Heading to Montreal next week for work. Never been before, I hear it had a really cool European feel for being in NA. Any recommendations on places to stop? Shaving first but i'm open to other things I should see.
Montreal B&M
- Thread starter rwbrown04
- Start date
Haven't been there since before I grew whiskers, but this may help:
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Quebec_Shopping_and_Suppliers
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Quebec_Shopping_and_Suppliers
I've been to Montreal a number of times. I've got a few tips for you, but alas none about shaving shops as the last time I was there I was still using carts. Some of the tips are generalizations from my many trips and definitely shouldn't be taken to mean I don't like being there or wouldn't recommend someone going. I actually love Montreal and think everyone should get out there at least once, especially if you've never been or won't ever be going to Europe. It's the closest thing to a European city I've been to that's not in Europe (and yes, I've been to Europe a few times!)
First, Quebec (the province Montreal is in) drivers are fairly aggressive. Some think they're in Paris or Germany and treat the roads as such. You don't need to drive aggressive to fit in but you do need to drive assertive. Treat everyone there as if they can't drive and expect to be cut off.
Second, Montreal to me is all about two things - the food and the architecture. You'll need to make your way to Old Montreal where the streets are still cobble stones. The Pier is gorgeous, you can see the World's Fair Village from it - it's a very cool looking condo structure designed and built when Montreal hosted the World's Fair back in the 70s or 80s (I don't remember which).
The food in Montreal is stunning, IF you go to local spots, not the tourist spots. Some tourist restaurants are OK, but to really get some good food check out places in Old Montreal, Chinatown and anything NOT located on Rue St. Catherines (St. Catherine's Street). If you can, check out Au Pied de Cochon. It means Pigs Foot but don't let that throw you off. The unique flavours and dishes there are amazing and the prices are not bad either.
Third, all the signs are in French. Most people are fluently bilingual English/French and will understand you if you only speak English. Be prepared for the street signs to throw you a little though if you don't speak the language.
Fourth, the Metro is your friend. IF you don't want to drive, the Metro will get you almost anywhere. It's a great subway/bus system.
FIfth, Casino Montreal. That World's Fair I mentioned earlier? Well they took the French Pavilion (as in France, not the language) and transformed it into an elegant casino. Casino's in Canada aren't like those in Atlantic City or Vegas, we don't have the draw found down there. That being said, the elegance of Casino Montreal reminded me of the Bellagio or Paris.
Last, Montreal is a bit of a party town. Enjoy yourself if you want and have time! There's an English Quarter with lots of pubs, tonnes of nightclubs, strip bars seemingly on every other corner (at least downtown), full nudity in Canada, and they server alcohol at the same time. I know a few States have laws that either one or the other are allowed.
Have a great trip!!
Cheers,
M.
Similar threads
- Locked
