Am planning to go to Montreal in 2 weeks, need advice.?

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dianah

I've been to Montreal and am also from NYC...it was about a 6 hour drive...and I don't speak French, so you are lucky. I stayed in a small hotel which was very friendly, so I'm not too familiar with hostels, but Montreal is a rather safe city. It's really beautiful. I think for the most part there is a very good chance you will be safe. Just be careful of the exchange rate...know it! Many stores take US bills, but they will try to get the most they can if you do not know how much your money is worth in Canadian dollars. Also, by the border, I believe there is sometimes a long wait to go through, but that is by car, not to sure about the train. Anyway, good luck, and have fun!

nanaverm

I'm here now, also coming in on Amtrak, staying in the Hostelling International - Montreal hostel (different name in French) with my husband and daughter your age. She's having a blast, easily meeting and going out with others from all over the world. It's at 1080 Mackay St. near downtown and close to a Metro (underground rail) stop. The hostel is well run, secure, and clean, and you'll save a lot of $ over a hotel. You'll learn a lot from the other travelers. There's lots to see and do, and this hostel has planned activities and tours you can join. You won't be on your own for long, unless you want to be.

Everything is EXPENSIVE here, so take a lot of $. You can exchange it (almost $1 US for $1 Can. now) and pick up lots of info. at the Information Touristique located several places in the city. If you stay at the hostel, you can buy food locally and keep and cook it there to save $.

Go for it before the weather turns cold!

Melissa R

it is good that you know french, but because it is a touristy city, there will be people who do speak english. it is a beautfil city and there is lots to see and do. it is safe as well, so don't worry about that.

Stan W

Montreal is awesome - you are going to have a great time!
You'd have an even better time if you went with somone though.

2 weeks is plenty of time to see both Montreal and Quebec City - mybe try to see both.

Montreal has lots of web sites promoting tourism - google them. Here's one: http://members.aol.com/khlisson/montreal.html

Have fun!

HONORARIUS

You're gonna have fun... The drinking age in Quebec is 18...

bignic

first thing learn a lil bit of french cause most of the people that live there speak french and some do speak english but there english is "shifferent frum ar englishhhhh", know what i mean. second withdraw enough money to spend in there cause some stuff in there like shoes aren't made from north america, they are made from the U.K. and cause they got taxes over there so prices might go up a little than you expected. bring some thick clothing like jackets cause sometimes it does get cold in there. third, go with a tourist group. it would be boring cause you probably be with a lot of old people but at least you know that you're safe. fourth, don't forget to bring a camera (any kind of camera) and last have fun.

Leggo My Eggo

Theres a lot of stuff to do in Montreal, and when you pass the border there is places were you can ask for directions and that will help you get around. Don't worry you'll have fun. Theres great clubs here. A lot of hot horny french girls.

hell_hound

Montreal is more than a couple hours away from you in New York city. If you are taking the train, it takes FOREVER :)

Canada is a different country and there IS a different culture but it not shockingly different by any means-- just like going to most of western Europe is different than the US but again-- not shockingly different. 2 weeks is more than enough time to plan a trip to Montreal.

A few tips...
Many places in Montreal accept a debit card called INTERAC. As an American, you don't have interac. Cash can be changed at the border if you stop at Duty-Free, or can be changed in the city (there are tons of differen currency exchange places, some cheaper than others-- there is one in the bus station, many downtown, etc). Mastercard is easier to use than Visa here, but most big places will accept your Visa.

Montreal is NOT a dangerous city. You do not need to be worried about random violent crime-- you have to be vigilant and cautious like any city but it is terribly unlikely you will wander into any UNSAFE area. UNlike living in NYC where you will have your doors locked everytime you are home, I know many people in Montreal who don't lock their doors even when they are sleeping (weird, hey?)... thats in some of the quieter neighborhoods.

Most people here speak at least a little English; in stores, restaurants, etc nearly everyone will be bilingual. The Parisian french you know might not get you very far as the French spoken in Quebec has a very different accent and is a very different dialect-- but thats not to say it wont help at all.

There are a number of hostels in montreal and they are all safe to my knowledge. You might try the 120 (on rachel at de bullion)-- i know it is safe there.

This is a very diverse city with a ton of history and lots of different neighborhoods, bars, restaurants, museums-- you might want to come with a friend though because it is known as a party city and you might want to go out and have fun.

It is ok to travel alone to another country, but if you're this nervous maybe you should wait until you have a better plan so you don't get yourself in a silly situation.

But if you come here, enjoy la belle province!!!

mbw m

Montreal sucks. I'm in Montreal right now and I don't really like it. Maybe if you like night clubs, montreal is a good place for you, everything else... nothing special.

Lolita

Relax, you'll be just fine, trust me!

And those hostels you're referring to, they were located in Eastern Europe if my memory is correct, not North America for crying out loud!!!

Have fun & enjoy yourself in my beautiful and fascinating (and safe!) hometown!

Good luck!

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