# Quebecians: help me plan my vacation **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 5, 2013, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585 "2013-05-05T23:27:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![detop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bcef8e/32.png) [@detop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/detop)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/21 "2013-05-06T20:24:11Z")
> [@xnylder](#): > > The wax museum closed years ago… If I recall correctly, it is now a _Le Commensal_ restaurant. > [@](#): > > Also supporting what others have said: June 24th is a big deal in Montreal, and a huge deal in Quebec City. In Montreal, there’s a free concert in Lafontaine park (a large park just east of downtown),\ I thought the big party was usually held in Parc Maisonneuve (by the Big Owe) 😕 ---
**Author:** ![xnylder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/bbce88/32.png) [@xnylder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xnylder)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/22 "2013-05-06T22:22:37Z")
> [@detop](#): > > I thought the big party was usually held in Parc Maisonneuve (by the Big Owe) 😕 You’re right, I got mixed up with a picnic I attended there around the same time. Go to Parc Maisonneuve for the 24th. > [@EmilyG](#): > > But there’s a new one. I went to it last week. Interesting… I hope it does well. But since the movie theater closed, I haven’t seen anything last in that space. ---
**Author:** ![EmilyG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/emilyg/32/364_2.png) [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/23 "2013-05-06T23:19:13Z")
The new wax museum is on the fifth floor of the Eaton Centre. **Karen Lingel,** I think that when you’re in Montreal, you should check out both Mount Royal (the mountain) and Parc Lafontaine (a gorgeous park.) ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/24 "2013-05-07T00:15:07Z")
I’m going to be in Quebec from this coming Saturday to just after June 14th, so it looks like we might miss each other… > [@EmilyG](#): > > The new wax museum is on the fifth floor of the Eaton Centre. Gee, there’s only parking in the fifth floor of _our_ Eaton Centre… **Karen Lingel,** I think that when you’re in Montreal, you should check out both Mount Royal (the mountain) and Parc Lafontaine (a gorgeous park.) [/QUOTE] And the Montreal Metro. Beautiful architecture. ---
**Author:** ![Karen\_Lingel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/karen_lingel/32/18649_2.png) [@Karen\_Lingel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Karen_Lingel)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/25 "2013-05-07T01:56:16Z")
Does the metro go to the mountain? ---
**Author:** ![detop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bcef8e/32.png) [@detop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/detop)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/26 "2013-05-07T02:02:38Z")
The two best ways to get to the mountain ar either take the metro to Place-des-Arts station (green line) and walk uphill on Bleury/Park avenue or take the bus, or even better, take the metro to Mont-Royal station and walk slightly uphill on Mont-Royal avenue or take the bus. The Mont-Royal option is easier the walk is less steep. In both cases, the wait for the bus will probably be longer than the ride, but both will bring you to the park. After that, it is up to you. ---
**Author:** ![Karen\_Lingel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/karen_lingel/32/18649_2.png) [@Karen\_Lingel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Karen_Lingel)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/27 "2013-05-07T05:26:06Z")
Thanks. Here are some specific questions for anyone to chime in on: 1. Is the Centre de Sciences (Montreal) worth seeing without kids? 2. Anyone been to the Planetarium Rio Tonto Alcan? 3. How is the Quebec City Citadel? 4. La Musee de la Civilisation (also Quebec City)? 5. Are there any local foods I should try? My guidebook says I have to eat poutine, which I guess I will, just for the experience, but so far it doesn’t sound like something I’ll want the recipe for. But I did enjoy the brambleberry buckle when I was in Newfoundland. ---
**Author:** ![Mighty\_Mouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mighty_mouse/32/7776_2.png) [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/28 "2013-05-07T05:47:06Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > I don’t think Montreal traffic or drivers are any different than any other major city in North America. If you can drive in Los Angeles or Chicago or Boston or Toronto then you can drive in Montreal. I remember saying the same thing to my wife as we drove into Montreal from Boston. Fifteen minutes later we were on a main thoroughfare (Sherbrooke) which was completely jammed in the direction we were traveling. Then one car jumps the median drives a block on the wrong, deserted, side and makes a left turn. But apart from that it did seem more or less New York City standard driving, not really any worse. ---
**Author:** ![Karen\_Lingel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/karen_lingel/32/18649_2.png) [@Karen\_Lingel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Karen_Lingel)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/29 "2013-05-07T05:50:28Z")
1. Oh, and is there a weekly unlimited Metro pass? ---
