Montreal or Vancouver?

[WolfRamNHard]

I'm trying to plan a week-long trip to Canada and looking for suggestions, opinions and advice in general. If you could only visit one or the other for one week during this time of year, which would you choose (and why) - Vancouver or Montreal?

 

Factors to be weighed could include escort selection, gay scene, friendliness of locals, weather, food/restaurants, other attractions, or anything else you might consider relevant to your decision.

 

Thoughts? Feelings?

 

Thanks in advance!

[+ SundayZip]

They are both awesome cities and I love them both, but they're very (very) different. The city that is best for you probably depends on your vacation preferences. Do you like nature and spending time outdoors or do you prefer more of a city experience? Will you have access to a car or will you be walking and/or taking public transportation? Image a perfect vacation day (or a couple days if you'd prefer) and tell us what you imagine yourself doing on that day.

 

All that aside, I would go to Montreal. But that's only because Montreal offers experiences and a certain cultural and historical vibe that I can't get at home. I live in a city that gives me easy access to nature and great outdoor experiences, which is a big draw for Vancouver. My city is also multicultural, modern and hip (sort of) in a way that parallels Vancouver. So I'd go Montreal because it gives me what I can't get at home. But that's just me -- and you're probably not me.

[RyanDean]

I was fortunate to spend a week in both cities last year and would agree that both are gorgeous. Food is great in both but -- if you're vegetarian, if you eschew pork, or if you don't do carbs -- Montreal might be tough. Most generally, I found Vancouver relaxing, while I found Montreal exciting. I am surprised @SundayZip didn't mention the dancers at Montreal's StockBar and Campus, as they are sights to be seen. But then so is @Juan Vancouver.

 

What a delicious dilemma you have set for yourself, @WolfRamNHard!

[+ SundayZip]

I am surprised @SundayZip didn't mention the dancers at Montreal's StockBar and Campus, as they are sights to be seen...

 

Oh yeah, there is that!

[bigvalboy]

Ditto to all above...2 incredible cities.

 

My 2 cents is @RyanDean is spot on about Campus and Stock. If going for the boys and a vibrant gay scene is a consideration, then Montreal hands down, but Vancouver is beyond stunning. The Puget Sound and surrounding area is damn near Heaven on earth. One of the few places that I could see myself calling home.

[+ Funguy]

I think I would pick Vancouver because I've never been there and I have been to Montreal. So somewhere new to see.

And also there is Juan and Thor. I say "is" instead of "are" because to have them together is something to behold!

[WolfRamNHard]

Thanks for all the helpful comments and advice! I'm more of a city person and love walking, but at the same time outdoors might be a nice change of pace.

 

I'm leaning towards Montreal for now. Then hopefully take time off for Vancouver a bit later in the year .

[+ WilliamM]

You could visit both cities if the Montreal to Vancouver train is still in operation. I did it in the 1970s in August. I had been to Montreal before, so liked Vancouver a lot, particularly the ferry to Vancouver Island and the city of Victoria, which is very British.

 

I'm leaning towards Montreal for now. Then hopefully take time off for Vancouver a bit later in the year

 

The trip took three wonderful days; the train was expensive ever for the 1970s though!

[Atlantagaguy]

I love both Montreal and Vancouver. If I had to choose I would pick Montreal with a side trip to Québec City or Toronto by train. I have always felt that the Gay scene is so much better in Montreal and Toronto. Vancouver not as much fun but a beautiful city. Have fun wherever you go!

[Juan Vancouver]

Then hopefully take time off for Vancouver a bit later in the year .

 

I'd like to discourage you to do that unless you like constant rain and gray skies. Vancouver is incredibly beautiful during the height of the Summer. I compare it in its beauty to Sydney and Capetown. Sadly during the rest of the year there's a lot of drizzle and a thick gray blanket covering the city.

[Decatur Guy]

You have two great choices. I've only been to Montreal. My family would vacation there in the '90s. You will feel like you've been to Europe in a way. I don't think you can go wrong choosing Montreal.

 

But I can't imagine not loving Vancouver, either, if I went there. I've been to Seattle, which is probably a decent "sister" city experience, and I liked Seattle a lot.

 

When I am torn between two travel choices, I generally choose the less expensive one!

[+ WilliamM]

. Vancouver is incredibly beautiful during the height of the Summer. I compare it in its beauty to Sydney and Capetown

 

I have never been to Capetown, but I agree about Vancouver in the summer. Also, you are right in comparing Sydney to Vancouver

[samandtham]

Montreal is more my speed—a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant scene (not just LGBTQ, food and the arts are fantastic too!) that isn't too far from New York. No matter what time of day, there's always something to do.

 

Vancouver on the other hand feels like a different world because it feels a lot more relaxed, a lot more easy-going. It's a complete 180 from the type of life and vacation that I enjoy doing.

[LADoug1]

You could visit both cities if the Montreal to Vancouver train is still in operation. I did it in the 1970s in August. I had been to Montreal before, so liked Vancouver a lot, particularly the ferry to Vancouver Island and the city of Victoria, which is very British.

 

 

 

The trip took three wonderful days; the train was expensive ever for the 1970s though!

I did the same a few years ago. Trip was one of a lifetime albeit pricey. If you do it book the train early as compartments book fast.

[+ WilliamM]

I did the same a few years ago. Trip was one of a lifetime albeit pricey. If you do it book the train early as compartments book fast.

 

I enjoy the train trip so much from Montreal to Vancouver that I continues on the road.

 

I hitch hiked from Vancouver to San Francisco at age 30. I had hitched before but never that far. Washington and Oregon were amazing in August. It took 4 days to arrive in SF to visit a close friend.

 

@LADoug1 Thanks so much for responding. I could barely afford the train in the 1970s, so my guess is that it's far more expensive now. Like you, I did have a compartment. The train was delayed for many hours to clear a landslide in the Canadian Rockies. I really got to know the other passenger during those hours. Hope this is not too much information.

[+ Just Sayin]

It's been awhile since I've been to Montreal, but it is wonderful in the summer with everyone outside enjoying walking, eating and going to festivals; the bars are fantastic, but so is the architecture and museums; and it is a taste of Europe, too; I was in Vancouver last year and it has a west coast feel, definitely delightful in the summer months; and, of course, Juan is there too! Such difficult choices!

[+ V-Vhitner]

I'm facing a similar choice. Given my focus on chasing boys, assume Montreal is the ticket..?

 

Would the end of Aug be too hot though?