Ontario/Quebec Trip

How long is your trip (I hope very long given all the places you listed) and how long to you intend to stay at each place? And what are your interests? Toronto and Montreal have a lot of sites to see. Have you glanced at TripAdvisor Things to Do for each city? It's a really good start and it will show you every big ticket attraction, including the cathedral and Old Town Montreal. I would also pop over to your local library and pick up a travel book on Cananda or Quebec, and individual books for the large cities.

I think you can easily spend 3-5 full days in Toronto and an entire week in Montreal (I can't comment on the other places..Niagara is a day trip, obviously, and don't need too much time). While Montreal definitely has a French flair, you'll be fine without much French (but it helps to know and sue some basic greetings and phrases)...you definitely won't feel foolish. In small villages outside Montreal throughout Quebec, there is much more French and sometimes hardly any English spoken, but no worries if you stick to Montreal.

As far as currency goes, it's just like any other place in the world...use an ATM with low fees (I have a credit union ATM card, for example) and get a credit card with no foreign exchange fees such as Capital One (there are many others). The exchange rate is great right now so your money will go far (but don't try to physically exchange any USD, just use an ATM to get money). Credit card usage is common everywhere, just like the States.

Montreal is a nice city and completely bilingual. It doesn't feel particularly foreign.

The French you learned in school isn't quite spoken here and even fluent French speakers as a second language may not understand half of what rural Quebec French speakers are saying (although they will understand you).

I think you are missing out by not going farther east into the Quebec heartland, Quebec City as a minimum but also the rural towns along the river.

BTW: some of the world's best whale watching is in the St Lawrence river near the Saguenay River mouth.

There are always "festivals" in Montreal during the summer, one after the other. Google when the time comes to see what is scheduled. The downtown entertainment area (Place des Spectacles) is where the action is, for concerts of all kinds. Place des Arts is another concert location which may have something to offer when you are here.

"Old Montreal" is interesting, and sort of European in flavour and appearance, and every 10 feet you will find a first class restaurant. I find it a bit self conscious but foreigners seem to like it.

The Botanical Gardens, rated 5th in the world, is worth a visit. Being .Canadians we consider placing 5th just fine. The Montreal Museum of Fine Art usually has a world class exhibit in summer, and the museum itself, on both sides of Sherbrooke .Street, is of architectural interest.

I always enjoy city bus tours when in a new city and I think a tour of Montreal on the Hop On/Hop off could be fun, if the weather permits.

There are other museums plus churches and art galleries, of course .... just have a look at the .Tourism Montreal website. The .Chateau Ramesey in Old Montreal seems to fascinate visitors, and a friend of mine volunteers there as an English tour guide.

Thanks, everyone, for the replies so far.

Agnes - I'm not sure how long the trip will be. We have flexibility, but we're thinking around 9-10 days. While that doesn't seem like a lot, we tend to pack a lot of living in our vacations. We could easily spend 4 days in the Toronto/Stratford/Niagara area, and then another 4 around Montreal. We're driving, but it's really a day drive to get to Montreal, so we have lots of wiggle room for time.

Tom - I understand there is Quebec French and France French, and I've learned the latter, albeit many, many years ago, so I'm terribly rusty. (I'm planning on brushing up!) I just don't want to find myself in a spot where I don't know anything. (Probably why QB City intimidates me to visit!) Even though my accent will be terrible and I'll be as conversationally-able as a toddler, I don't want to visit expecting that everything should be English for me. Ca va? LOL

Norma - Thank you for all the local info. We're really excited to visit Montreal, and will definitely add the Gardens to our To Do list. Do you have any restaurant recommendations? Maybe some place non-touristy that is a gem of Montreal? Oh - and where do I get the best poutine? :) My son is in LOVE with poutine, so we are required to have some that is authentic!

