OT - Montreal

[S_Janowski]

There might be enough OT threads but what's one more.

I'm driving up to Montreal this weekend with some friends (mid 20's) and we really haven't done any planning and are going to just play it by year.

We're staying in downtown Montreal - any food/bar/activity recommendations? Also any tips on driving and traveling in general to Canada are welcome.

 

[ClassOf02]

I'm going to predict the most commonly used word in this thread.................

Boobs.

 

[e5fdny]

St. Catherine's Street.

 

[vkj91]

St Catherines street
Crescent street
St Laurent

you can find great times on any of these streets. Montreal is a very walkable city and all the best spots are close.
Uber is also very active in Montreal despite government trying to stop it.
My nephews are your age and still live there...let me know exactly what you are looking for and I will tell you the better spots.

 

[vkj91]

get gas while still in NY and bring a lot of money. Montreal makes NYC look cheap

 

[oldman87]

When you see 100 on the speed limit sign, don't get too excited like I did.

 

[RU4Real]

I haven't spent much time there, but I did go up there a number of years ago to catch an Expos game. What was interesting was that all they talked about during the game was how Philly fans were the worst in the world.

No, but seriously... Boobs. Also, French. Two things you need to know.

 

[S_Janowski]

get gas while still in NY and bring a lot of money. Montreal makes NYC look cheap

So I should bring a lot USD instead of getting my hands on CAD or using my CC?

I do need to call my CC and bank to see what the foreign charges would be for transactions but I didn't think I should be using cash the whole trip. I've read a lot of places to accept cash but you'll lose out with the unfavorable exchange rate and that they can actually set their own exchange rates since they're accepting USD as a favor.

 

[S_Janowski]

I haven't spent much time there, but I did go up there a number of years ago to catch an Expos game. What was interesting was that all they talked about during the game was how Philly fans were the worst in the world.

No, but seriously... Boobs. Also, French. Two things you need to know.

Well that's only about 5,000 more people that hate Philly fans, because that was the size of their total fanbase.

 

[patk89]

So I should bring a lot USD instead of getting my hands on CAD or using my CC?

I do need to call my CC and bank to see what the foreign charges would be for transactions but I didn't think I should be using cash the whole trip. I've read a lot of places to accept cash but you'll lose out with the unfavorable exchange rate and that they can actually set their own exchange rates since they're accepting USD as a favor.

The Canadian dollar is a petroleum currency. Primarily due to the fall in world oil prices, it has fallen from trading at a premium to the US dollar to being worth approx 77% of the US dollar. So, you want, and will have to, pay for things in Canadian dollars. But that is at an almost 25% discount to the US dollar price. Bottom line, don't bring US dollars, use your CC, and spend Canadian dollars which you can easily access from ATMs. Also, drink responsibly before going to the "clubs". My last trip I returned to multiple messages on my answering machine about attempts to access "cash advance" options on credit cards. I called the CC companies and told them that it was actually me, and not some criminal, who tried to get money from my cards late night.

 

[FanuSanu52]

So I should bring a lot USD instead of getting my hands on CAD or using my CC?

I do need to call my CC and bank to see what the foreign charges would be for transactions but I didn't think I should be using cash the whole trip. I've read a lot of places to accept cash but you'll lose out with the unfavorable exchange rate and that they can actually set their own exchange rates since they're accepting USD as a favor.

You're gonna need cash for the types of things you should be doing in Montreal, so get Canadian dollars.

Definitely boobs ... and if you want to do more than just watch 'em, Montreal has that all figured out, too. Or it did last time I was there.

All the streets above.

 

[FELONIOUSMONK]

You are in your 20's?If you don't have mad fun then you are not well.

 

[RU-05]

The Canadian dollar is a petroleum currency. Primarily due to the fall in world oil prices, it has fallen from trading at a premium to the US dollar to being worth approx 77% of the US dollar. So, you want, and will have to, pay for things in Canadian dollars. But that is at an almost 25% discount to the US dollar price. Bottom line, don't bring US dollars, use your CC, and spend Canadian dollars which you can easily access from ATMs. Also, drink responsibly before going to the "clubs". My last trip I returned to multiple messages on my answering machine about attempts to access "cash advance" options on credit cards. I called the CC companies and told them that it was actually me, and not some criminal, who tried to get money from my cards late night.

