to take part in tennis tournaments. Then later to complete my spectator “grand slam” of tennis.
I accomplished this while earning my certificate in photography from Toronto Metropolitan University. I am now combining the two passions and now sharing with you my many lessons learned.