Montreal Travel Forum

I will be travelling through Montreal. I am staying by the Dorval Airport. What can I do in an evening? I am on a slight budget, but I have been told that Rue Ste. Catherines has nice shopping. I would prefer public transit or will take a taxi if not too pricey. Any tips??

Hello, I'm not sure about public transport from Dorval to the city center, but i'm sure there are buses. Montreal has a metro, although I think it has just 4 lines. Instead of Ste. Catherine St., head to Old Montreal. If you have never been to Montreal, it is definetly the area to see. Montreal is a beautiful city overall, but the Old sector has an old world charm to it. Whether it's night or day (preferably day), you can stroll the cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and cozy restaurants. Jacques Cartier Square is nice during the day with street performers. You can visit Notre Dame Cathedral and the Port of Montreal as well - all in Old Montreal. Do a search for festivals in Montreal, as there are many throughout the year. Bonne chance!

You didn't mention when you plan to come here. If it's now, in the middle of winter, you'd best be looking for more indoor things to do, unless it's a nice, sunny day like today.

You can take a bus from the airport to downtown, or splurge on a cab, which will cost about $30.

Ste. Catherine (with an "s" it becomes a town in Ontario)is certainly the main shopping area. Depending on what day of the week you are here, the stores may or may not be open late. 9PM on Thursday and Friday, though some stay open late every night.

I am sorry, I will be there next week for one evening. Old City sounds very nice but I am afraid it will be too cold. I will still keep that open as an option. Which bus would I take to get from the airport to downtown? Do you think that the shops will be open till 9pm. I am afraid I wont be able to arrive downtown until 7pm...

There is what's called the Aerobus (I think), which goes downtown to the train station. Don't worry, it's easy to find. There are signs everywhere.
You didn't say what day of the week you're coming, but the store hours are generally M-W 9-6, TH-F 9-9, Sat-Sun 9-5.
If you've only got one evening, I suggest you take a taxi to Schwartz's Deli and have a smoked meat sandwich with fries, and black cherry cola, and a pickle. There's nothing more Montreal than that experience.

Informations about aerobus : http://www.admtl.com/passager/acces_et_stationnement/_aerobus.aspx
Note that the central bus station is close to the Berri metro station.
It should not be so cold in april, btw.
Yvon LeD