Sign in with Facebook"A little bit of Europe in North America" Montreal by emilesc
Montreal Travel Guide: 4,474 reviews and 6,640 photos
Just got back from a 5-day visit to Montreal. I remember my parents visiting Montreal when I was little, and the sound of it held this exotic allure: a city in North America where most of the people speak French. It sounded like a European city transplanted in the middle of Canada.
While it does have its charm and quirks that you might expect to find in Paris, I didn't experience the culture shock I was expecting. I am amazed by the number of Canadians I spoke to prior to the trip who knew no one in Montreal and avoid the province of Quebec because of the separatist issue - there seems to be a fear of Montreal that's unwarranted.
It's a cosmpolitan city, but still a very North American city where the ruling language happens to be French. Imagine if Spanish were suddenly chosen as the official language of Los Angeles. It would still be an American city; you'd just need a phrasebook to get around.
Unfortunately my photos aren't developed yet and due to some expensive car repairs that greeted me on my return, won't be for a while. But please enjoy my tips and travelogues in the meantime.
Also, fellow VT'er and gracious host nickyte has updated his page with a video from the Cirque du Soleil performance at the International Jazz Festival, which we went to on July 11. Luckily, Nicky edited out my lame attempt to imitate a TV reporter ("This is VT TV") because man, I suck. If you click on his homepage, there is a photo of him holding the sign he made to welcome me to Montreal. :->
- Pros:Beautiful city, easy to get around in, always something to do.
- Cons:You really need to know someone to enjoy it.
- In a nutshell:Don't be afraid of it, most people know English, you'll do fine.
Reviews (6)
Bring an umbrella! A Montreal summer...
What to Pack
(1)
-- A light jacket for the evening. Luckily, I'm from Los Angeles, stuck between an ocean and desert - so I know about... more travel advice
Buy the correct phone card
Favorites
(1)
This tip applies mostly to travellers coming from the United States, where phone cards aren't in such common use as they... more travel advice
Cheap eats!
Restaurants
(2)
I suspect that this tip will be of most use to locals and those looking for a restaurant close to the airport. This is... more travel advice
Montreal's best poutine!
Restaurants
(2)
I was frustrated with sites that suggested trying Montreal's poutine (pronounced "poo-STEN" *not* "poo-TEEN"), but... more travel advice
emilesc's Related Pages
Montreal Travel Guide
Member Travel Pages
- "Bienvenue a Montreal! (Welcome!!!)"
- "A Wonderful Winter Weekend!"
- "Fall in love with Montréal..."
- "Montreal"
- "Montreal"
- "MONTRÉAL - our entry to Canada"
- "HOCHELAGA"
- See All...
Explore the World
Badges & Stats in Montreal
- 6 Reviews
- 11 Photos
- 2 Forum posts
- 7 Comments
- 4,057PageViews
- See All Stats
- See All Badges (3)
Have you been to Montreal?
Share Your TravelsLatest Activity in Montreal
- updated a Montreal Travelogue "Day 4 - The VIP Treatment"
- Uploaded a Photo to "Day 4 - The VIP Treatment"
- Wrote a Review Bring an umbrella! A Montreal summer packing list in Montreal What to Pack
- Commented on bijo69's Montreal Page
- Replied to girlnyc's Travel Montreal Forum Forum Question "Montreal nightlife and restaurants"
- Posted in Travel Montreal Forum "Where to stay near Museum of Fine..."
Top 10 Pages
-
San Francisco
Intro, 24 reviews, 92 photos, 3 travelogues
-
Cannes
Intro, 11 reviews, 26 photos, 3 travelogues
-
Top 5 Page for this destination
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Intro, 9 reviews, 13 photos, 1 travelogue
-
Los Angeles
Intro, 12 reviews, 5 photos
-
Montreal
Intro, 6 reviews, 11 photos, 3 travelogues
-
Fréjus
Intro, 2 reviews, 13 photos, 1 travelogue
-
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Intro, 2 reviews, 3 photos
-
Oakland
Intro, 1 review, 4 photos
-
Menton
Intro, 3 reviews, 2 photos
-
Chicago
Intro, 1 review, 3 photos
Friends
See All Friends (17)
Budget Travel
Women's Travel
SinglesLatest Montreal hotel reviews
- Courtyard By Marriott Montreal Downtown
- 76 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Mar 8, 2012 - Courtyard By Marriott Montreal Airport
- 61 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 28, 2012 - Le Sunset
- 11 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Mar 17, 2012 - BackPackers of Old Montreal
- 12 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Sep 11, 2010 - Opus Montreal
- 314 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 2, 2012 - Auberge De La Fontaine
- 77 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 1, 2012 - Casa Bianca
- 46 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jan 11, 2012 - Saint-Andre-des-Arts
- 7 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 1, 2012 - City Chic Bed and Breakfast
- 1 Review & Opinion
Latest: Jun 9, 2010 - Ruta Bagage
- 4 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 1, 2012 - Le Sous-bois
- 21 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 25, 2010 - Hebergement Temara
- 5 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Aug 3, 2010 - L'Imprevu Bed & Breakfast
- 1 Review & Opinion
Latest: Sep 20, 2007
Comments (6)
Hi, The website link for Palace Oriental buffet doesn't work. I googled and found the following: http://www.palaceorientalbuffet.com Regards, Dave
Great montreal Tips! We will drop back by soon and visit more of your pages. You have great information. Safe travels from Travelling Canadians!
Good accommodations tip, I might check that one out :-)
great page on Montreal...I'm going over in September. We share the same birthday day too !!!!
Beautiful city indeed!
Great tips so far! Waiting for more :)
1 - 6 of 6