If I recall correctly, it is now a Le Commensal restaurant.
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.
Interesting… I hope it does well. But since the movie theater closed, I haven’t seen anything last in that space.
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.)
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…
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.
Does the metro go to the mountain?
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.
Thanks. Here are some specific questions for anyone to chime in on:
- Is the Centre de Sciences (Montreal) worth seeing without kids?
- Anyone been to the Planetarium Rio Tonto Alcan?
- How is the Quebec City Citadel?
- La Musee de la Civilisation (also Quebec City)?
- 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.
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.
- Oh, and is there a weekly unlimited Metro pass?
- 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.
- 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.
- I haven’t been in a very long time, so I’ll demur.
- Wonderful museum! Both their temporary and permanent exhibits are top-notch.
- 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.
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.
Although it has gone downhill since Celine bought it (already :(). You can get Schwartz’s smoked meat in ** groceries** now :eek:
That smoked meat sandwich: is it *regular *meat or is it *scary *meat?
No, it’s regular meat. Something like pastrami, only better.
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.
Thanks everyone! I am getting very excited about my trip. What say you all try to arrange good weather for me, eh?
I’ll send good wishes for good weather. Have a great trip and let us know about it when you return!
In English, Quebecer — Quebecker if you’re the Globe & Mail.
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.
You should have no problems whatsoever.