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The good lady (she has ventured, once, to post on here as eviekay) and I have a week off in November and wanted to go away somewhere, possibly combining the holiday with a christmas shopping spree.
Initially we were looking to go back to New York, but we've decided to go to Canada instead. So, have any of you holidayed in Canada? If so, any recommendations??
She favours Montreal, but I fancy Toronto personally...
I'd love to here some honest pro's and con's for both, or even alternate suggestions... and of course, I'd love the chance to meet some of you guys for a beer or two while I'm there (not that it will be for a while yet).
Thanks in advance :thumb:
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if it's a toss-up between Toronto and Montreal, definitely go to Montreal. You should consider Vancouver, too. It's a great place to visit.
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W did look into Vancouver, but it's a bit more of a trek from the UK... and we want to maximise the time we have available. I think the extra distance to Vancouver would knock me out for a day or two.
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i was going to suggest Vancouver as well, its only another 4-5 hour flight across Canada i believe. But if your trying to decide between Toronto and Montreal I say go to Toronto. I've only been to Montreal once and i found it was like Toronto but in French. There's also more to do in Toronto, more attractions.
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You also might want to consider Quebec City if you are looking for and Old World-type charm. Haven't been there myself but I've heard from friends and family that it has quite a bit of history and lots of shopping in boutique type shops.
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you can do both....via...via
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For a city in North America, Montreal has a very European feel. So coming from the Old World, if that's not what you're looking for in a North American vacation, then I'd recommend Toronto. But either way you can't go wrong :thumb:
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Like grimes said you cant really lose, both are great cities, Id give Montreal the edge in restaurants and shopping, Toronto has the theatres, and more entertainment options plus a few musems and art galleries and such. If you do go to Montreal maybe consider a day trip to Ottawa, its a very nice city with lots of museums to visit, its about 2hrs away by car, just an idea if thats your thing.
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I'd choose Toronto.. and remember Niagara Falls is little more than an hour away. 8)
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It comes down to what you want to do on your vacation. Share a list of your wants, etc, and I'll gladly provide my thoughts.
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very valid point Chris (Lizardking -- the Ottawa point is good, though I don't drive. But I guess there'd be decent rail links.).
I guess broadly my wants are much the same as any traveler, some museums and sights - both of the very touristy variety (CN Tower etc..) and some hidden treasures too.
Decent shopping, if only so I can get some christmas shopping done while I'm there (for me, I usually just by CDs and a little clothing - I'm easily pleased).
Good nightlife and resaturants. We aren't interested in clubs, but bars with a good atmosphere are cool!
Most of all though, just somewhere a little different... but being as it will be my first tiome in Canada - the shame - that one is pretty much a given.
Thank you to all of you for your help, you're just proving to me once again what a great selection of people frequent this board!
thehip420 - I know I said before that I wasn't considering Vancouver, but it just might become an outside bet now!
VioletlightHeron - I did look at Quebec City, but a lot of what makes it so special in Canada (and North America as a whole), is a little less special as I have mainland Europe more or less on my doorstep. It does look nice though!
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Matty, don't know if the missus is into romantic getaways and all that, but I think Toronto is a better bet with shopping and touristy things to do, as well as having Niagara Falls two hours away. There's lots to do in Toronto; one touristy thing I would recommend you go see is Casa Loma, its an incredible late 19th century castle built by a Canadian gentleman who sunk a great deal of money into building it, only to go broke and lose the castle a few years later. There's also the different ethnic neighborhoods that have great restaurants and bars.
I was looking at Quebec City with my missus coz it melds two of our interests; history and religion with it being the oldest city in North America besides ST Augustine in Florida. Good luck and happy hunting! :thumb:
. Is it possible that you could do both?
