SteveN
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The trip up I-87 is pretty smooth. Not much around but trees and a few small towns once you get past Plattsburg.
Make sure you fill up with gas before you cross over into Canada, as gas prices are much higher in Quebec. As of January 2009, the Montreal gas prices dropped and were varying from as low as $2.80 per gallon to as high as $3.50 per gallon. Before Christmas, it was up to $6.00 per gallon!!!
At the border, expect to wait in line for a bit and then be asked about why you are coming up, if you are all US citizens, and for your ID, such as the birth certificate and/or a government issued photo ID. If everyone is polite, honest, and your papers are in order and ready, it should not take long. They may ask to look in the trunk or to inspect your luggage, but I have rarely seen that happen on the Canadian side. Do not bring any firearms, alcohol, or drugs (even something like Advil) if you want to make things easier.
Once you get across the border, keep in mind that all the road signs will be in French, and the speeds change from Imperial to Metric. About 60 MPH is the same as 100 KM/H. Of course, most Quebecers will be doing 65-70 MPH and ignoring the speed limit. (That is not a recommendation, just letting you know in case you are wondering why everyone is passing you)
Montreal is under an hour from the border, pretty much easy to get to by going up Rte-15 Nord (north) until you see the signs for Montreal. Take the exit for the Champlain Bridge where Rte-15 meets Rte-10, and you will cross into Montreal. Rte 15 goes through the city and eventually out into the Laurentian mountains. Rte-10 will take you to the downtown core where it turns into a large six-lane boulevard with stoplights.
Since I don't now where you will be staying, I can't provide more info on the best way to go. However, there is almost always construction going on somewhere, or they are clearing the streets of snow, or it is sticker or meter parking, so be careful when trying to find parking. There are also several water main breaks we are dealing with lately, as the temperature droping to -20C has the pipes freezing or becoming brittle.
You can turn right on red now in Quebec, but that is still restricted on the island of Montreal. So the minute you cross Champlain Bridge, forget about turning right on red!
My advice would be to get parking at the hotel/motel where you are staying, and leave the cars there. Use public transit by buying a day pass or weekly pass that is good for the subway (Metro system) and for the buses. Both are reliable and safe, and really clean and modern.
As a group of young adults, the liveliest section of town is probably the downtown core for you. From Mackay to Mansfield streets (east-west), and from St. Catherine to Sherbrooke streets (north-south). All the clubs, bars, and many good restaurants are in that area. The other spots are along St. Denis or St. Laurent a little further east.
No major areas to avoid in Montreal, but we do have SOME gang activity, so I would avoid areas like Montreal North and Cote-Des-Neiges after dark. We have our own version of the reds and the blues, and so I'd avoid those colors to not be mistaken for a gang affiliation.
There are drugs in Montreal, but you probably won't find anything harder than MJ unless you go out of your way to do so. I would say watch your drinks at a bar...common sense especially if you are a woman.
You may want to check out the Old Port of Montreal, Olympic Stadium, Biodome, St. Joseph's Oratory, Casino de Montreal, and loads of museums along Sherbrooke Street.
Hope that helps you. |
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