Montreal, Quebec

Montreal is a very clean city!  The weather was a perfect 75-80 degree F.  To the locals, that is hot but perfect for someone from Texas.  Downtown Montreal (where I stayed for the trip) was very much a cross between the downtowns of New York and San Francisco.  

I saw this street while biking across the bridge. 

Transportation

Train

I took the train from Quebec City to Montreal and it took about 3 hours.  The ride was relaxing, no need to worry about directions, and I got to see the countryside!  The train made a few stops from Quebec City to Montreal but overall the ride was very pleasant.  We traveled cabin class and quite honestly, it was not that much different from business.  I would recommend economy class (I believe the difference is a meal for business passengers but almost $100 difference).

Subway

To move within the city, there was always the option of the subway that was very easy to use.  The subway was very clean and provided very convenient stops to anywhere in the city.  

Taxis
Taxis were always an option and very convenient at reasonable rates.  There was a flat rate of $40 to the airport from the city.  I do warn you from experience, if your destination is just a few blocks away....walk.... taxi drivers do not like to go the short distance :)

Bicycle

Using the city bicycle was very convenient!  It was only $7 for 24 hours and the catch is you can only use the bicycle for 30 minutes at a time.  If you go over, they will only charge $1-2 on top of the $7.  However, there are bicycle stations throughout the city.   You can turn in your bike and just wait two minutes before taking it back out to continue your trip.  This was a lot more convenient and cheaper than renting a bicycle from the bike store mainly because you do not have to worry about returning the bike at the original destination. This was a the first time I did this and I think they should have this everywhere!

Ready to take out another bike at the bike station!

Shopping
The shopping district on Rue Saint Catherine was very similar to New York with all the popular stores in the States populating the street.  However, it was not crowded like New York. Much like the States, you can find major brands such as Forever 21, Abercrombie & Fitch, and some local stores. 

Shopping district that is very similar to New York!

Festivals

Montreal has several festivities throughout the year and there were several throughout the city while I was there.  I came upon a Laughing Festival which was very entertaining.  The festival was at night, free, and had a Cirque du Soleil-esq feel to it.  There was a good crowd but not overly crowded.  I was amazed on how tamed the crowd was.  Everyone was relax and no one tried to push or shove nor was there anyone acting obnoxious in anyway.  It was a far cry from the festivals I went to in the states. 

Children Festivals

The Children Festival was held at island with the Biosphere.  This was a more crowded festival.  I got lost in it trying to go to the Biosphere. 

Biosphere

This was a disappointment because I thought it would house a different environment.  However, it was just a dome shape of steels over a science museum.  This area is great for families and they sure did crowd the area!

Chinatown

Chinatown here is very reminiscent of Chinatowns in many major cities.  There was an alley in Chinatown where the streets were filled with vendors selling cheap merchandise from China.  This was the only place in Montreal where the streets and stores were not kept as nice and clean as the rest of Montreal. 

Old Montreal

Old Montreal was just like Europe with outside cafes and cobblestone alleys.  The food was just as expensive as well.  This was my favorite place in Montreal.  It is next to the port and are filled with many shops and cafes.  

Amateur hour at this public piano but there is nothing amateur about the way this guy played. 

Place Jaques-Cartier

Place Jacque-Cartier

Place Jacques-Cartier

Lunch at cafe in Old Montreal

The Market in Old Montreal

Notre Dame
This is a main attraction in Montreal.  They offered a light show at night for $10 which included a video about the history of the Cathedral as well as the significance of statues within the Cathedral.  It was very informative and made me appreciate the structure a bit more.  There are only two showings at night so make sure you show up on time.  There was also regular viewing during the day that you can show up anytime.  After the video, the light show began and it was amazing!  After the glorious show, we were allowed 15 minutes to walk around and explore.  I definitely recommend this!  There are not many Cathedral that offers a light show.  This made it stand out from all the different Cathedrals around the world.

Light show inside Notre Dame

Biggest organ ever!!

Port

Along the port there was a section of little shops along the water.  There I found very good deals on sunglasses and cute watches for very cheap!  I definitely could not get those kinds of watches and sunglasses for that price in the states. 

Making maple syrup candy.

Check out the new shades!

Fireworks to end the day!