I just booked flights and hotel for a work-related conference for November 7th-10th.
The only thing I can say in French is “Hello Mr. Frog. Where is your umbrella?”
I’ll probably be with a couple of co-workers with whom I have very little in common, but at least one of them will go out and have a few drinks with me.
I’m staying at the Delta Center Ville Hotel.
So what should I do while I’m there?
“So what should I do while I’m there?”
Things NOT to do: Don’t forget your overcoat. Other than that, I got nothin’.
Have fun!
I’ve grown cold beneath the streets of Montreal
Where voices ring like bells in French Canadian
And rivers stand imprisoned 'till the thaw
I am alone at night and dream of my own Pontchartrain
From Nanci Griffith’s “Banks of the Pontchartrain”
Is this French-bashing? 
I make up for it by occasionally dipping my fries in mayo.
I actually lied, that isn’t the only thing I can say.
Vous lez vous couche avec moi, se soir.
Les poissons, les poissons, hee hee hee haw haw haw!!!
That about does it, unless any of Enya’s US-released recordings have French lyrics…but it shouldn’t count if I wasn’t aware if it was French or not…
Don’t worry about French. There are plenty of anglophones in Montreal, and most people speak English at least moderately well.
Yeah, seriously. It can be snowy in November.
As usual, it depends what you’re into, but we’ve got museums, the Biodome, indoor skating, and the Montreal Canadiens are playing a home game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on November 8, if you like hockey.
If you can tell me a bit more about what you and your friends enjoy, I’d be happy to find out what’s going on that weekend and let you know.
Thanks Antigen. The Biodome definitely looks like something I’d very much enjoy. I’m hoping the conference won’t start until late morning or early afternoon on the first day, so I’d have a chance to check it out while they’re open.
Since my few days will be largely tied up with the conference, I’m probably more likely to enjoy some good restaurants or nightlife, maybe check out the local music scene. I’m a big fan of folky celtic-influenced music, Loreena Mckennitt, Natalie Macmaster, the Rankins and their ilk.
Unfortunately, I’m only going to be there from late on a Monday night till the following Thursday evening, so I’ll miss any opportunities for weekend fun 
I’ll second that Biodome recommendation. The Botanical Gardens nearby are beautiful (but I’m not sure how they fare in the autumn).
There are wonderful museums, the Vieux-Port (take a handsome cab ride with someone you love!), and if you’re so inclined, lots of bars on Rue Crescent.
Enjoy.
It’s Irish, and Latin. The ones I know, anyway.
Do NOT call anyone Mr. Frog. 
Get together for a poutine tasting with the Dopers, of course! (And I’ll be home then, too. w00t!)
Yay! I’d love to meet you, Matt.
Looking up this “poutine” stuff…
Well, as someone not from Montreal, you have chosen well with the hotel (if indeed it was your choice). The Centreville is well located, and Delta does treat one right. Go to their website, Delta and sign up for Delta Privelidge. You will need to visit Canada again this year to qualify for anything good, but they do offer Airline miles.
Peel Pub is nearby, go for a smoked meat sandwitch at Ben’s (really good at 3 AM after a night at the bars), and go shopping at Simon’s.
Also, if it’s still open (it’s been years since I’ve been there), check out Foufonnes Electrique on Ste Catherine St.
You should definitely go to a hockey game, but whatever you do, do NOT order a hotdog there. You will be sorry.
The Biodome is totally cool. You could go shopping in the underground mall, too. Just go to the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, and take the elevator all the way down (or something like that). There are miles and miles of stores underground. Montreal is a very cool city.
Ick! Yuck! Avoid at all costs!
If you want a drink and some Celtic music, try Hurley’s Irish Pub on Crescent street. They have live music every night and it’s always Irish-y.
Nah, go to Brutopia next door (it is still next door right? It hasn’t closed since I was last in town?). The beer there is gooood.