Montreal

[SaraBeth]

I'm attending a conference in Montreal next weekend. I'll be pretty busy, but I should have a few free hours for sightseeing Thursday afternoon. Anyone have any advice on things I should see or places I should go? Thanks!

[Marie]

Alright so I'm from Montreal, but pathetic as it might seem I don't feel like I know much about my own city! So I've taken it upon myself to discover this great island this summer!

There are so many things you could do it's hard to know where to start. If you like museums and stuff, you've got lot's of choices including the fine arts museum, Musée Pointe-à-calière (I think the exposition right now is on the south pacifique and as always Québec history), the biôdome is like a really cool "zoo", the botanical gardens, etc.

I say you should try to just go wandering in the old port and old Montreal, lots of activities charming stores and great bistros where you can enjoy one of our favorite past time sitting on a terrace and having a drink.

You could also take one of the many tours, by bus or a walking tour which can let you visit some of the different part of town such as Chinatown, little italy, etc.

There is also Mount Royal which is like a hill by the downtown area where people bike and sun tan and which offers a great view of the city from the belvedere.

I think you'll be there during Main Madness which is when St-Laurent street becomes a huge outdoor market/yard sale (for some nice shopping).

Basically there are tons of stuff to do, you just have to pick something. Saddly you'll be just short of the Intrenational Jazz Festival (always a blast) and the just for laughs Festival. Yup during the summer Montreal becomes Festival central!!

BTW Montreal is famous for it's widely diversified restaurant selection (we like good food!)

[jennifer]

Ha! You are here during the Nuit Blanche sur Toile Noire on Mount-Royal street!
Get off at Mont-Royal metro and walk east! You will see frescos painted on the street! The whole street is closed, there is animation a sidewalk sale!
I was there last night and it seemed fabulous, the best will be to come!!

You said thursday, so I figure maybe it was yesterday, so if it's next thursday though, it will be over!

Marie gave you great insight! Just walking around is good too! I'd really to the Old Port at night, it's fabulous, there are some pictures in GFE Gary's album of the Old Port although they aren't the greatest, they can give you an idea!

xxoxo

[me]

when i stayed at that indi-hostel in old Montreal, they suggested a nearby Polish restruant. it was good & fairly cheap.

- d