Good point, but call before you go, instead of getting shot down at a bad time.

 

[scarlet_knight]

Schwarts smoked meat. Must go man, great eats.

 

[RU-05]

i never did it, but I'll throw this out there, consider going to Quebec City. Couple more hours drive deeper into French Canadian culture.

 

[ScarletRunner]

Schwarts smoked meat. Must go man, great eats.

Wanted to go last time I was in Montreal, but the line was down the block and we were starving.

To the OP, you'll have an awesome time partying downtown. If you and your friends need a break from that scene, the plateau area and old city make nice trips and have great bars, cafes and coffee places.., The plateau area especially is like being in a European city.

 

[vkj91]

So I should bring a lot USD instead of getting my hands on CAD or using my CC?

I do need to call my CC and bank to see what the foreign charges would be for transactions but I didn't think I should be using cash the whole trip. I've read a lot of places to accept cash but you'll lose out with the unfavorable exchange rate and that they can actually set their own exchange rates since they're accepting USD as a favor.

Use your visa or MC they should let charge you. Just get some cash exchanged at your hotel or a bank. Also, last week was their Memorial Day and many people take the week off. Between that and Americans headed up there for our holiday boarder could be a disaster. Finally, I'm not sure when they start but there are huge outdoor parties by the pier in old mintreal. If they've started it would be right up your ally

 

[vkj91]

i never did it, but I'll throw this out there, consider going to Quebec City. Couple more hours drive deeper into French Canadian culture.

ignore this post. Revisit it when you are married.

 

[theRU]

if you can afford a good restaurant check out Buonanotte... I went during the grand prix and it was very expensive as a result but lots of rich dudes with ferraris and insanely hot chicks.

 

[mikebal9]

Club Downtown. Club Super Sex. Oh, and 18 is the legal drinking age, so girls younger than that are at the bars. Be careful. Pretty sure the bar we hung at was called Churchill's.

 

[oldman87]

Don't forget to use this opportunity to check out some long term living arrangements which may come handy after November.

 

[patk89]

Club Downtown. Club Super Sex. Oh, and 18 is the legal drinking age, so girls younger than that are at the bars. Be careful. Pretty sure the bar we hung at was called Churchill's.

I was drinking at Churchill's the morning the US played England in the 2010 World Cup and beat them 1-1 on a very weak goal. We had watched Argentina earlier that morning which caused a series of miscalculations by myself as the day progressed. Lesson learned.

 

[S_Janowski]

i never did it, but I'll throw this out there, consider going to Quebec City. Couple more hours drive deeper into French Canadian culture.

Probably have to pass on this since we're only going for 3 nights. Also it's just 26/27 year old guys so we'll probably stick to eating/drinking for the weekend.

 

[vkj91]

Thursday's used to be the go to spot for tourists looking to hook up with locals. There were three floors each with a different type of music vibe. Then it got sold and run into the ground. Old owner bought it back so might be worth checking out

 

[RUsSKii]

I've been up there three times, most recently last summer for a bachelor party. I highly recommend a bar hop tour with poutine sampling, a hungover brunch in the Old City, and a day trip to Mount Tremblant village for hiking if there's time.

Otherwise, the, uh, nightlife entertainment and related options are quite nice, for those whom are into it..

 

[brodo]

I was drinking at Churchill's the morning the US played England in the 2010 World Cup and beat them 1-1 on a very weak goal. ...

We beat them 1-1? Did we win on penalty kicks?

 

[vkj91]

If you like cigars there is a newer cigar lounge right across the street from Wanda's. Do not, i repeat, do not go to Wanda's. The cigar place has outdoor seating up high and it's a nice little perch to people watch. If they allow it(I haven't tried) bring cigars in and only pay for your drinks. when hungover eggspectations is your best bet for breakfast/brunch.

 

[patk89]

We beat them 1-1? Did we win on penalty kicks?

Kind of a joke. My English friends looked upon this tie as a loss. Which I was glad to reinforce and the Argentine fans cherished. It was during a Formula One weekend with plenty of English visiting. They felt like RU football fans would feel if we were beating UConn 3-0 late and some fluke play caused them to be able to kick a field goal to tie it.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3013091/USA-beats-England-1-1.html

 

[retired711]

I liked Montreal, but didn't care much for Quebec City -- it was too touristy for me. I was with a female companion so didn't check out the women.

