Help two travel noobs plan their trip to New York/Toronto!
September 15, 2011 5:30 AM Subscribe
My friend is doing a stint at a hospital in Washington at the end of this year, and in January he plans to spend a few days sightseeing NY before going up to Toronto, visiting Taiwan and then returning home (Australia). Sis and I plan to join him for the NY/Toronto part, but we haven't decided on where to go from there.
So far, we know we'll be riding Amtrak for the NY-Toronto return trip. I have a few preliminary questions:
- From Toronto, after my friend leaves, sis and I are thinking of visiting Montreal before going back to NY. What are some absolute must-sees in Montreal (and for that matter, Toronto)? If it helps, sis and I are 19 and 22, we're both artistic types (graphic design, life drawing, painting), we love music, good food, generally epic things .. actually, we're pretty easy to please!
- What's the best (safest/cheapest/least frustrating) way to get from Toronto to Montreal and back? Neither of us will be driving.
- Any other places you'd recommend while we're in the general vicinity?
- As to accommodation, is couchsurfing at all recommended? Otherwise we'll probably set up at a hostel.
Any relevant advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance!
So far, we know we'll be riding Amtrak for the NY-Toronto return trip. I have a few preliminary questions:
- From Toronto, after my friend leaves, sis and I are thinking of visiting Montreal before going back to NY. What are some absolute must-sees in Montreal (and for that matter, Toronto)? If it helps, sis and I are 19 and 22, we're both artistic types (graphic design, life drawing, painting), we love music, good food, generally epic things .. actually, we're pretty easy to please!
- What's the best (safest/cheapest/least frustrating) way to get from Toronto to Montreal and back? Neither of us will be driving.
- Any other places you'd recommend while we're in the general vicinity?
- As to accommodation, is couchsurfing at all recommended? Otherwise we'll probably set up at a hostel.
Any relevant advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Come down to Saratoga Springs when you're riding the train from Montreal to NYC. Saratoga Springs is an attractive college/racing town - think alternate universe Ithaca. Saratoga Springs has hot springs which are especially nice to visit in the winter.
Winter in Upstate NY is pretty brutal, however, and I'm not sure how easy it is to navigate Saratoga County without a car.
posted by Sticherbeast at 5:53 AM on September 15, 2011
Winter in Upstate NY is pretty brutal, however, and I'm not sure how easy it is to navigate Saratoga County without a car.
posted by Sticherbeast at 5:53 AM on September 15, 2011
You can take Amtrak (Maple Leaf) from NYC to Toronto, then VIA from Toronto to Montreal, then Amtrak (Adirondack) from Montreal back to NYC. Be aware that the border crossings take a long time. The Maple Leaf and Adirondack run once daily. I assume VIA has fairly frequent service. Montreal can be quite cold in January, especially for an Australian. Make sure you dress appropriately.
posted by leaper at 5:54 AM on September 15, 2011
posted by leaper at 5:54 AM on September 15, 2011
Saratoga Springs has hot springs
Sorry, spas, not hot springs. A different Saratoga Springs has hot springs.
posted by Sticherbeast at 5:56 AM on September 15, 2011
Sorry, spas, not hot springs. A different Saratoga Springs has hot springs.
posted by Sticherbeast at 5:56 AM on September 15, 2011
Like Blake said, check out Niagara Falls (the Canadian side). Not sure I share the love for Buffalo, though, but it has its moments. Niagara Falls tend to be quite cold in the winter, but it can still look quite nice.
You might like the Distillery District in Toronto. Kensington Market in Toronto seems to be a mecca for artistic types. The art gallery is worth seeing, if only for the building's design. I believe Wednesday nights are free. If you have specific dates you'll be there, that might be helpful.
You can take a bus from Toronto to Montreal. The train tends to be expensive, and I doubt you'll find a cheap flight, but those are two other options. Not sure how frustrating the trip is by bus, but it's about a 5 hour drive, so you won't be stuck on the bus forever. All this goes out the window if we're hit with a snowstorm when you're hoping to travel. It's not that regular of an occurrence, but it might not hurt to have a backup plan. If you can get an overnight bus, that might not be a bad idea, as there's not a ton to see on the way.
posted by backwards guitar at 6:26 AM on September 15, 2011
You might like the Distillery District in Toronto. Kensington Market in Toronto seems to be a mecca for artistic types. The art gallery is worth seeing, if only for the building's design. I believe Wednesday nights are free. If you have specific dates you'll be there, that might be helpful.
