I’m planning a trip to Montréal for labor day weekend. I know next to nothing about Montréal. What should I see? In which area should I stay? Am I better off taking the bus and metro instead of driving around? Good restaurants/bars? How long does it take to get there by car from NYC?
Thanks in advance! 
You will be far better off taking the bus/metro around - I was there a couple of summers ago, and it was so easy to get around. I was incredibly jealous when I mentally compared it to the meager Atlanta subway system (where I lived then).
Apart from that, our Montreal dopers will be in soon to help you out on activities. 
Thanks, Lsura. I guess the Montreal dopers are too busy planning Dopreal.
I love Montreal, I make it their several times a year. Great restaurants, but what really gets me is the style - Joie de vivre - Montrealers seem to really enjoy living.
What I often go to see, which would only be interesting if you’re really into gardening, is the Montreal Botanical Gardens - Truely amazing- just get off the Metro at the Pie IX station (I keep wanting to call it Pie Nine but the Quebecois pronounciation is something like pee ay neuf) and walk up the hill. Takes you right by the huge stadium built for the '76 Olympics.
Definitely see the Botanical gardens!!! Bus and Metro are better for getting around, you can get a tourist 3-day pass for 10 dollars or so, and they’ll really take you everywhere.
See the Old Port, and take in the “Mosaicultures” exhibition… plant sculptures… and this year they’re breathtaking.
For good bars/nightlife… it depends VERY much on your style, because there are SO many to choose from.
Try to get a hotel downtown if at all possible, which puts a lot at walking distance.
For help finding a restaurant:
http://ekwest.restaurant.ca/scripts/restaurant_make_search.asp?search_level1_id=4&language_id=en&website_id=1&partner_id=1
(hope the link works, i’m new at this)
But i personally recommend the Alpenhaus restaurant on St-Mathieu street, or Pasta Tella on Stanley street. If you want REAL Montreal, go to Schwartz’s Deli on Saint-Laurent street for classic smoked-meat sandwiches. Always a lineup, and always very very good. Unless you want “trendy”, in which case you should try Jaques Villeneuve’s restaurant “Newtown”, on Crescent. Never been but I hear it’s THE place to be seen these days.
It’s so ironic, I’m really bad at telling tourists what fun stuff to do in Montreal.
Okay, if you’re staying downtown, you don’t need a car. If you aren’t, it might be a good idea depending on where you are.
Hey roxx222, are you coming to Doperéal ?
Like other Montrealers, I would suggest you take public transit if you stay downtown (if you’re not sure if you are staying downtown, just tell us which hotel and we’ll tell you if that’s the case).
As for what to see, hummmm, the Botanical garden has been mentioned, there’s also the Biodome nearby.
You could also go see the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts , the Montréal museum of Modern Arts , Old Montréal, Mt-Royal park (designed by FL Olmsted, As a New-Yorker, I’m sure you heard of him). If you’re into gambling, there’s always the Casino. As for food, tell us what you are looking for and we’ll provide you with recommandations.
Thanks for the Doperéal invite, but I’m writing my GRE soon and need to be in tiptop shape! Hope you guys have a great time, though.