Montreal: What is the scoop? (appointed, houses, living in)

[Repubocrat]

I am going to Montreal next week, has anybody here been there? What did you think? What did you like/dislike about it? Thanks!!

[allenk893]

Originally Posted by Repubocrat

I am going to Montreal next week, has anybody here been there? What did you think? What did you like/dislike about it? Thanks!!

Well I actually lived there once for a year. Don't ask how I got there.
It was pretty boring for someone who lived in the suburbs. It's absolutely insane how different Montreal is compared to it's suburbs. You go into this great city of lights. Your thinking it's going to be a blast living in this lively city. Well, unfortunately that's not what I got out of it. Living in the suburbs is like an entirely different city! It's really grey and dark and dull most of the time. It's depressing if you don't have electronics like computers, mp3s, and things to keep you company. I reccomend staying in or near the downtown area alot just so you will not be bored. Because I was absolutely depressed staying in Montreal. Hope you have fun though!!

[fp1978]

I went to Montreal last December. I have to say that I was pretty disappointed. Granted, it was absolutely freezing, and I totally expected that, but it just came off as a 'blah' city to me. In comparison, I went to Quebec City during that same trip and absolutely LOVED it.

[Damage Control Freak]

I've been to Montreal last summer and I really liked it. I loved that it had a very "european" flair to it which really stood out from all the other places I've been to during the summer. The Old Town actually features old houses and narrow streets like you would find in Spain or Italy.

[Mooseketeer]

Originally Posted by fp1978

I went to Montreal last December. I have to say that I was pretty disappointed. Granted, it was absolutely freezing, and I totally expected that, but it just came off as a 'blah' city to me. In comparison, I went to Quebec City during that same trip and absolutely LOVED it.

I agree, I've spent a month in Montreal on two seperate occasions and though I thought the Old Town was very pretty I can't say I fell in Love with the city at all ( the suburbs are tedious beyond belief too).


I think it was because almost everyone we met apart from a delightful postman and two very sweet old Ladies was quite rude and really grumpy ( Being French I am fluent in both French and English so it was not a question of language misunderstandings). I was really surprised at how unpleasant everyone is as the rest of Quebec Province ( including Quebec City) was so, so lovely. We travelled all round this huge Province and there was a real sense of "joie de vivre" and openess but Montreal really did not appeal.

We also felt quite ripped off in the Old Port in a couple of Restaurants and Shops. I know it is a big city but it did not compare well to other "capitals" if you want to call Montreal a Capital ( of French Canada).

Everyone was gloomy , unhelpful and every single person we asked even denied the existence of the "underground city" which was amazing.
I pride myself on being really friendly and open and Montreal was one of the least friendly cities I have ever been too.

They did have some great restaurants on the plus side though.

Quebec City is like another world, there was a sense of real fun and pleasure, of openess and friendliness. I loved it.

Montreal, Meh. Fine for a couple of days and nights. Nothing more.


I would get out and about and travel the huge vastness of the Province , spending most of the time in Quebec City.

I also found it really tiresome that if you speak French they moan and pretend not to understand, as they do if you speak English ...