Travelers often think of Canada as a summer/fall destination unless, of course, you are a skier. However in cities that are used to winter weather, the locals do not hide from the cold and snow. They revel in it. People skate and play ice hockey outdoors and the streets and pavements are free of snow so tourists and locals alike can stroll about town enjoying the cozy restaurants, unique shops, and local attractions. I just returned from a 3-day getaway weekend in Montreal and had a wonderful time.

With a population of 1 million people, Montreal is the second largest French-speaking city in the world, next to Paris. As one would expect in a large city, food choices range from Indian to Italian to Chinese, but above all, the cuisine is French, from simple French country meals to haute cuisine. Thanks to a rate of exchange that favors the American dollar, U.S. families can enjoy a fine meal at a reasonable cost. Forget the ubiquitous fast food places and have your kids eat French fries in a French restaurant, the way the French prepare them - crispy, non-greasy and utterly delicious!

Only a six-hour drive from New York City, Montreal is an ideal destination for a long weekend. The French Canadians in the tourist areas are bi-lingual, so if you do not speak French, it is not a problem, although the Québecois are always delighted when you and your kids attempt a few words in their beautiful language. Although it is a straight shot up the New York Thruway, entering the city and finding your hotel can be frustrating if you do not have good directions. After making your hotel reservations, call and get explicit directions from the hotel. Order a map from AAA or the Canadian tourist board. Then follow the sound advice in my book, "The Single Parent Travel Handbook." If your kids are old enough to read, they are old enough to help you navigate the city. Print out the hotel directions in advance. Have them read the directions to you so you can concentrate on the traffic. Once you arrive at your hotel, park the car and leave it there until the weekend is over. Montreal is a walking city. Where it is too far to walk, you can take the Metro.

There are so many things to see and do in Montreal that you have to choose carefully the attractions you will visit on a weekend. A magnet for tourists is Vieux Montréal (Old Montreal), the waterfront area filled with cobble-stoned streets and historic buildings. At the center of the waterfront is the Montreal Science Center, a terrific family-oriented hands-on museum. Be certain to enjoy the IMAX theatre. There is at least one show a day in English. We saw "Wild Africa. Currently playing is another film on the Nile and one on the Tour de France.

Another worthwhile attraction in Old Montreal is the Basilica of Notre-Dame. This beautiful historical church welcomes visitors and even offers a 20-minute tour, which is well worth the time. If you bring your skates, you can skate with the local denizens along the waterfront area (day or evening). Dining is a major part of the Montreal experience. There are numerous cozy restaurants in the old section of town. We sampled a couple of these for lunch. We also tried an excellent place for dinner called Vents due Sud, located about a 20 minute walk north of Old Montreal. This small restaurant is BYOB, and offers superb French Provincial food in a casual atmosphere with reasonable prices. Reservations are recommended. The address is 323 Roy Est and the telephone number is 514 281-9913. The area around the restaurant is safe to stroll at night.

When searching for a hotel, check with your travel agent, or the Internet for family or weekend specials at the hotels downtown or in the old part of town. We stayed in a family room (the Picasso room) at a place called Au Git'an, about a ten-minute walk from Old Montreal. It is located at 1806 St Christophe St. Anne Messier is the innkeeper - charming and knowledgeable. The place is immaculate. The family room can sleep 3 or 4. The rate is $115 a night (Canadian dollars) and includes free street parking and a delicious breakfast. Call 514 523 - 4494 Tell Anne that Single Parent Tours sent you.

Bonne vacances!

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WRITER'S BIO
Brenda Elwell is the author of The Single Parent Travel Handbook and managing editor of The Single Parent Travel Network, a Web site and free monthly newsletter chock full of Single Parent Travel Specials. A veteran of over thirty years in the travel industry, she has traveled independently to more than 60 countries, half of them with her two kids in tow. Brenda may be reached via e-mail at brenda@singleparenttravel.net.

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