Two Montreal restaurant gems, famous with local foodies, expensive but your dollar will give you a wonderful discount, are l'Express and Toque. I have only been to the former but our Montreal restaurant reviewers are always ecstatic about both. Another that I have been to is called Foiegwa (a play on the pronunciation of foisgras) and is quite new. It is small and just across from a farmers' market , so the menu is tied to what's available at the market on a particular day. Local restaurant reviewers are enthusiastic, which makes reservations necessary. If you go there for lunch you could also stop by the market (Atwater Market) famous with everyone in Montreal, and a great place to shop for exotic goodies. Google all three for more info.

Oh, and sorry, I know nothing about poutine except that it has several million calories.

I second Quebec City it has such a different feel than the rest of Canada. I found that with my very bad high school French I was fine. I usually started with Bonjour and my bad accent had many people responding in English. As for Toronto the CN tower is fun on a clear day you get a great view over Lake Ontario. I would go to Quebec City over Ottawa if time is a concern

Wendy

Your question about currency reminds me to remind you that, while Canada feels very American in many ways, it is a foreign country. This means:

1) Just as in Europe, you should always use local currency to get the best deal. You will use a low- or no-fee credit card for charges, and get cash from Canadian ATM's with a low- or no-fee ATM card. Your card use will be subject to foreign transaction fees, so find out which of your cards has the lowest fees.

Sure, many places will take US dollars. But no place is required to do this - it's a courtesy only. And the place sets the exchange rate, which may be close to the one you'll get with your credit card or from an ATM - or may be FAR worse.

2) The second your cell phone jumps onto the Canadian cell phone networks (which, since you're driving, may be even before you've crossed the border), you are roaming. Now, the rates for using US phones in Canada are usually lower than the rates for using them in Europe, but you should still check. This is particularly true for your kids; depending on the plan, if they use their phones as they do at home, it may ruin you all financially. Of course, if you have, or can change to, a plan that includes Canada, no worries.

As for language in Quebec province: Montreal, Quebec City, and Gatineau (across the river from Ottawa, with the Canadian Museum of History) will have plenty of spoken English, particularly in tourist areas. If you're going outside these places in Quebec, or go to outlying neighborhoods in these cities, you will find much less English. You will encounter French only on many written materials, including menus, but people will understand that you are tourists and will be helpful. Since it sounds like you are driving, familiarize yourself with Quebec road signs, which will be in French.

In September 2015 DH and I went to Montreal, Quebec City and Tadoussac and had a wonderful time. We stayed in the historic city center of Montreal and Quebec and it was nice to be able to walk to sites and use public transportation. In Montreal we went on the Mile End Food tour that was one of the best tours we have found anywhere. Here is a link: http://localmontrealtours.com/food-tours/mile-end-montreal-food-tour/

We flew into Montreal and took the train to Quebec, a relaxing trip with good food and wine.

We rented a car in Quebec and drove to Tadoussac and did a whale watching tour. Unfortunately it was foggy and didn't see too many whales but it was still a good time. Gorgeous drive on the trip up there. In Montreal and Quebec everyone spoke English but when we drove out of the city we encountered people who spoke only French.

If you're thinking about a one-day drive from Michigan to Montreal, it's going to be a long day. First you must get from your home across the Ambassador Bridge to Windsor, including the immigration process. Then it is a 10-hour drive on the 401 expressway to the Quebec border and into Montreal. Both Toronto and Montreal have hellish traffic at rush hour and the 401 across the top of Toronto, although 16 lanes wide in some places, can turn into a parking lot at any hour of the day or night. Montreal's access is a snarled web to navigate. So yes, go, but be patient. In both of the big cities, having a car is a pain. Ditch it (the cost of parking, though, is grievous.) Studying the public-transit systems in advance will make life easier, especially the subways. If you are a beer-drinker, both Ontario and Quebec have followed Michigan's example with an explosion of microbrews and craft beer pubs. Again, some Internet preparation can turn up plenty of places to explore. One warning: There is a chain of microbrew pubs called Three Brewers/Trois Brasseurs. Despite appearances, it is actually based in France and about as authentic as TGI Fridays. Not bad; just ordinary. A place that is personally run may be friendlier and more interesting. There are lots of them.

Again, thanks to everyone for the replies.

