Toronto or Montreal?

Our first anniversary is coming up in October, and the wife would like to take a road trip so we don't have to deal with all of the leaf-peepers in our little corner of the CT shoreline. Both Toronto and Montreal have been mentioned so I'd like LTH's input on which city might have the best options for inexpensive, but good quality grub. Personally, I'd like to find some unique local and ethnic fare. Please help make this decision for us!

Flip

Flip wrote:we don't have to deal with all of the leaf-peepers in our little corner of the CT shoreline.

For those who are clueless like me or surmized it may be some insect invasion:

Wikipedia wrote:Leaf peeping is an autumn activity in areas where foliage changes colors. 'Leaf peepers' are those who participate in photographing and viewing the fall foliage.

...

The term "leaf peeping" made an appearance in "And It's Surely To Their Credit," an episode of The West Wing which originally aired on November 1, 2000. President Bartlet, during one of many attempts at recording his weekly radio address says, "This month, as autumn is in full bloom in much of the nation, the weekends will be devoted by many of you to leaf peeping and foot....Leaf peeping? Is that something we do now?"

Regards,

I think "leaf peepers" is a term of endearment used by the locals to disparage the tourists. It's similar to the term "fudgies" on Mackinac Island

>>Both Toronto and Montreal have been mentioned so I'd like LTH's input on which city might have the best options for inexpensive, but good quality grub.<<

If there was a Canadian version of the LTH Forum and the webmaster wanted to generate heat and clicks, this would be the question that would be post #1.

My simple response is "BOTH".

Generally, my price limit on meals is $15-20/pp. I have been able to locate and enjoy meals in both cities - and Ottawa, for that matter, well within that range and often less.

Both cities are GREAT walking cities with EXCELLENT public transportation systems (yes, a LOT better than Chicago's).

Personally, i would head to Toronto hitting Kensington Market early in teh morning and trying out food in a number of the stands. I would walk west to Spadina St. through the Chinese areas looking for a good Chinese bakery and sone steamed rolls.

As I was getting near the University area, I would vear further west as there is another market. The last time I was up there, I stumbled into a shop selling meat pies made by a couple from Trinidad and received my first education about Scotch Bonnet peppers.

After the second market, I would continue east on Bloor and then south on Yonge St., the main drag.

Toronto has a wide variety of ethnic neighborhoods, easily accessible by the TTC, each of which features a variety of ethnic restaurants.

We have another poster from Montreal who could do a much better job than i on the joys of Montreal. My experience is that it is really HARD not to find a great restaurant in the city. However, I must confess I don't have any specific recommendations.

Do realize that if you head either place in October that the Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving Day on the day that US celebrates Columbus Day and that generally, things close down pretty tight (that may have changed over the years, though). Also, I would recommend checking out public transportation to Toronto/Montreal as there a number of planes, trains and buses that will get you. Like in most big cities, having a vehicle can be a liability.

I'd say that you need to decide between ethnic and unique local. Toronto has food from everywhere-- ethnic eateries abound. Montreal has more stuff that is uniquely local -- smoked meat and poutine being particularly noteworthy, as well as sugar pie. But that is just the beginning of delights.

I've dined beautifully in Montreal, but it was a while ago. If I were to return, my guide would be this series of articles from Hungry Magazine (especially the one about deep fried foie gras):

http://www.hungrymag.com/2006/06/19/i-dream-of-poutine/

http://www.hungrymag.com/2006/06/22/smoke-this/

http://www.hungrymag.com/2006/06/25/hot ... /#more-157

http://www.hungrymag.com/2006/06/28/the ... -on-earth/

http://www.hungrymag.com/2006/07/10/a-m ... l-seasons/

Although I cannot recommend one over the other (and I fear that I am not being helpful), I find Montreal to be a much more romantic city than Toronto. Montreal is much more European, and it's sort of exotic to listen to everyone speaking French (or in my case, butchering French). I enjoyed Toronto immensely as well, although when I was there, I was mostly in a haze of Molson and Labatt during a large part of our adventure.

From what I recall, I would agree with Cynthia that Toronto has more of an ethnic flair while Montreal has more localized products. Obviously, if you like French food, Montreal may be more up your alley.

I live in Montreal most of the year, and I've spent a week eating Toronto in '07, and several days in '08. I agree with everything that's been said so far.

Plusses: Montreal is more exotic, it really is French-ish, whereas Toronto is British-ish. And while I agree with jlawrence's sending you to the Toronto markets, I think that the Jean-Talon market in Montreal is better: more stuff, more interesting people, wider range of foods available.

It really is hard to get a bad meal in Montreal.

That having been said, I should point out that if you like Asian (other than Vietnamese), Toronto is your town. Asian isn't very good in Montreal. Neither is Latino-American. But pretty much everything else is wild and wonderful.

There are lots of threads on the board about both Toronto and Montreal.

If you have any more questions, just ask away and I'll try to answer them.

Geo

Since its your anniversary, I'd be more inclined to pick Montreal, just because its a rather more romantic city to my mind (the food is equally good in each, just somewhat different focuses & strengths).

As a now-Chicagoan who was transplanted from Toronto, I'd say go to Montreal. Toronto is like Chicago in many ways, and as others have mentioned, Montreal has a much more European-romantic feel that is fitting for an anniversary (especially in the Fall, it's beautiful).

Toronto is definitely worth a foodie trip of its own (especially for Asian dining), but I really think you guys will enjoy the atmosphere in old-world Montreal a lot more. Just my $0.02.

I spent 4 years in Montreal and have visited Toronto on a couple of occasions. While Toronto has its merits, I have to agree that Montreal is a much better choice for an anniversary trip. Try to stay in the old part of the city.

Flip,

I think that everyone's right to emphasize Montreal over Toronto for romantic atmosphere. Last Spring my best buddy, Sonoma Howie, and his wife spent several days in the Vieux Port, Old Montreal, at the Auberge Les Passants du San Soucy which is a really attractive, comfy, small hotel. Walking distance to many fine restos, the entertainment quarter, etc. Lovely place.

Geo

In my opinion, Montreal is far more interesting and romantic and has lots of places for good food. Toronto is a big city geared for business and is much like Chicago (but in my opinion no where as interesting and nice).

Geo, my wife and I spent part of our honeymoon (ten years ago) at Auberge Les Passants du San Soucy in Montreal, and it is a wonderful and romantic place.

Add me to the list of people who have great fondness for Toronto, but who for the stated question would absolutely recommend Montreal.