Montreal Travel Forum

Thinking of travelling from NYC area to Montreal for husband's 50th over summer. Will be me, 13 year old daughter, and hubby. Without spending a lot of money what is the best way to get there and best place to stay? Flying seems to be very pricey and the train reviews are awful. Anyone ever take a bus? Any recommendations would be great thanks!

Glad you are visiting Montreal. There is a summer bus tour deal starting at 130CAD at this link:

http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/Offers/Summer/?utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term={keyword}&utm_content=SweetDeal_US_Boston_Weekend_Getaway_Montreal_1&utm_campaign=SweetDeal_US_Boston_Weekend_Getaway_Montreal

However, I did drive from Toronto to Quebec with the aid of my GPS and had no problems. You might consider just driving to Montreal as it would be more convenient having a car. The hotels can be a bit pricey so I would recommend researching early -- I found at a two bedroom suite for our family but it was a rundown apt-style building (about $120 per night?) -- I think it was called Sun Suites? I did not make a tip on it yet...but we did enjoy just walking around Montral. The Parque Mont-Royal is a must-see...

Good Luck, Jumpingnorman :)

I don't see why the train reviews are awful - yes, sure it takes a bit of time (and sometimes they are delayed) but the trains themselves are really comfortable. Staff are friendly, the on-board catering is OK, and if you make sure you've got plenty of bits to keep yourselves occupied you'll enjoy the journey. Bus - cheap, but not my personal choice.

PS - You don't need a car to enjoy Montreal, it's got a great Metro!

I'm on the ViaRail right now (as I type) going from Toronto to Quebec City, stopping in Ottawa and Montreal. It's nice and there's free wifi. The food/drink service is expensive ($2 for a small coffee), but you can bring stuff on board. The seats are smaller than on Amtrak, but it's still pretty comfortable. The ticket was cheap though (CA$130 one-way). It certainly beats flying, IMHO, but I hate flying, and Pearson is a really busy airport.
I haven't read the reviews, but you always have to, in general, take them with a grain of salt. Some people seem to travel expecting rose petals wherever they step and get infuriated at any sort of inconvenience. I've had a good experience thus far, personally.

Driving from NYC is a very easy drive. Thruway to Albany. 87 north to Montreal.
Drive right thru is about 6 hours.
Halfway stop is around Saratoga Springs. Exit 15
There is a cute Inn right in the heart of Montreal. Called Manoir Ambrose.
It is on Stanley right near Sherbrooke. Could not ask for a better location in all of Montreal.
Very reasonable prices. They only have a few parking spots so ask for one when booking and then just park till you are ready to leave. Very easy to get around from there becasue you are in the heart of Montreal.

From NYC to Montreal, the amtrak train takes about 10 hours and its lovely scenery in fall... a bit long but you can turn it into a pic-nic ;)

Worst is having to wait at custom in La Colle... it can take more than 1h to clear the gate.

as for hotel, I would suggest the Maritime Plaza on corner of Guy and René-levesque. Quite central, right into downtown and room are ranging from 109 to 129... check it out.


cheers