Planning a Trip to Montreal

[NewfoundlandHab]

I wasn't sure whether to post this in here or in the Lounge, but I figured it didnt really matter. But anyway, me and 3 friends have decided to go to the Osheaga Music Festival this year. We already have our flights and hotel paid for so it is definitely happening. Basically, what im looking for here is absolutely any suggestions to make out trip as good as possible. We are leaving July 31 and returning home on August 6th, so obviously i wont be able to see a habs game, which sucks. Any help is appreciated, guys.

Some things I'd like to know are

-We are staying in Hotel Espresso, anyone know much about this hotel? Seems nice from what i have seen online.

-Nice stores and places to go that are close to the Hotel

-Sights, restaurants, bars, etc to go to while in Montreal.

-What is the weather usually like in early August?

-And has anyone ever actually gone to this festival and knows what i can expect? That would be a great help.

Im open to any opinions and suggestions and just want to make this a great trip. There will be 4 of us, all 19 and 20, in montreal seeing loads of bands play, so I know it will be a good time.

Thanks in advance

[hatethosebruins]

I wasn't sure whether to post this in here or in the Lounge, but I figured it didnt really matter. But anyway, me and 3 friends have decided to go to the Osheaga Music Festival this year. We already have our flights and hotel paid for so it is definitely happening. Basically, what im looking for here is absolutely any suggestions to make out trip as good as possible. We are leaving July 31 and returning home on August 6th, so obviously i wont be able to see a habs game, which sucks. Any help is appreciated, guys.

Some things I'd like to know are

-We are staying in Hotel Espresso, anyone know much about this hotel? Seems nice from what i have seen online.

-Nice stores and places to go that are close to the Hotel

-Sights, restaurants, bars, etc to go to while in Montreal.

-What is the weather usually like in early August?

-And has anyone ever actually gone to this festival and knows what i can expect? That would be a great help.

Im open to any opinions and suggestions and just want to make this a great trip. There will be 4 of us, all 19 and 20, in montreal seeing loads of bands play, so I know it will be a good time.

Thanks in advance

I too could utilize a thread like this since I try to go to Montreal as often as possible. Anyways,

assuming you are anglo, a good area for bars would be crescent street, which you should be able to get directed to pretty easily. According to google maps, if i have the right spot, your about a 9 minute walk from there. I personally enjoyed MVP, its not very lively but the service is very friendly. Winston Churchills is another good spot on that street as well. Further down the road First star has mentioned an Irish pub, not exactly sure of hte name though.

In terms of sights, I really enjoyed going to the lookout on Mont royal, as well as spending lots of time in the plateau and old montreal. Saint Laurent Blvd, is pretty enjoyable to walk up and if you want to wait a long long time to get into Schwartz, you will have some of the best smoked meat in your lifetime. Theres also a few good bagel places in that area too, I went to fairmont, which was amazing.

Shopping wise, you can find almost everything (including a few shopping malls) on St catherine street, but it will be more expensive around there. In the eaton centre theres a neat little sports store that sells some autographed habs memoribilia (and other teams) although the prices are somewhat steep.

Typing this makes me realize the next time im there i gotta try going to a few other streets besides st catherine.

The biodome I personally did not find all that interesting, but maybe because im just not a big animal person (unless their pets). I did enjoy taking a ride up the olympic tower though. All of these spots are easy to get to from Montreals metro line, which can seem confusing at first but once you figure things out its very easy.

Im sorry but ive never been to the music festival so I cant really say much on that.

Now if anyone doesnt mind answering a question for me: Whats it like in Montreal on st jean baptiste weekend? Would you recommend going even if im from ontario? is there a celebration?