48 Hour Guide To Montreal, Canada
Montreal is Canada's second largest city after Toronto and offers a place where travelers can enjoy a lively harbor city. Though it gets cold in the winter, the sun still shines bright during the summer months. So no matter what you are looking for in a vacation, you are sure to find the perfect weather in the Montreal area. In addition to the weather, Montreal is home to a variety of attractions and hosts many events and festivals throughout the year.
Capture a breathtaking view of the area by climbing up to the top of Mont Royal to visit the sacred dome of St. Joseph's. This is the highest point in the city and will give you views of the entire area, including the St. Lawrence River. Then once you get back to the bottom of Mont Royal you can explore Parc du Mont-Royal, the city's largest park filled with oaks, maples and poplar trees. Some of the must-see sites in Montreal include the Notre-Dame Basilica, the Old Montreal area, Montreal Botanical Gardens, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Jean-Talon Market, Museum of Archaeology, La Ronde Amusement Park and Montreal Biodome.
Those wanting to go shopping when in Montreal will want to make it down to Rue Ste-Catherine. This area is packed with stores featuring high-end goods, unique merchandise and plenty of places to grab something to eat. This is definitely a must-visit area for those needing some retail therapy and covers much of the downtown area. Another great place to go shopping is at the indoor market of Bonsecours. This market features artisans and crafters offering skillfully crafted goods and products. There are also a variety of souvenir shops located in this area.
Sporting Events
Hockey is more than just a sport in Canada. It's a lifestyle. Which is why you need to make plans to catch a Canadiens' game. Tickets sell out fast, so make sure that when planning your trip you get your hockey tickets early. If you wait, you might miss out on an exciting game.
Guided tours are a great way to not only see all of the must-see sites in Montreal, but also to learn about the local history and culture. Guided tours available in Montreal include both water and land tours. Each offer a unique perspective of the city and are definitely worth the experience. Some popular tours in Montreal include those offered by Croisieres AML Cruises, Les Sautes-Moutons, Gray Line and Amphi-Bus. Walking and cycling tours are available through Guidatour and VDM offers food and wine tours of the area.
When visiting Montreal, you will have an assortment of places to stay, including hotels and resorts. Some popular hotels in the area include Hotel Le St-James, Le Place d'Armes Hotel, Auberge Le Pomerol, Hotel Nelligan and Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile. Budget conscious travelers can stay at the Kutuma Hotel for a comfortable and affordable vacation.
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Where To Eat
There are many places in Montreal where you can grab a nice sit-down meal. However, with so many fun and exciting things to see and do, you may want to grab food on the run. If you are looking for a quick sandwich, you will want to check out Dunn's or Schwartz's. You can enjoy one of many sandwiches served with fries and coleslaw.
Some popular places to dine in Montreal include Communion, Garde Manger, St. Viateur Café and La Banquise. Do not forget to grab a cup of coffee at Pikolo Espresso Bar. You will not be disappointed.
Montreal is a very walkable city. Thus, just about everything you want to see and do can be reached on foot or by use of a short ride on public transportation. Because the city is so large, you can take public transportation to the area you want to explore and then walk to all of the sites. The Underground City makes exploring downtown easy and warm in the winter. Public transportation is available through the Montreal Transport Society. Other transportation methods available to visitors in Montreal include hiring a taxi, renting a car or renting a bike through Montreal on Wheels.
A vacation to Montreal can offer you everything you need for your upcoming getaway. You will find everything from sporting events to historical sites and parks to lots of shopping and dining venues. This is why Montreal is a great place to vacation, no matter what time of year it is.