DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Montreal and Quebec City (Pocket Travel Guide)

Clockwise from top: Stade Olympique, Montreal; Oratoire St-Joseph, Montreal; March Bonsecours, Montreal; Parc National du Mont-Tremblant; James McGill; Vieux-Port, Montreal; Ice-skaters, Quebec

Montreal is often called the cultural capital of Canada. Spend a few days here and it soon becomes evident why, from its charming cobblestone streets to innovative museums. Quebec City dates back to the early 17th century and is similarly rich in art and history. With Eyewitness Top 10 Montreal & Quebec City, its yours to explore.

Montreals Francophone roots have seeped into all aspects of life, from French-inspired cuisine to the creative theater scene. But Montreal is equally influenced by its North American heritage: in one day, you can gaze up at mirrored skyscrapers, clip-clop through Vieux-Montral on a horse carriage, sip espresso at a buzzy caf, and then top off the night at a rooftop club. But you havent truly experienced Quebec until youve visited Quebec City, which is North Americas oldest surviving walled city. Walk the ancient turrets of Vieux-Qubec, snap photos of the Chteau Frontenac, catch a show by the homegrown Cirque du Soleil, and sample fresh produce at le dOrlans, known as the Garden of Quebec.

Both cities explode with year-round festivals, from Just For Laughs to the Quebec Winter Carnival. Local museums rival the festivals, including Montreals Muse des Beaux-Arts and Quebec Citys Muse de la Civilisation de Qubec.

Whether youre coming for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide is designed to bring together the best of everything these two cities have to offer. The guide gives you insider tips throughout, from free events and activities to the lowdown on hotels, plus easy-to-follow itineraries that tie together a slew of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Montreal and Quebec City.

EXPLORING MONTREAL AND QUEBEC CITY

Montreal and Quebec City abound in cultural riches, from art-packed museums, historic cathedrals, and theater to festivals, parks and waterfronts. Whether here for a weekend or a week, these two- and four-day itineraries will maximize your time.

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Two Days in Montreal

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Day 1

Morning

Explore at your own pace the fascinating and breezy waterfront, taking in views of the St Lawrence River along the way.

Afternoon

Stroll the cobblestone streets of Vieux-Montral to the , a Gothic Revival masterpiece that is now the symbol of the city. Time your visit with one of the choral concerts that take place in the early evening.

Day 2

Morning

Peruse the , the oldest museum in the country, which traces the artistic timeline of Canada, from antiquities to contemporary works.

Afternoon

Head to the . Walk a mountain trail leading to scenic lookouts, and watch the sun set over the skyline, with the river glinting in the distance.

Montreals botanical gardens are an oasis in the heart of the city.

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Four Days in Montreal and Quebec City

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Day 1

Morning

Start the morning in the heart of Vieux-Montral: enjoy an espresso at a caf, and then walk the narrow, historic streets to the .

Afternoon

Head down to the waterfront along the banks of the St Lawrence River, to the , where you can learn about Montreals history.

Day 2

Morning

Kick off the day at the .

Afternoon

Take an afternoon getaway to : visit Val-David, a lively town with art galleries, restaurants, and mountain views.

Day 3

Morning

Head to Quebec City and start your explorations at the , which covers centuries of history.

The Muse de la Civilisation de Qubec explores the regions history.

Afternoon

Stroll the beautifully preserved alleyways of Vieux-Qubec, and then visit the elegant , one of the oldest pilgrim-age sites in North America.

Day 4

Morning

Explore the vast , a military fortification that sprawls over 37 acres (15 ha). Visit for the Changing of the Guard (10am daily JunSep). Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the verdant grounds.

Afternoon

Head to the charming , stopping to view the thundering Montmorency Falls along the way. Walk or cycle around the island, visiting vineyards, art galleries, and artisan workshops to get a glimpse into historic Quebec.

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Top 10 Montreal and Quebec City Highlights

Changing of the Guard at La Citadelle, Quebec City, with Chteau Frontenac in the background

Top 10 Montreal and Quebec City Highlights

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PARC DU MONT-ROYAL

The geographic highlight of Montreal is Mont-Royals steep slopes. Named by Jacques Cartier in 1535, the protected district of Parc du Mont-Royal covers a large expanse of forested mountain, providing abundant green spaces, shrubs, and flowers, as well as habitats for hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife. Designed in 1876 by Frederick Law Olmsted, Mont-Royal still inspires locals as an arboreal delight in the center of their metropolis activity options include skating, cycling, paddle-boating, tobogganing, and snowshoeing. To the northwest is the Oratoire St-Joseph.