Montreal Offers a Brilliant Getaway for Those on Short Notice or Short Budget

Immediately after stepping onto the frosty streets of Montreal it is quite evident this is not like other bus trips. Conveniently situated just a few hours north of Boston and New York City, Montreal is a city immersed in its own unique culture. Located in the heart of Quebec, the land exudes an unmistakable European allure that is surprising to find such a short distance away from home. Presenting something for nearly everyone, the city provides a thoroughly satisfying getaway for those on short notice or short budget.

Old Montreal, first fortified in the early 17^th century, offers stunning vintage architecture and cobblestone roads, boasting some of the oldest urban cityscapes in all of North America. The district is tied together with its masterpiece, the Notre-Dame Basilica, a towering cathedral that looms over the area with its magnificent Gothic era architecture and imposing twin bell towers. First constructed in 1830, the Basilica was once touted as the largest church in North America, and remains today as perhaps the most visually stimulating.Once inside, the cathedral serves up a truly breathtaking experience, with a massive pipe organ adorning the back wall, complete with over 7000 individual brass pipes, setting a glistening backdrop for the alter in the foreground. The alter remains a triumph of epic proportions, and took seven long years of 19^th century construction to perfect. The church is a one of a kind experience and essentially a must-see for all visitors regardless of age, interests or beliefs.

But let's face it. You just spent 6 hours folded up in the back of a bus like a lawn chair, you need a stiff drink. Luckily, Montreal's vast landscape of nightlife is here to help. Proving a stark juxtaposition to Old Montreal's faded appeal, Downtown Montreal is a vibrant, young, fashion conscience epicenter offering a wide array of restaurants, clubs and places to see and be seen.