 

[vkj91]

I liked Montreal, but didn't care much for Quebec City -- it was too touristy for me. I was with a female companion so didn't check out the women.

it's pretty and winter carnival is really neat albeit freezing. It's a nice place to visit at some point but not for a bunch of 20 somethings. Plus, everybody speaks English in Montreal(if they make like they don't it's because they are ignoring you) but a lot of people in QC don't. Plus, they speak dialect French so even if you speak French you can't communicate well at times.

 

[FanuSanu52]

If you like cigars there is a newer cigar lounge right across the street from Wanda's. Do not, i repeat, do not go to Wanda's. The cigar place has outdoor seating up high and it's a nice little perch to people watch. If they allow it(I haven't tried) bring cigars in and only pay for your drinks. when hungover eggspectations is your best bet for breakfast/brunch.

What's wrong with Wanda's? I (very vaguely) recall it being a fun time.

 

[vkj91]

What's wrong with Wanda's? I (very vaguely) recall it being a fun time.

I mean it's a three story place full of naked chicks so it ain't all bad. That being said, it's the tourist trap of strip joints. You can do much better for much less money at a number of other places. Plus, do to its proximity to the bars you deal with a lot of really drunk idiots and as a result, over zealous bouncers.

 

[runner3283]

Born and raised in Montreal. #1: Fill up on gas before crossing border. Gas prices up there will bite you in the ass. #2: speed says 100 Km/hr (~60 mph) NOT 100 miles/hr. So many tourists don't realize this and pay the price. #3 If you speak any french at all , try it, they will appreciate it. They may smile or even laugh a bit, but they will treat you better (or maybe they feel sorry for you). #4: No right turns on red stoplight on the island of Montreal!! Outside of Montreal you can make right turns on red but NOT in Montreal. #5 bars a plenty on Bishop, Crescent Streets in anglophone part of Montreal, while Blvd. St. Laurent in the francophone section. #6 Pastrami sandwiches on St. Catherines are the best ever. #6: must go to Vieux Montreal...a must ..also plenty of bars there..#7: Poutine, poutine and more poutine!!

 

[runner3283]

Well that's only about 5,000 more people that hate Philly fans, because that was the size of their total fanbase.

You have to remember Montreal is a hockey town first!! There are no seconds!! Been to Parc Jarry which was fantastic (one of the best IMO) and the Olympic stadium when there was 65000+. Great atmosphere but the likes of Tim Raines, Ellis Valentine, Steve Rogers, Andre Dawson and Gary Carter could not bring us a champion ship.

 

[S_Janowski]

Thanks for the input. Much better than trying to determine what to do with Google.

 

[mikebal9]

Also, there's a casino if you're interested. It has windows so it's bright during the day. Was a really weird vibe.

 

[RUinCANADA]

Food:
La Banquise - Poutine
Point G - Macarons
Olive + Gourmando - Breakfast
Holder - Dinner
Jean Talon Market - Farmers Market
Schwartz's - Smoked Meat

Things to do:
- Boobs. Everywhere. Women in Montreal are special, and even outside those dark places, they're still done up and looking good. Head up to Laval for some quality without as much of the busy Montreal style. 15 minutes away and sometimes cheaper.
- Bike the F1 Circuit (June 10-12)
- Basillique de Notre Dame
- Walk Old Montreal
- Go Karting is actually better in Montreal than a lot of places I find
- The night clubs are one hell of a time. As well, Montreal girls don't have the attitude behind them like New York and Toronto.

Its hard not to enjoy Montreal in your 20s.

 

[phs73rc77gsm83]

You're gonna need cash for the types of things you should be doing in Montreal, so get Canadian dollars.

Definitely boobs ... and if you want to do more than just watch 'em, Montreal has that all figured out, too. Or it did last time I was there.

All the streets above.

Wait! We were just told we would never need cash again, I'm confused...

 

[red sail]

Who cares about the food. Boobs

 

[fischy5000]

if you can afford a good restaurant check out Buonanotte... I went during the grand prix and it was very expensive as a result but lots of rich dudes with ferraris and insanely hot chicks.

including the hot waitresses in pretty revealing outfits.