Harold - I appreciate the notice about the cell phones. It didn't even cross my mind, but luckily I can add a plan for a month to our phones for international calls, so we're all set there.

Southam - Thanks for the traffic info. We have suffered through traffic in Chicago and LA, so we're used to it. We will probably do the Toronto area first for a few days, and then head on to Montreal. We haven't figured out the logistics yet, but we'll definitely do our road and parking research.

Not able to add anything to your Montreal queries, but I notice that you are also planning on stopping at Niagara. We enjoyed the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, about 20 minutes North along the Niagara River from the falls. Pretty main street, had some good pub-grub at the Olde Angel Inn, and the best fudge I've ever tasted (the blueberry fudge--mouth-watering!) from Maple Leaf Fudge. There are also a couple of gelato shops that make some good stuff. If the weather's agreeable, there's a nice little park along the river where it flows into Lake Ontario. Just a nice little town to walk around.

OK - we haven't done Montreal/Ottawa for 10 years, but my husband always says he found Ottawa more French than Montreal! I only have a few years of French from 30 years ago, but am exposed to French on everything we buy so I have a pretty good grasp of the written language, anyways. I don't think you'll have much of an issue in Montreal. We really enjoyed the botanical gardens in Mtl and the Expo 67 site with the geodesic dome - really cool. The historic downtown was lovely as well - we only had a few days there.

I'd use Canadian cash obtained from an ABM. Many stores may not give you a good rate - some may only give you 10-15%, and since you guys are killing it with the exchange right now, better to use Canadian (or your credit card)

Last year, we did a return visit to Niagara Falls and TO after not being there for 15 years. Niagara is full of chintzy family stuff (like haunted houses and whatnot), but we really enjoyed the Botanical Gardens and Butterfly house, a quick stop at the floral clock and the Brock monument - which - if you are feeling hale and hearty, you can climb. We only had a morning in Niagara on the Lake, but really enjoyed and wish we could have spent a few more hours there exploring. Lots of great shops and what looked like a nice walk along the lake, which we didn't have time for. I think they added a zipline over Niagara falls last summer (after we visited) so that could be fun. Oh - Wild Bird Kingdom in NF was nice if you like birds. We did Skylon Tower for views over the Falls. Depending on when you are there, you may luck into fireworks like we did.

Depending on how many days in Toronto, we got the Toronto pass and used it for the 5 entries we could - but we had 6 nights there. The Toronto Zoo was nice. The African Lion Safari could be fun for the kids. Ripleys Aquarium. CN Tower. Royal Ontario Museum. Along the waterfront.

Oh - in Ottawa, we enjoyed strolling along the canals/locks, the Canadian Museum of History (Museum of Civilization when we visited), wandering Parliament hill and we also did the War Museum, which may not be to everyone's liking (as in, my husband enjoys War museums more than I do).

And did anyone else mention Byward market in Ottawa - loved it!

Who are you travelling with ( kids or just adults)?

Are you looking to visit Stratford to see a play?

Niagara Falls is a quick stop in my opinion... see the falls, do the maid of the mist and move on :) There are some great wineries in the Niagara peninsula in you are so interested.

I I were coming from Michigan, I would stop at Stratford first, then on to Niagara, then Toronto, then Ottawa and finally Montreal. I agree that you should include Quebec City ( my hometown, so I am biased) but that is a lot to cover in 9-10 days.

What are some things that you like to do and see.

If your son has only had poutine outside Quebec, he has never had poutine... just a poor imitation of what English Canadians try to put together ;)

Montreal's access is a snarled web to navigate.

I'd forgotten how this is true, and a lot of freeways that are shown connected on a map have gaps on streets.

Also it will make sense to circle lake Ontario, maybe approach Montreal from NY, they're very close.