You can take a bus from Toronto to Montreal. The train tends to be expensive, and I doubt you'll find a cheap flight, but those are two other options. Not sure how frustrating the trip is by bus, but it's about a 5 hour drive, so you won't be stuck on the bus forever. All this goes out the window if we're hit with a snowstorm when you're hoping to travel. It's not that regular of an occurrence, but it might not hurt to have a backup plan. If you can get an overnight bus, that might not be a bad idea, as there's not a ton to see on the way.
posted by backwards guitar at 6:26 AM on September 15, 2011
If you're looking at flying between Toronto and Montréal, I'd suggest going with Porter. The biggest upside (beyond the fact that I've never experienced a delayed flight with them, unlike Air Canada) is that they leave from the island airport in Toronto, which is essentially downtown. There's a free Porter shuttle that leaves from the Royal York hotel.
And if you're looking at the train, VIA Rail would get you there in something on the order of 7 hours, but I'm not certain that it would be much cheaper.
Also, if you're 19 and 22 and artistic, then you NEED to go to Montréal.
posted by fso at 9:18 AM on September 15, 2011
And if you're looking at the train, VIA Rail would get you there in something on the order of 7 hours, but I'm not certain that it would be much cheaper.
Also, if you're 19 and 22 and artistic, then you NEED to go to Montréal.
posted by fso at 9:18 AM on September 15, 2011
Best way to get from Toronto to Montreal in winter is by plane. (Yes, Porter.)
As much as I would love to recommend Via Rail, their trains tend to derail slightly more than you might be comfortable with. It's crazy expensive, too.
posted by Sys Rq at 6:34 PM on September 15, 2011
As much as I would love to recommend Via Rail, their trains tend to derail slightly more than you might be comfortable with. It's crazy expensive, too.
posted by Sys Rq at 6:34 PM on September 15, 2011
I disagree with the above posters - I think VIA Rail is a good way to get from Toronto to Montreal, especially in the winter. It's cheap ($80 one way, compared to about $150 one way with Porter, plus you don't have to worry about taxis or shuttles since you will arrive in downtown Montreal). My friends here in Montreal who have family in Toronto and visit regularly take the train, not the bus. I personally find the train trip relaxing - there is wifi on board, so if you are travelling with a laptop it is a good chance to catch up on emails or whatever, without sacrificing precious holiday time, so to speak!
In terms of your visit, Montreal is a fantastic city and I think you will really enjoy yourself here. But, be warned, January in Montreal is *cold* and you will need proper winter clothes if you are going to enjoy it. Waterproof boots and a down jacket are the minimum, in my opinion. I am Australian and live in Montreal, and my first winter, my roommate had to school me on exactly what to wear when it is -20C outside - I had no frame of reference for how cold it was going to be! If there is anyway you could re-work your trip so that you visit Montreal is December, when it will be a bit less cold, I highly recommend it.
In terms of what to do in Montreal, ahh, there is so much! The Plateau/Mile End area would probably suit your interests best - lots of great food, quirky little shops and galleries, good bars and a couple of places to see live music. It is a great walking neighbourhood although in January, how easy it is to walk around will depend on how much snow there has been, how much ice there is, and how warmly you are dressed!
Feel free to MeMail me with any questions!
posted by unlaced at 8:11 AM on September 16, 2011
In terms of your visit, Montreal is a fantastic city and I think you will really enjoy yourself here. But, be warned, January in Montreal is *cold* and you will need proper winter clothes if you are going to enjoy it. Waterproof boots and a down jacket are the minimum, in my opinion. I am Australian and live in Montreal, and my first winter, my roommate had to school me on exactly what to wear when it is -20C outside - I had no frame of reference for how cold it was going to be! If there is anyway you could re-work your trip so that you visit Montreal is December, when it will be a bit less cold, I highly recommend it.
In terms of what to do in Montreal, ahh, there is so much! The Plateau/Mile End area would probably suit your interests best - lots of great food, quirky little shops and galleries, good bars and a couple of places to see live music. It is a great walking neighbourhood although in January, how easy it is to walk around will depend on how much snow there has been, how much ice there is, and how warmly you are dressed!
Feel free to MeMail me with any questions!
posted by unlaced at 8:11 AM on September 16, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Blake at 5:32 AM on September 15, 2011