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05/21/2012 10:36:19 AM · #1
We are planning a trip to Montreal and Quebec City...

I haven't driven into Canada for quite a few years. Anything we need to know? (e.g., Can we have a GPS mounted to the windshield (lower part of course)? How closely do we need to watch the speed limits (here there's at least a 5 mph "tolerance" generally). Best quickest border crossing area from NY to Montreal? Any documentation needed for my electronics?

I asked this in another thread, but happy to hear of any great photo ops near either city or in between. A few stops I have on my list:

Canyon of Ste Anne

Montmorency Falls

As well as looking for quaint looking streets to shoot!
05/21/2012 11:11:15 AM · #2
Remember that the speed limit of 100 is Kilometers, not miles 8-)

Your 5 mph tolerance should be fine as well, but there are some places in Quebec where cameras are used for speeding tickets, so I don't know if they take any tolerance into consideration.
05/21/2012 11:25:24 AM · #3
A GPS mounted to the window is fine.

Any of the streets in Old Montreal and Old Quebec will be great for shooting. I haven't been to Quebec City since 2000 but I was in Montreal 2 years ago. Here is my photo gallery of Montreal. If you want to know precisely where any of the pics were taken just ask. I flew to both cities so I don't really know of any sites outside the cities.

//bitstop.ca/travel/montreal/
05/21/2012 01:38:40 PM · #4
VitaminB knows Montreal fairly well. If you shoot him a pm, i'm sure he'd be glad to point out a few places to visit. I've never driven in the province of Quebec, but in Ontario I find 15km/h over the limit is usually safe (16 years driving, 0 speeding tickets).

If you're ever in the Toronto area, be sure to let me know.
05/21/2012 06:43:59 PM · #5
From where you live to Montreal I think I would opt for going up Route 87.

Regarding the other things, I do recall providing a list of things for both cities, but have no idea where to find it. If you remember the title of the thread, you would find them there.

As for the driving habits, simply follow the flow (if you dare) and you will be fine. Do brush up on some French thought, there are no English signs on the roads whatsoever, and I would hate for you to drive off a bridge under construction. :O)

Ray
05/21/2012 06:45:46 PM · #6
Originally posted by jeger:

... I've never driven in the province of Quebec, but in Ontario I find 15km/h over the limit is usually safe (16 years driving, 0 speeding tickets).


I would have to agree with that... almost 50 years of driving so far.

Ray
05/21/2012 09:14:35 PM · #7
Just a side note. Although Quebec has partially decided to join the "turn right on a red club" it is not allowed in the city of Montreal or Quebec City and they love to hand out tickets for this. When in doubt just wait!!

When you are driving from Montreal to QC I recommend you stay on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River. (hwy 20 Est) The drive is beautiful especially if you are not in a rush and can take your time along the 132 where it crosses the 20. I wouldn't take the 132 any earlier than this however. If you want a great bakery and a beautiful town to stop in try Kamouraska. The bakey
is located on the north side of the 132 right across the street from a stone church. It is an amazing French Canadian small towwn with friendly people and fabulous quaint homes.

Have a great trip and I will let you know if I think of anything else!
05/21/2012 09:37:52 PM · #8
Neil, better rattle the cage of labuda!
He's a heck of a photographer and might be a wonderful guide for Montreal.
Besides, we need him back here at DPC!
05/22/2012 09:06:03 AM · #9
In Montreal, you can take a look at the Olympic Stadium or the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (a picture I took).

You can also go to the biodôme, but I didn't go there for a while, so I don't know if it still worth it.

The Old Montreal is good for the buildings, or the quays of the Old Port.

If you like vietnamese food, I often go to Pho Bac, in China Town.

Stay away from the Champlain bridge, if you can. It's often jammed with traffic.

Send me a message if you need more details, and I'll try to help you :)
05/22/2012 10:09:57 AM · #10
Thanks! I think I'll buy the Frommers book and carry that and all this good advice on my Kindle around with me.

Just to connect the threads (Sorry, I started a new one because this one was about driving rules!) Using Ray's detailed list from the other as a starting point:

//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=1134309&highlight=montreal

Here's my cumulative list so far that I can take with my on my Kindle (with many thanks to Ray for the "big start" on this list!) I'll update this if I missed anything!

Montreal

Le vieu Montreal,
Le Mont Royal and St. Joseph's Oratory
The Biosphere
biodôme?)
Olympic Stadium
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
Old Montreal
quays of the Old Port.
Habitat 67
Montreal Botanical Gardens

Food:
Star of India, on Ste-Catherine. //www.etoiledesindes.com
vietnamese food Pho Bac, in China Town. (Perfect...we're vegetarians!)

Between Montreal and Quebec City
le Village d'antan in Drummondville, where the buildings and their occupants depict the life in Quebec in the 19th century

Quebec City:
Le Vieu Québec - anything within the walled portion of the city
Le Chateau Frontenac,
La basse ville - Portions of the city at the bottom of the hill, particularly the area adjacent to the St.Lawrence,
The Notre Dame de la Victoire church, erected in 1688,
L'ile d'Orleans,
Les Plaines d'Abraham and Le Manège militaire
Les Chutes Montmorency Montmorency Falls
Le Site Culturel Amérindien Tsonontwan, a native cultural site, and much much more.

