Montreal, from The Metropark Amtrak station, is a 10 hour trip. (I've had friends who've driven there in 8 hours... but the driver ended up with a $90 dollar speeding ticket from a NY State Trooper, I do not advise.) Prices aren't horrible, especially compared to what an international flight runs on average. And let me tell you, Montreal really is a European treasure on the North American Continent. And don't let anyone hear you say Mon-TREE-all, especially if you're exercsing that nice and rusty high school French, it's pronounced Mon-reah-al (with accent on the "r" if you can manage a throat slurring).
Old Montreal is where the traditional European vibe is, with a ton of great local pubs and plenty of museums to visit. In that district there are also a lot of independent artisans and vendors who make art by hand. I found a beautiful blue glass ring that I'm wearing right now!
One of the most spectacular views comes from the heart of the city's mountain, properly called Mount Royal. The city is actually an island, so the middle is the highest point for miles around. In French, if you say Montreal (as my expert pronunciation directions suggest) fast enough, and for long enough, you start to hear "Mont Royal," and *ahh* it is all becoming clear to me!
Personally, I would always opt for hostel stays if you're with five or six friends because most places have cabin-like rooms with that many beds, so you'll effectively share a huge room (often with a bathroom attached) for a fraction of the cost as if you'd each gotten your own room. I've seen prices as low as $24 (US) a night, and it's been well worth it.
One of the top spots during the day was the Botanical Gardens, filled with absolutely beautiful varieties of domestic and exotic species of flowers, shrubs, and trees. In the gift shop area, there's an artist who makes his own clay figurines from hand. The details on my baby panda were incredible, there were even claws on his tiny black paws and every grass stem was rolled and assembled on its own. The clay isn't baked, but is left to dry naturally; the figurines hold all of their color and you can often get things custom made.
Food is another one of Montreal's notable treats, and not just French-style cafes or seven-course dinners (of which there are many awesome options). Actually, one of the best meals was a Greek place just a few blocks from the hostel, a delicious gyro was only four bucks!
Late night fun (after the bars close), there are lots of little crepe houses that are open 24/7, it was the best way to end a really long and terrific night! Anyway, the point is, with all of these activities, and all the friends to be made in this uber-social and friendly atmosphere, all in all, a five-day trip is manageable with $300.
So, if you're looking for a great adventure this summer, take a trip to Montreal with some buds, your significant other, hey... why not even take your parents? Or, you know, maybe next time.
