Suggest some things to do in Montreal/Toronto

[Joe Edson]

So I've been in a long distance relationship with my girlfriend and have a friend's wedding to attend at the end of this month in Buffalo. My girlfriend and I decided it would be a good time to meet up and take a vacation. We are taking 9 days and planning on hitting up niagara, niagara on the lake, toronto and Montreal. Having lived in central NY for many years, I'm quite familiar with the Niagara area, but have never been to Toronto or Montreal.

We are planning on spending around 4-5 days in Montreal, and the rest of the time split between Toronto and Niagara area.

So....I'm looking for advice on some things to do specifically in Montreal and to a lesser extent, Toronto. There is actually a big music festival going on in Montreal at the end of this month and we might try to catch the second day of that. Other than that, I haven't really researched too much about the area. So B&Ber's, what are the attractions.

Also, I want to try and find some Fraser's Cream and Boosters A/S while there and was wondering if anyone knew some places to find these (or any other related shaving stuff ).

Fortunately for me my girlfriend is quite supportive of my AD.

 

[Antonio]

Hey Joe,
There are many things to do in Montreal this time of year. There is the Osheaga festival (which you mention in your OP) towards the end of the month. There are always activities at the Old Port which you can check out. I would say to explore St.Laurent Boulevard, which is plentiful of interesting shops. I would also suggest renting a Bixi bike and biking along one of the many bike paths close to downtown, and perhaps have a picnic along the lachine canal or in the old port.

As for shaving equipment, you can check the following wiki page which has info on different retailers:

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Canada_Shopping_and_Suppliers

Enjoy Montreal!

 

[Dude123]

There was a post a little while ago about Toronto so check that out. Back later with more but for now: while in Montreal you have to have poutine and a Montreal smoked meat sandwich. I think I went to shopsy's deli last time I was there but I'm not sure, I'll try and find out, but the Montreal smoked meat is amazing there!

 

[Greybeard]

Toronto's a big sprawling city, so a lot depends on where you're staying and how much you want to drive or use public transportation.
Everyone who visits Toronto seems to want to visit the CN Tower and take a ride up to the observation deck. Depending on when you come, you could also catch a Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre.
While you're downtown, you could go over to Harbourfront. They have Canada's largest indoor antique market (Harbourfront Antiques Market). Since it's well attended, you probably won't find many bargains but it's still fun to look and you may get lucky.
You could also go over to York Quay in the same vicinity. They have a lot of outdoor entertainment in the summer.
Toronto also has two world class museums in The Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum.
If you like plays, Toronto has two very good musicals on now, Rock of Ages and Jersey Boys.
Both Toronto and Montreal have countless restaurants of every kind so it just depends on the type of food you like and your budget. There are also a lot of clubs in both cities, but I'm too old to give you a recommendation.
Yorkville is the Rodeo Drive of Toronto. That's where you may see the celebrities that come to make films or visit.
There's shopping everywhere, but any bargains are usually in outlet malls, of which there are many. Again it depends on what part of town you will be in. There are also a lot of independent boutiques and small restaurants in the Beaches, Bloor West Village, and along the Danforth.

I get my Fraser's and Boosters at Toronto Barber & Beauty Supply.

I'm originally from Montreal and visit often, so if you don't get more info from current and younger residents I'll post some recommendations.

 

[Geeno]

On Thursday's Downtown Montreal is supposed to be great. All the shops stay open late (9:00 or 10:00 PM), strolling around is said to be pleasant, and there's a Vasco where you can shop for shaving stuff, cigars and pens.

 

[Go West Young Man]

How old are you, and what do you enjoy doing?

Montreal is basically a combination of a European city and a Latin American city that just happens to be located in North America. The culture is VERY open and relaxed, and since everyone is stuck inside for 6 months of the year they go more than a little nutso during the summer. Think of being in Paris or Barcelona and staying up late eating and drinking while also being in Buenos Aires and dancing with models until dawn 7 days a week!

If you have time, a drive up to Quebec City is also worth it. Very beautiful city, and there you really feel like you're on another continent.

 

[Confuzius]

Osheaga might be the music fest, I'm going, very excited.
Other than that, loads of great places to eat and drink or look at naked ladies, although the clothed ones strolling the summer streets are generally much nicer to look at.

If you can think of a nationality, we've got a restaurant for that food!

If you're into food I'd recommend checking out the markets, like Jean-Talon Market and Atwater Market. Atwater is more upscale, Jean-Talon has way more fruits and veg.

 

[Joe Edson]

How old are you, and what do you enjoy doing?

Montreal is basically a combination of a European city and a Latin American city that just happens to be located in North America. The culture is VERY open and relaxed, and since everyone is stuck inside for 6 months of the year they go more than a little nutso during the summer. Think of being in Paris or Barcelona and staying up late eating and drinking while also being in Buenos Aires and dancing with models until dawn 7 days a week!

If you have time, a drive up to Quebec City is also worth it. Very beautiful city, and there you really feel like you're on another continent.

