Montreal or Quebec to visit

Which is better to visit Montreal or Quebec? I am very partial towards one of these cities. I love Montreal. I have often thought of living there. However, this is a very qualified answer. You need to read on to be able to make a more informed choice.

My experiences with Montreal

I lived in New England most of my life. When I lived in a beautiful city like Boston, I was going to Montreal at least once a month. I did not have a business purpose, rather I went to this city because there were so many things to do, and it was an adventure.  It was like a European city in the Americas. I would go to authentic French resturants in the Montreal old town, to Spas on St. Laurent street.

I got my first seaweed wrap on Sr. Laurent street (I am a guy, I just like to explore and try new things). I remember staying in a hotel drinking as much juice as I could because it came with the meal and then going to the spa for my treatment. When I was wrapped in seaweed, I really had to go to the men’s room. Well that was an adventure, I guess.

On St. Catharines steet, I use to take yoga classes. In fact, the pretty French girls in the class would ask where I was if I missed a few weeks. They assumed I lived downtown.

Also the bookstores ,  like Indigos and Chapters on St. Catharines steet was a great place to hang out.

I stayed usually on Saint-Denis in winter in the Quartier-Latin of Monteal. I stayed at a hotel called Du Manoir.  It was cheap and family run and if you step our your door you have all the nightlife of the Latin Quarter.

I went shopping in the North section of the Island of Montreal, which was the Italian section. I would buy authentic French Canadian produce and Italian imported goods.  The Canadian dollar was so weak compared to the US dollar that doing my groceary shopping there would pay for the expense of the trip.

I bought some really cool shirts that I have seven years latter in some of the store there. MEC or Mountain equiptment co-op.  Those same shirts I wore when I first meet my wife and she was impressed by my style.  So I guess it was worth it. MEC has a climbing wall inside also.  I went with my friend George and he did not buy anything there.  I do not know why to this day, they have great clothes.

I have also stayed in the gay hotel with my buddy George.  We are not gay, but we did not know that this hotel was for gays, until the guy in front of use winked at me.  It was a nice hotel by the way.

Do not forget the biosphere or the botanical; gardens. I love the Biosphere as  it is a self contrail ecosystem with four environments.

The have some great Gothic shops downtown. I always said if I won lotto I would buy some crazy Gothic attire and wear it downtown.

Mont Royal is a great Sunday afternoon hike before you go home. I have so many fond memories of Montreal. However, my most fondest was in the 1967 worlds fair, Expo 67.  I was four years old but I remember it in detail.  It was so hot that when my dad bought me ice cream he has to  ‘help’  me with it.  He had the lions share. It was a wonderful time in my life.

Quebec city

I have not been to Quebec city in years.  However, Quebec city is cleaner and prettier than Montreal. Its safer and more authentic. You do not feel like you are in Europe, rather you feel like you are in Europe 300 years ago.

You can sit on the hill overlooking the Saint Lawrence river or take pictures of the ice castle during the winter carnival.

Quebec city is culture is a lot of ohh and ahhs.  Montreal is just play.

Which to visit Montreal or Quebec

So Montreal or Quebec is a little like asking  Ginger or Mary Ann.  I think Ginger is like Montreal, just fun; while Mary Ann is charming and nice, like  Quebec.

If you have any questions about Montreal or Quebec just ask I do not think I am an expert but as a tourist, and a world traveler I think I can point you in the right direction.

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