I love Montreal, but I will say that I’ve had trouble in the past finding things to do to amuse kids – and most of the suggestions here (like visiting Old Montreal or the Oratorio), while worthwhile, have no interest for a three-year-old. The Biodome (which is, when you get right down to it, a zoo) is great for kids, as is the Insectarium – for the right kid, of course. Kids love the Aquadome, though it might be a tad underwhelming for adults, and it’s really not near anything at all. There are also paddleboats in the basin, which is just to the river side of Old Montreal.
I love the Marché Atwater for lunch, and for buying pounds and pounds of cheese and baguettes.
Auto insurance. They print you a special auto insurance card for when you are driving across the border. I assume it is necessary otherwise they wouldn’t bother, but it might be totally useless.
Ah. I’ve driven across the boarder from Canada to the US probably over a hundred times and have never heard of such a thing. I can’t imagine any Canadian police asking for a “Canadian insurance card” but hey, better safe than sorry.
All auto insurance sold in Canada is valid in all provinces/territories as well as all fifty American states–read the fine print on your pink card, and you’ll see. For some reason, though, American equivalents of our “pink cards” don’t say such a thing. So, when driving to Canada, Americans get “Canadian insurance cards” from their insurers to prove that their insurance extends into Canada, should they be stopped by police (e.g. speeding) or get into an accident here.
Be sure to get a BeaverTail. It’s hot fried dough covered with your choice of sugary/chocolaty toppings. It will be the highlight of the 3 year old’s trip.
We had a wonderful time! We saw the biodome, the botanical gardens, the basilica, did a haunted walking tour of old Montreal, and the lovely EmilyG took us to Place De Arts and showed us around.
Tim Horton’s is better than Dunkin’. Beaver Tails are amazing. The pizza was not impressive but the poutine was good. The Metro was fast, clean and easy to navigate. Overall the trip was great, so thanks to everyone who had suggestions or advice!