**Author:** ![xnylder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/bbce88/32.png) [@xnylder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xnylder)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/30 "2013-05-07T06:11:54Z")
> [@Karen\_Lingel](#): > > Thanks. Here are some specific questions for anyone to chime in on: > > 1. Is the Centre de Sciences (Montreal) worth seeing without kids? > 2. Anyone been to the Planetarium Rio Tonto Alcan? > 3. How is the Quebec City Citadel? > 4. La Musee de la Civilisation (also Quebec City)? > 5. Are there any local foods I should try? My guidebook says I have to eat poutine, which I guess I will, just for the experience, but so far it doesn’t sound like something I’ll want the recipe for. But I did enjoy the brambleberry buckle when I was in Newfoundland. 1. If you’re going to see a specific IMAX movie, or a special exhibit (they’ve had Bodyworlds and Star Wars), you’ll enjoy it. If not, no, not really in my opinion. The regular exhibits are really kid-oriented. 2. I’ve been (and it’s Rio Tinto). There’s two domed theaters and an interactive exhibit hall. It’s certainly more up-to-date than the old Dow Planetarium. It also shares a building complex with the Biodome if you want to see that too. 3. I haven’t been in a very long time, so I’ll demur. 4. Wonderful museum! Both their temporary and permanent exhibits are top-notch. 5. Proper poutine is a heart attack on a plate but oh-so-tasty. Try a smoked meat sandwich too. If you like a variety of fresh local foods (either to eat right away or bring home), you could visit the Jean Talon Market in Montreal. Fruit and vegetables, locally-made cider and wine, an insane number of cheeses, duck/boar/bison/whatever sausage on a bun… they’ve got it. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/31 "2013-05-07T06:26:03Z")
> [@Karen\_Lingel](#): > > Thanks. Here are some specific questions for anyone to chime in on… > > 1. Are there any local foods I should try? My guidebook says I have to eat poutine… No, you don’t, unless you want to. Poutine is popular across Canada, but if the idea of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy doesn’t work for you, don’t try it. I’ve never eaten poutine, precisely because I don’t find the idea of such a mixture terribly appetizing. Some friends of mine love it; others are like me and have no interest in it. It’s not as popular as some would have you believe. Canada offers a nice cuisine that is not limited to poutine. If you want to try Canadian cuisine, then you need to try Alberta beef, Restigouche (Quebec/New Brunswick) salmon, Quebec or Ontario maple syrup, Nova Scotia mussels from Digby NS, Newfoundland cod, Ontario wine and vegetables, and British Columbia wine and fruit. Certainly, if you wanted to experience a traditional Quebec meal, you might look into a _tourtière_–a Quebecois meat pie that is (IMHO) delicious, and much more tasty (to me) than poutine. In short, there is much more to Canadian (and Quebecois) cuisine than poutine. Explore and enjoy! ETA on preview: A Montreal smoked meat sandwich is a treat! Make sure you hit Schwartz’s in Montreal for one. ---
**Author:** ![detop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bcef8e/32.png) [@detop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/detop)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/32 "2013-05-07T12:55:51Z")
> [@Spoons](#): > > \ ETA on preview: A Montreal smoked meat sandwich is a treat! Make sure you hit Schwartz’s in Montreal for one. Although it has gone downhill since Celine bought it (already :(). You can get Schwartz’s smoked meat in \*\* groceries\*\* now :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Karen\_Lingel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/karen_lingel/32/18649_2.png) [@Karen\_Lingel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Karen_Lingel)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/33 "2013-05-07T18:04:09Z")
That smoked meat sandwich: is it \*regular \*meat or is it \*scary \*meat? ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/34 "2013-05-07T18:10:55Z")
No, it’s regular meat. Something like pastrami, only better. ---
**Author:** ![detop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bcef8e/32.png) [@detop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/detop)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/35 "2013-05-07T18:36:19Z")
> [@Karen\_Lingel](#): > > That smoked meat sandwich: is it \*regular \*meat or is it \*scary \*meat? Among afficionados, it is considered to be the _Food of the Gods_. ETA : How many delis that you know, that had a documentary **and** a musical made about them ? Also, yes, there is a weekly transit pass (metro + bus). It is around $ 25.00. ---
**Author:** ![Karen\_Lingel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/karen_lingel/32/18649_2.png) [@Karen\_Lingel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Karen_Lingel)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2013, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/36 "2013-05-08T01:25:28Z")
Thanks everyone! I am getting very excited about my trip. What say you all try to arrange good weather for me, eh? ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2013, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/37 "2013-05-08T03:09:08Z")
I’ll send good wishes for good weather. Have a great trip and let us know about it when you return! ---
**Author:** ![Kenm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bc79bd/32.png) [@Kenm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kenm)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2013, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/38 "2013-05-08T06:33:15Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > For starters, don’t use the term “Quebecians”. _Québécois, s’il vous plaît._ In English, Quebecer — Quebecker if you’re the Globe & Mail. ---
**Author:** ![Karen\_Lingel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/karen_lingel/32/18649_2.png) [@Karen\_Lingel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Karen_Lingel)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2013, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/39 "2013-05-09T17:34:37Z")
Hey, is the Montreal subway safe at night for women traveling alone? How about walking around the downtown areas of Montreal or Quebec City at night? If, for instance, I go to a show and am coming back to my hotel at 11pm or midnight? For reference: I am not a bumpkin and frequently walk around downtown San Francisco at night and take public transportation. I also had no problem doing the same in New York City. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2013, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585/40 "2013-05-09T18:17:46Z")
You should have no problems whatsoever. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebecians-help-me-plan-my-vacation/657585.md?page=3)