Crossing the border into Canada
1. Have ID (passports for Peter, Rachel, Sara, Megan, birth certificates for the rest) in hand of driver when approach booth.
2. no sunglasses, turn off radios, cell phones.
3. You cannot bring fresh fruit or vegetables across the border.
4. Have car registration available.
5. Common questions: "How long you will be in the country?" "Why are you traveling to
Canada?" and "What is the address of the place where you will you be
staying?" Be prepared to answer. (note maybe we should have reservations at campgrounds?)
6. Have receipts for duty free shopping.
7. Children old enough to speak for themselves may be encouraged to do so by the customs officer, so be prepared to let older children answer the officer's questions.
Montreal
The city of Montreal has a history dating back to
1642 when settlers from France landed at the edge of St. Lawrence
River. The group, led by Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve, of Champagne,
founded Ville Marie - later re-named Montreal - and began to build a
model Catholic community and convert the natives. The waterside town
became a major trading and military post and at one time even housed
Canada's parliament.
Montreal grew inland, attracting immigrants from England, Scotland and Ireland. Today, the city is as diverse as Toronto or New York City. Seventeenth century Montreal is still apparent today in what is known as Old Montreal or Vieux-Montréal; it has retained much of its charm through cobblestone streets and original architecture.
Try a range of foods, from local market offerings to outdoor dining on a Montreal patio to authentic French bistro dining.
To find Montreal restaurants, see New York Times recommendations, including the comments section with hundreds of suggestions
Montreal grew inland, attracting immigrants from England, Scotland and Ireland. Today, the city is as diverse as Toronto or New York City. Seventeenth century Montreal is still apparent today in what is known as Old Montreal or Vieux-Montréal; it has retained much of its charm through cobblestone streets and original architecture.
Language
Montreal has one of the largest French-speaking populations in the world. Nevertheless, visitors to Montreal can get by easily only speaking English. Of course, it's nice to know a few useful French expressions when you're there.Where to Eat in Montreal
Montreal cuisine is some of the best in Canada. From French cuisine to every other type of international cuisine, Montreal is a foodie's dream.Try a range of foods, from local market offerings to outdoor dining on a Montreal patio to authentic French bistro dining.
To find Montreal restaurants, see New York Times recommendations, including the comments section with hundreds of suggestions
Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal
Click link. Seriously.
Your admission fee to Notre-Dame Basilica includes a 20-minute guided tour, available in English or French during regular hours. This tour is an ideal introduction to the history of Notre-Dame Parish, the building of the church, key architectural features and the many works of art that adorn the building.
A leaflet in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian or Japanese is available free of charge to visitors who wish to explore the Basilica by themselves.
Notre-Dame Basilica possesses some of the finest Gothic Revival architecture in North America, where it was the first full example of this major style.
$35 admission fee (prayer, mass, liturgy of the hours is free)
From chapel to church
Dedicated to Our Lady the Blessed Virgin – “Notre Dame” – the small original chapel was operated at first by the Jesuits. Then came the Sulpician Fathers, who in 1657 undertook construction of a larger church. The Sulpician François Dollier de Casson was its architect, and the present-day Notre-Dame Street served as the original site. Its construction, in Baroque style was completed between 1672 and 1683.A larger church is planned
By 1800, Dollier’s church had become too small, and the Fabrique decided to build the church we know today. To design the new church, the building council engaged the services of the New York architect James O’Donnell – himself an Irish Protestant by origin. O’Donnell and the Fabrique opted for the Gothic Revival style then in vogue in England and the United States. The main construction work took place between 1824 and 1829.O’Donnell did not live to see his work completed. He died in Montreal in 1830. Just prior to his death, he had converted to Catholicism, and was buried in the new church’s crypt, where his grave is marked by a plaque.
Montreal’s twin towers
The old church set back from the road was demolished in the summer of 1830, except for its bell tower, which survived until 1843, when Notre-Dame Basilica’s twin towers were completed by the architect John Ostell. The western tower, nicknamed La Persévérance (Perseverance) and finished in 1841, houses the great bell christened “Jean-Baptiste,” weighing 11 tons (11,000 kilograms or 24,000 pounds). The eastern tower, nicknamed La Tempérance (Temperance), was completed in 1843 and houses a carillon of 10 bells.A new chapel
In 1889, Curé Léon-Alfred Sentenne commissioned the architects Perreault and Mesnard to build a chapel that would accommodate ceremonies for smaller congregations, such as marriages and funerals. Named the Chapel of Notre-Dame du Sacré-Cœur (Our Lady of the Sacred Heart) and consecrated on December 8, 1891, the date of the feast of the Immaculate Conception, it was built in Gothic Revival style with a wealth of sculptural motifs.
Transportation in Montreal
There is an outdoor parking lot near the basilica. 908 Boulevard Saint-Laurent 514-288-6525 $21/hr.
Metro fares are $3 or $2 age 6-17 with registered photo ID opus card. Can purchase tickets on bus for children onlywith exact change. This is a one way fare. An all day pass is $10 each person.
Places to stay:
KOA Montreal South (SUD)
450-659-8626
reservations 800-562-8636
130 montee Monette St Philippe de Laprairie, QC
shuttle with fee to Montreal
195 sites, 65 power and water, 105 power water and sewer sites,free showers, laundry, playground, minigolf, horseshoe, concession, propane sales, badminton I think
Camping Alouette about $52
3449, de l'industrie, St.-Mattieu-de-Beloeil QC, Canada
(450) 464-1661
reservations 1-888-464-7829
shuttle service to Montreal during summer months
400 sites, laundry, showers, store, wifi, full hookups, swimming and wading pool, recreation hall, playground, bochi, etc...
Reviewers claim staff is helpful with telling you where to drive and park to get to the subway system to then get into the city.
Aparently you don't want to drive in montreal as the drivers are crazy.