Food:
Louis Hebert's in Quebec City (French cuisine...)

Past Quebec City :)
Canyon of Ste Anne (We're definitely going here!)
Shrine of Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré

PS: KarenNfld, that's a beautiful photo tour of the Montreal area!

Message edited by author 2012-05-22 12:35:25.
05/22/2012 10:27:29 AM · #11
Personally, I like shooting L'Habitat '67 in Montreal. It's different.
Across from the Olympic Stadium and Biodome is the botanical garden. It's quite huge. This recent winning photo was shot there.
Was going to suggest Au Pied Du Cochon, but now see you're vegetarians. Avoid that restaurant at all costs.

I've never been disappointed at Louis Hebert's in Quebec City. On the pricier side, but always brings a smile.

CS
05/22/2012 12:24:28 PM · #12
The biosphere is not the same as the biodôme.
Biosphere: //www.ec.gc.ca/biosphere
I never visited it, but it's cool to see.

If you like indian food, I really like Star of India, on Ste-Catherine.
//www.etoiledesindes.com

Canyon of Ste Anne is a really cool place. I went there last summer. A bit far though.
But it's passed Quebec, not between Montreal and Quebec, just to let you know.
If you go there, you may be interested by the Shrine of Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré

(By the way "Le vieu Montreal" and "Old Montreal" are the same on your list)
05/22/2012 01:04:45 PM · #13
Originally posted by cosmicassassin:

Personally, I like shooting L'Habitat '67 in Montreal. It's different.
Across from the Olympic Stadium and Biodome ...

Snap of the Biosphere I took many years ago ...

Message edited by author 2012-05-22 13:05:54.
05/22/2012 01:09:13 PM · #14
I'd also recommend the Palais de Congres (convention centre) in Montreal.


Colourful World by Karen_Chappell, on Flickr


Day Tripper by Karen_Chappell, on Flickr


Pink Forest by Karen_Chappell, on Flickr
05/22/2012 01:11:30 PM · #15
Oh and if you're going to Montmorency Falls you might want to think twice about the gondola ride. ;)

//www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/story/2012/05/21/montreal-cablecar-trapped.html

Message edited by author 2012-05-22 13:11:36.
05/22/2012 04:29:39 PM · #16
Heya Neil when are you coming to Montreal? There are road works on most of the major arteries right now, including the Champlain bridge which you would take from the NY state border at Lacolle to get into the city. So expect to spend some time in traffic jams. The Montreal International Fireworks festival starts June 30, the F1 Grand Prix is from June 8 to 10, The Montreal International Jazz Festival starts from June 28 to July 7. Sunset/dusk shots from the Belvedere on Mount Royal is a must-do as is just wandering around on St.Catherine street in the downtown core.

Someone mentioned Habitat 67, go behind the complex and watch people surfing on the St.Lawrence river...



Drop me a pm with your arrival details if you want to gtg, I'll show you around if I'm free.
05/23/2012 12:34:23 AM · #17
For one of the best views of QC and The Chateau Frontinac take the ferry to Levi and back as a pedestrian. It's a breathtaking trip.

If you want to have the best crepes anywhere try Casse-Crepe Breton in Quebec City. It's a five minute walk from the Chateau, you'll find it in the Frommers Guide too.

From all of the info posted here I hope you've booked a month! Have a fabulous time!
05/23/2012 09:21:51 AM · #18
When in Montreal you HAVE to go to Schwartz's for a smoked meat sandwich!
www.schwartzsdeli.com/
3895 Saint-Laurent Boulevard · Montreal

If you're heading to the Port, check out the Notre-Dame Basilica
110 Notre-Dame Street West

If you're goint to visit Mont-Royal, try to be at the summit for sunrise!

The Plateau District is a great neighbourhood for architecture, cafes...

There are endless possibilities, be sure to leave time for surprises :)

Message edited by author 2012-05-23 09:33:45.
05/23/2012 09:25:33 AM · #19
Originally posted by doremi:

When in Montreal you HAVE to go to Schwartz's for a smoked meat sandwich!
www.schwartzsdeli.com/
3895 Saint-Laurent Boulevard · Montreal

Is it still as good now that Celine Dion owns it?
Just wondering if her and Rene changed anything about the place.

CS

Message edited by author 2012-05-23 09:26:00.
05/23/2012 09:37:30 AM · #20
Originally posted by cosmicassassin:

Originally posted by doremi:

When in Montreal you HAVE to go to Schwartz's for a smoked meat sandwich!
www.schwartzsdeli.com/
3895 Saint-Laurent Boulevard · Montreal

Is it still as good now that Celine Dion owns it?
Just wondering if her and Rene changed anything about the place.

CS


I was worried about that too, but just had it a month ago & it's still the same... not sure how long that will last though! If you're familiar with Montreal food, do you remember Tevere's Pizza? It was THE best but it has been sold, now it's a chain & the pizza is crappy :(
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