I'm 28, my GF is 26. We generally like to just get out and walk and shop. Both of us are into Art, not really theater. Not sure about nightclubs or that, as we both feel kind of old for that (I know, I know, lame).

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. I'm going to spend this Sunday planning out the trip and things to do. We are basically looking to get away and relax. Maybe catch some museums and look for odd little shops.

I checked out the wiki on places to buy shaving related stuff and put a big list together of places to try and go to. I'm sure the GF will really love that , but I'll just tell her that we can go to all the shoe shops she desires

 

[Hair apparent]

It has already been suggested that you visit/stroll down St. Laurent blvd. If you are a foodie, a few side streets should be of interest. Both Fairmount and St. Viateur have famous bagel shops, which one is better is a subject of great debate. On st. laurent Blvd, most folks will suggest going to Schwartz's for smoked meat. There is often a line up to get in. My preference is actually across the street, at the Main restaurant.

Take the Metro, Montreal's subway system, it is easy to get around. Climb to the top of Mount Royal, the view is spectacular. Visit Old Montreal. Explore and enjoy the city.

 

[Confuzius]

I checked out the wiki on places to buy shaving related stuff and put a big list together of places to try and go to. I'm sure the GF will really love that , but I'll just tell her that we can go to all the shoe shops she desires

Vasco is right across the street from Urban Outfitters, that generally keeps my girlfriend occupied

 

[Doc4]

See if the Mtl Symphony Orchestra is giving a concert ... one of the best on the continent!

 

[betat]

Toronto usually has some "Broadway" shows if you are into the theater. I grew up in Buffalo and Toronto was a clean NY City for us. The "underground" mall is pretty cool too. Too bad you are not going in late August as that is when the Canadian National Exhibition starts. You have not been to a "fair" until you have been to the CNE!

 

[Kouros]

Eat poutine!

 

[Joe Edson]

Eat poutine!

I've got to be really honest. That looks very disgusting. I really don't think I could eat that, let alone eat that in front of my GF. We are somewhat health nuts and workout freaks.

 

[Joe Edson]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. Looks like there is a lot to do to keep us busy.

 

[Aldarith]

If you or your girlfriend like animals, visit the Bio-dome!

You could go for a horse-drawn carriage ride in old Montreal, but there are many many tourists there. More than I saw anywhere else.

ALSO If you or your girlfriend really like vinyl there are two very good record stores on Rue St-Catherine. They both have good selection, and there are some art shops down that way as well! On the same street there are some punk shops - the one called "RIO" has a ton (every colour/design I could have thought of) of converse.

 

[dpm802]

My brother and I visited Montreal about 20 years ago ... far and away, the most memorable thing we did while were there was riding a tour boat of the Lechine River Rapids.

http://www.jetboatingmontreal.com/

In a sweltering hot summer, this is the perfect way to beat the heat. And its just flat-out FUN! You don't want to miss this.

 

[Doc4]

I've got to be really honest. That looks very disgusting. I really don't think I could eat that, let alone eat that in front of my GF. We are somewhat health nuts and workout freaks.

It's junk food with extra junk on top. (IMHO, going to Montreal to eat poutine is like going to the Louvre to shop in the gift shop. Be sure to soak up the culture while avoiding fridge magnets and transfats.)

 

[Joe Edson]

If you or your girlfriend like animals, visit the Bio-dome!

You could go for a horse-drawn carriage ride in old Montreal, but there are many many tourists there. More than I saw anywhere else.

ALSO If you or your girlfriend really like vinyl there are two very good record stores on Rue St-Catherine. They both have good selection, and there are some art shops down that way as well! On the same street there are some punk shops - the one called "RIO" has a ton (every colour/design I could have thought of) of converse.

Oh man. thanks for this. My GF really loves vinyl. Will definitely have to check out

 

[Bill Smith]

It's junk food with extra junk on top. (IMHO, going to Montreal to eat poutine is like going to the Louvre to shop in the gift shop. Be sure to soak up the culture while avoiding fridge magnets and transfats.)

The other local Montreal delicacy is Smoked meat, actually a specific Romanian/Moldovan Jewish recipe for cured beef brisket, looks like corned beef on rye at first glance. The best place to get is Schwartz's on St Laurent Boulevard, other establishments that offer this tasty sandwich include Dunns. Alas my favourite Deli Ben's shut down a few years ago. Smoked meat is usually staked high on rye bread with fries and coleslaw. Don't worry all the walking will counter the long term health effects.

Now Toronto, if you're into Art check out the Art Gallery of Ontario, Royal Ontario Museum. For shopping Bloor/Yorkville if you want the Madison Ave/Rodeo Drive or Queen St. West of Bathurst for the more funky bohemian vibe. The cool CD shop is Soundscapes on College St. and for vinyl it's Rotate This on Queen.

One Toronto neighbourhood you must visit is the Beaches, walk along the boardwalk and dine at Whitlocks on Queen St. East.

Enjoy your Trip and Toronto Barbershop and Beauty Supply (the source for Frasers and Boosters) is at Dundas and Bay Street just north of City Hall.