It's a misconception that you need to be able to speak French in Montreal and Quebec City. You will be in the tourist areas and everyone speaks English. As for the money, the US dollar is currently at a high level against the Canadian dollar so just use your credit card or get cash at an ATM. You should definitely consider seeing a production at either Stratford or at the Shaw Festival at Niagara on the Lake. Seeing the falls is good for a half day. As for Toronto, frankly,I think 3 days would be enough. There is the CN Tower and the Aquarium at the base. You can see the Museum and the AGO in a day and they are quite close together. Taking time to see Ottawa is also worth a day or 2 as is Montreal. Frankly, I prefer Quebec City over Montreal.

Again, thank you so much, all, for this information.

Sharon - It will be two adults and a teenager. We're definitely going to see a play in Stratford. Niagara is just the fun "touristy" stop. My husband and I were both there as teenagers and it'll be fun to take our son, see the falls, spend a bunch of extra money at a wax museum. Silly stuff like that. :)

As for what we like to do, well, we like things that are interesting, different and fun. Unique. Previous trips in the States have us doing everything from visiting a pinball museum in Seattle to touring caves in Kentucky to taking an awesome tour of Lambeau Field in Green Bay. :)

Poutine - we've made it, but I want to know what it should taste like, not just what I'm guessing it should taste like. :)

Getting more excited about our trip now!

Some how I missed this thread...

Check the calendar for some kind of tasting event at the Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries. You purchase a pass and each winery offers a wine and food pairing. Might not be the greatest activity if you have young kids, however...

... but with kids, this might not be the best activity. In that case, they may enjoy a ride up the Niagara river on one of the jet boats. The ride takes you through the rapids and everyone on board gets thoroughly soaked. I think this is a lot more fun than the Maid of the Mist or Hornblower (the boats that take you close to the falls). During busy times of the year, you might want to pre-purchase tickets to avoid long waits. On the Canadian side, the boats leave from Queenston and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Don't miss Quebec City- you can see it all in a couple of busy days and it is historic and very beautiful- only walled city in North America. If you simply make an effort at the native tongue here they will rescue you with much better English than your French. In Montreal, no need to bother- English is everwhere.

To your Montreal restaurant query, you will need to get reservations now but try to go to Joe Beef or Liverpool House- pricey but just plain excellent; hard to get a table unless well-planned. Au Pied de Cochon is another great place but fair warning, VERY loud. Bourdain's shows (The Layover, No Reservations) on Montreal and Quebec are great fun and pointed us to these. In Quebec City, go to Aux Anciens Canadians before 6:30 pm for some historic QC cuisine at a better price than dinner. The building itself is a marvel from history that we often forget predates our own. Maple syrup pie is THE desert choice.

Don't miss the fabulous market Marche Jean Talon in Montreal and go there when you are all hungry. It is equal to many well-known European markets and reflects the great variety of produce and specialty foods the province produces.

Poutine variations are a sport in Montreal- pick one you like, they are everywhere. Cafe au lait is a must in Quebec City- comes in a bowl!

One cheap activity not to be missed is an evening ferry ride in Quebec City. View is stunning and the trip is pleasant and relaxing. Just be careful with late scheduling so you get back to the city!

I would not bother with Toronto. Niagara Falls, I guess. Niagara on The Lake for the town and summer theatre, likewise Stratford. Ottawa and Montreal for sure, Quebec city even more so. A decent stop on the way to Ottawa would be Kingston. There is a pleasant afternoon lunch cruise from the harbour, and the evening dinner cruise can be good fun in the right company.

Montreal has a wonderful International Fireworks festival on Wedsday and sat night in summer. It runs about 6 weeks. Worth scheduling your trip around if you can arrange your schedule.
We did a bus trip from Montreal to Quebec -one day- worthwhile.

The suggestion above when in Montreal to go to the Jean Talon Market is a good one. Another public market is the Atwater Market, perhaps more easily reached from downtown Montreal either by bus or a quick cab ride. It's not as huge as Jean Talon, which is a plus in my eyes, but the vendors are friendly and knowledgeable and offer fresh produce, cheeses (imported and local) fish & seafood, ethnic products, your daily bread and pastries, and masses of other goodies. A short walk away is a recently opened restaurant, Fwagra, perfect for lunch, and has had good local reviews.