texgirl

Wondering if we should do 3 nights in Montreal, 3 in QC or 4 in Montreal and 2 in QC. Or take the day trip from Montreal to QC? I have gone through a little bit online of things to do in QC. We would probably like exploring all the old neighborhoods--Old Quebec, Upper Town, Lower Town, etc., Parliament Bldg., Montmorency Falls, Musee de la Civilisation, Citadelle. I realize if we go for 1 or 2 days we will not do all this and that's fine. Just wondering if we should spend our whole week in Montreal or try to do both cities. Thanks for any input!

Aramis

Quebec is SO different from Montreal, I suggest you take 2 of the nights to see it. Havin the chance to walk the old town at night and enjoying a leisurely dinner in one of the restaurants makes a day trip from Montreal a bit of loser, I think.

You will probably never be that close to QC again , unless back in Montreal, so why not see it now.

zootsi

I agree with the above. Although you could easily spend the whole 6 nights in Montreal, doing 2 nights in Quebec City is a very good idea. Wereas Montreal is all about dining, shopping, interesting neighborhoods and different cultures, Quebec City is all about scenery and charm. You could easily see Quebec's old city in 1 day, but then spend the other day at the falls, the Parlament, I'le D'Orleans,etc.

Vttraveler

I agree that if you decide to go to both cities 4 nights Montreal, 2 Quebec City is a good division of time.

NorthwestMale

Echoing what others have said, I too think that much of the appeal of making such a trip from Texas is the 'foreign' element of the destination. With that said, QC is much more <I>immersion</I> in the French culture than is represented by Montreal.

With three hours between the two destinations, I don't think a "day trip" is justifiable, especially with plenty to see and enjoy in QC.

Montreal will be interesting for its new-ness, and for its French signage, but in and around QC you may have encounters with locals who speak little or no English at all, which is much less likely in Montreal.

Three nights in each spot wouldn't be unspeakable... and you could enhance that flavo<b>u</b>r by taking alternate paths to and from QC.

I prefer the drive between Trois Rivieres and QC along highway #138 for at least part of the journey.

texgirl

Thank you so much for the responses! We have definitely decided to go to both Montreal and QC. I am trying to read through my fodors book and trip reports online to decide whether to do 3 nights each or split is 4 nights in Montreal and 2 nights in QC. I think we will do an airplane ticket flying into one and out of the other (its not that much difference in price)and probably take the bus or train in between. Thanks again, I am sure I will have many more questions as I get deeper into planning!