[iM@k]

So for my vacation next week I'm going up to Montreal.

The last time I was there 2 years ago I was there for a bachelor party so I only got to see 3 sites: the hotel, Ste. Catherine Street, and some of the fine (and not so fine) establishments of said street.

This time I'm going to be exploring different sites. The places I've chosen to check out are

- The Museum of Archaeology and History

- The Museum of Fine Art

- La Ronde (I haven't been to an amusement park in over a decade, I know it's expensive but I've saved up for the vacation so I'm going to indulge)

- The BioDome/Olympic Park If it's open. their site says they're closed due to en employee strike (?) but some sources say it's back open, which is correct?

- Underground city

When I get up there, I'm going to grab an Opus card with a week pass so if there's any other places I should check out close to the Mètro lines, please let me know.

Also, as always, where are the best inexpensive places to eat?

Finally, for those of you who are locals, if you want hook up and give me a tour around or just hang out, let me know.

[besson3c]

I'm not a flower person at all, but their botanical gardens are awesome. They are across the street from the BioDome, which is pretty cool if you like looking at animals.

[Phileas]

Considering the great summer we're having, go Bixi. Best way to get around.

[FireWire]

I'm at work so I'll just give two quick suggestions regarding places you're already planning to visit:

La Ronde: you should definitively consider purchasing the "Flash pass", which considerably shorten your waiting time. I recommend the Gold edition, which saves about 75% of the line-ups. It's a bit more expensive (around 35$ extra per person if you're 3) but I consider it a must, because normally you would only have the time to do the big rides once or twice (there's currently about 4 hours of wait for the newest ride "Ednor" if you go during the week-end). With the pass I've been able to do them as many as 9 times each during the day. It's really worth it! Also, if you can get hold of a specially marked Coke can, you can get around 5$ off your admission price at the door. There's a limited number of passes available each day so try to get it as soon as possible!

I would also suggest you take a look at the Museum Pass, which gives you free access to most museums for a flat fee of 45$ taxes included, including the three places you named (Biodome, Museum of fine arts and the museum of archeology and history).

[ShortcutToMoncton]

Hike Mont Royale of course. It's a nice afternoon stroll.

greg

[Mrjinglesusa]

Interested in the suggestions here as well. Wife and I are going to Montreal in March to catch the Habs/Capitals hockey game and plan to spend a couple days in Montreal. I'm taking notes....

[andi*pandi]

Mt. Royale, the public gardens were nice. It rained when we were there and la Ronde was sadly closed.

[iM@k]

Thanks for the tips. Any thoughts on good dining spots?

Since my favorite place in Boston closed, I've been craving a good crèpe.

[FireWire]

Originally Posted by iM@k 

Thanks for the tips. Any thoughts on good dining spots?

Since my favorite place in Boston closed, I've been craving a good crèpe.

I think your best bet would be Ty-Breiz, which has been open for over 50 years. Be sure to try their garlic salad too! Their onion soup is quite reputable too. If you want a place more easily accessible by métro, you can try Crèperie Le Triskell, located near the downtown. There's also a good spot in the Old Port, Crèperie chez Suzette.

What other kind of restaurant are you looking for?

[iM@k]

Originally Posted by FireWire 

I think your best bet would be Ty-Breiz, which has been open for over 50 years. Be sure to try their garlic salad too! Their onion soup is quite reputable too. If you want a place more easily accessible by métro, you can try Crèperie Le Triskell, located near the downtown. There's also a good spot in the Old Port, Crèperie chez Suzette.

What other kind of restaurant are you looking for?

Thanks FireWire.

Any place good yet inexpensive ($20US or under per person). I haven't been to a good French Bistro is a while either. How is the Itailian place Guido and Angelinas? I know there's a few of them.

[moonmonkey]

Originally Posted by iM@k 

I've been craving a good crèpe.

Thats a little more information than we needed.

[FireWire]

Originally Posted by iM@k 

Thanks FireWire.

Any place good yet inexpensive ($20US or under per person). I haven't been to a good French Bistro is a while either. How is the Itailian place Guido and Angelinas? I know there's a few of them.

How long are you planning to stay? I don't know about french bistro or Guido and Angelina because I've never been to any. I recommend you try the world-famous Schwartz's smoked meat, which have been enjoyed by many celebrities. Don't expect a quiet and chill evening there, it's more a of "eat and get out" place, especially during rush hour. If you want to try traditionnal Québec's food, you can try La Binerie, which serve typical meals (aka holiday food, like meat pie (tourtière), ragoût de boulettes, binnes) all year long. Also you can't visit Québec without trying our national meal: the poutine! Most fast-food joint will have poutine (La Belle Province, and even McDonald's, but you can also try more exotic poutines at La Banquise (a few dozens varieties, and they got a nice terrasse in the back). Try not to go there at 3 AM since the place will be crowded by drunk people and you will have to wait forever).

Other than that I don't know what to recommend that you don't already have.. Maybe try L'Académie if you want a chic and classy restaurant without paying the price. Around 20$ per person, and it's a bring-your-own wine (which is sold at la Société des alcools (SAQ), by the way). If you visit the Casino, you may try the Italian restaurant Via Fortuna, located in the Québec's Pavilion. I've not been recently but it used to be relatively inexpensive for the food served.

If you're looking for a good terrasse, Le Saint-Sulpice is a must (they serve decent food also). You can also try the Ste-Élisabeth, or the St-Bock or St-Ciboire (most are located downtown, on St-Denis street). A trip to Les 3 brasseurs is also a must. They brew all their beers themselves on site, and the food is good.

If you're into healthy cuisine, Le Commensal can be an interesting visit. It's a buffet, and you pay by the weight of your plate. They don't use any meat but you'll never notice.

For a good portuguese restaurant, I suggest A Quinta, an authentic, family-operated restaurant, and Da Lillo, both located on the Jarry street, near the Jarry metro station. The bitoque is excellent.

Finally, I've never been to the following restaurants, but they're supposed to be quite good: Le grand comptoir (voted best affordable French restaurant in town), Les jardins Nelson (nice terrasse with exotic sangria, and live jazz band), and Bayou Brazil (Brazilian/Cajun food, including crocodile!).