Bringing a Friend To Montreal for His First Time?

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

^ the old forum building was surprisingly well done, imo. I know Maple Leaf Gardens did sort of retain a rink, but it sure didn’t feel that special inside… even finding centre ice inside the Loblaw’s. I went to a movie at the former Forum, which was just okay, but walking around the top two floors of the forum and looking at all the Canadiens’ Stanley Cup banners was extremely memorable… and from up top, it really doesn’t feel like a former colosseum or arena.

[Calgarian]

Originally Posted by EnvisionSaintJohn

^ the old forum building was surprisingly well done, imo. I know Maple Leaf Gardens did sort of retain a rink, but it sure didn’t feel that special inside… even finding centre ice inside the Loblaw’s. I went to a movie at the former Forum, which was just okay, but walking around the top two floors of the forum and looking at all the Canadiens’ Stanley Cup banners was extremely memorable… and from up top, it really doesn’t feel like a former colosseum or arena.

I was underwhelmed by the Forum, it's basically a movie theatre / mall with Dollarama being far too prominent for such a historical building. But them's the breaks I guess. I kinda wish they had some sort of tribute to the Flames who apparently are the only other team to win a cup in the Forum. Crazy to think given the history of that building. Maple Leaf Gardens at least looks the part from the exterior, they still have the signage like there's an event tonight. It's a grocery store now, and it looks like a decent one, but still a shame. At least you guys have your old buildings, the Saddledome is getting demolished in years.

It's too bad I would need a 3rd party account or I would upload some pictures.

[Kilgore Trout]

Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip!

This spring has been exceptionally dirty and the clean-up has been really, really slow. The pothole situation is also worse than I've ever seen it, and this after 26 years of either living in or regularly visiting Montreal...

[shappy]

Originally Posted by Calgarian

So after 4 days in Toronto / Mississauga and 3 days in Montreal, here are my takeaways.

...

I love the subway in Montreal too (thought the stations need an update, there's a strong 70's vibe in there), was a block from a station and it was super convenient. Much better experience than Ubers in Toronto.

Enjoyed reading your thoughts - thanks for sharing.

Curious why you wouldn't take the subway in Toronto seeing how you were down the street from College station. You could just tap a debit or credit card - it's very convenient. Traffic is terrible.

[Calgarian]

Originally Posted by shappy

Enjoyed reading your thoughts - thanks for sharing.

Curious why you wouldn't take the subway in Toronto seeing how you were down the street from College station. You could just tap a debit or credit card - it's very convenient. Traffic is terrible.

I was staying in Mississauga, the subway would have been a pain to get to, easier to just Uber. Was only actually in Toronto the last night to be close to Union Station to hop the Via to Montreal. If I stayed in DT Toronto, then I would have used the subway for sure.

[James Bond Agent 007]

When I was in Montreal in January the potholes were very noticeable as well. I chalked it up to the climate and time of year, and figured that was normal.

I couldn't tell if it was 'dirty' or 'clean' because everything was covered with snow, lol.

[lrt's friend]

A day trip to Montreal becomes more feasible from Ottawa. The west island REM extension opens this weekend. Nevertheless, we went to Montreal on Tuesday and there was a convenient REM station with free parking close to one of our destinations. So, we hopped the REM to the centre of downtown and enjoyed a few hours in downtown, without dealing with the worst of Montreal traffic. REM is a game changer.

[Calgarian]

Some Montreal locals I talked to said the potholes are always a problem, but they had never seen it that bad. Was it a particularly harsh winter with lots of temperature swings?

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

Originally Posted by Calgarian

I was underwhelmed by the Forum, it's basically a movie theatre / mall with Dollarama being far too prominent for such a historical building. But them's the breaks I guess. I kinda wish they had some sort of tribute to the Flames who apparently are the only other team to win a cup in the Forum. Crazy to think given the history of that building. Maple Leaf Gardens at least looks the part from the exterior, they still have the signage like there's an event tonight. It's a grocery store now, and it looks like a decent one, but still a shame. At least you guys have your old buildings, the Saddledome is getting demolished in years.

It's too bad I would need a 3rd party account or I would upload some pictures.

Maybe the Flames can get a little shrine to the 1989 cup in there if they ask really nicely. Maple Leaf Gardens def looks amazing from the outside still, I just think the inside of the Forum was more impressive.

I’m not a Flames fan by any means, but I am a big fan of reverse hyperbolic paraboloids! I think it’s a crying shame such an iconic building and feature if the Calgary skyline is being torn down… especially considering Edmonton kept the Northlands Coliseum open after the Oiler’s built their new arena. Will be sad to see such an iconic building demolished.

[Calgarian]

Agreed about the Saddledome, but it's issues are structural and for the cost it would take to correct them, there would be no use for it after Scotia Place opens. The Stampede are thinking of building an outdoor amphitheater there and are using the one on the PNE grounds in Vancouver as a model, so there could be a sort of iconic structure replacing it.

Also, Edmonton is demolishing Northlands starting this summer.

[niwell]

Technically speaking there's still an active hockey rink in Maple Leaf Gardens too, though it's on the third floor above the Loblaws. Mattamy Athletic Centre which I believe hosts the TMU hockey teams.

Echoing the above it's the worst pothole season I've seen in Toronto as well. This winter was particularly brutal, though it seemed more just cold than wild temperature swings. Lots of ice though so maybe that was a contributing factor.

[Doady]

I have some relatives in Montreal-Nord, so I mostly spent my time there back in the day, along Boulevard Lacordaire.

[Toronto_GTA]

For a first Montreal trip, I’d probably recommend a mix like this:

* Old Port / Old Montreal for the historic buildings, waterfront, patios, and the big wheel ride at night.
* Botanical Garden during the afternoon since it’s really relaxing and beautiful in early July.
* If you have extra time and don’t mind driving about 2 hours, finish with Forest Lumina in the evening. Definitely go after sunset because that’s when the whole experience comes alive with the lights and atmosphere.

That combination gives a really good balance of city vibes, scenery, food, and something unique outside Montreal too.

[MolsonExport]

The Montreal Forum in its current iteration is beyond embarrassing. Shambolic retailing concept, ugly signage, no respect for heritage,....

[Rico Rommheim]

Originally Posted by MolsonExport

The Montreal Forum in its current iteration is beyond embarrassing. Shambolic retailing concept, ugly signage, no respect for heritage,....

I'd be totally fine if we just redeveloped the site and move on with our lives at this point.

[Calgarian]

Originally Posted by Rico Rommheim

I'd be totally fine if we just redeveloped the site and move on with our lives at this point.

Probably the best bet, there is nothing historical left of the Forum apart from some memorabilia inside, and a plaque on a new building would serve an equal purpose.

[someone123]

I knew Montreal had a "Forum" and I have walked by that ugly building a bunch of times but didn't realize what it was.

[Razor]

Originally Posted by Toronto_GTA

For a first Montreal trip, I’d probably recommend a mix like this:

* Old Port / Old Montreal for the historic buildings, waterfront, patios, and the big wheel ride at night.
* Botanical Garden during the afternoon since it’s really relaxing and beautiful in early July.
.

Those are definitely on the list for July..I saw an interview with the owners of Joe beef, so we'll have to see. Interesting fellas..I sent my friend a pic of a Chalet Chicken menu offering, and his mouth watered, as did mine!. It's down Sherbrooke street, which is the same street as our motel, but in opposite directions..I may even see how far the chicken place is from the train station, and since we are coming in at noon, that may be a good spot to grab lunch before check in .Thanks all for the recommendations.