While I like your suggestion about spending the day at La Ronde and staying for the fireworks and having a bleacher seat - I am NOT an amusement park person anymore because I get motion sickness on the rides. Use to love those roller coasters - but no more. So, if we go on the bridge, it closes at 8 pm to traffic and fireworks are at 10 pm I think - how early should we be there?
I would be surprised if you see a mad rush. People simply make their way to the bridge and surrounding area in a leisurely fashion. Get there by 9PM or so and you should be OK. The locals bring their lawn chairs and sit at the foot of the bridge.
Plus, we are going to have a my niece's 6 month old baby with us - so may limit what we can do. While not my responsiblity, still need to be considerate. So we are just going to take it easy and enjoy Montreal at a slower pace than usual. No more making everyone get up at 7am - so we can be first in line. Thing we will purchase the Montreal Museum Pass and enjoy what it has to offer and maybe add a bike ride on the Lacine Canal, visit Mont Royal, and of course - Notre Dame Bascilica. Anything else you would suggest?
It sounds like you have done your homework and picked some terrific activities. Since your condo is away from the downtown core, a visit to Botanical Gardens would be nice. It's a gorgeous park. There are also plenty of shady places to sit and enjoy your lunch.
Since you are going to Notre Dame Basilica, you can't forget to visit the rest of Old Montreal. Tons of great outdoor cafés for casual lunches.
BTW - coming from the US and getting to the Rosemont area - is the road construction going to significantly affect my trip into the city on a Sunday afternoon with checkin at 3 pm?
The million dollar question is when are going to arrive at Canadian customs?
If you get there by no later than 10AM, there should only be a slight wait. If you get there any time after noon, count on at least an hour wait on a good day.
I am presuming that you are crossing the border from I87 in the US to Highway 15 once you are in Quebec.
Generally speaking, Sunday traffic in Montreal in July should be quite light.
Can you recommend some good moderately price restaurants closeby to where we are staying? For sure, a place with yummy crepes would be great - as this is not something we do not have in the US. Also, maybe a Chinese or Korean buffet that includes sushi. A sharwma place would be awesome. As you tell we are not into fine dining! How about a nice French cafe with outside dining that is casual.
You have one of the best crêpes places in the city close by. It's called Crêpe Aux Trois Fourchettes on Mont-Royal Ave East.
For Chinese food and Dim Sum, there is no place like China Town. Unfortunately, the names escape me.
There is also a place on Clark St in Chinatown (again, the name escapes me) where you will see Peking Ducks roasting in the window display. Go there, it's a dive but the food is delicious.
Ah, yes, how about a bakery to purchase some good Chinese pastries and dim sum in Chinatown for morning breakfast. If I want pate - should I just purchase it in a super market or are there special stores?
You are staying in a pretty eclectic part of the city so you should have no trouble finding good shawarma, Chinese buffets, and any other restaurant. Even Gordon Ramsay, from Hell's Kitchen has a restaurant here, it's called Laurier BBQ. For shawarma, my personal favorite is Basha. If you happen to be downtown, there is a Basha on the corner of Saint Catherine & Mansfield.
All super markets have a wonderful selection of pâté. You may even find some fine food shops in your area. You should also have no trouble finding bakeries. From where you are, head North to Jean Talon St. and turn East, tons of great bakeries, pastries, etc etc.
For Italian food, again very close to your condo is Elio's Pizzeria on Bellechasse St. I have been going there for 30+ years. Elio is still slinging pizzas and still use mama's pasta sauce, very casual and honest prices.
It is very difficult to get a bad meal this city. Don't forget our bagels! Either St Viateur or Fairmont. Grab a dozen bagels, still warm out of the wood oven, cream cheese and you are in heaven!
Thanks for any suggestions. I am really looking forward to our visit.
Joyce
Thank you so much, Strandlover, you're absolutely the best for taking the time to answer all my questions!