I can only answer one of your questions - the distance to Quebec City from Montreal. It's about 300km, so not a subway ride or walk! You will probably be fine in Montreal with very little French, because an effort is appreciated. I understand that Quebec City is a bit more Francophone, so you may need more French to get by there.

First off don't sweat learning alot of French phrases. The wonderful people of Montreal and Quebec City are usually always bilingual. You will more than likely be greeted with a "Bonjour/Hello" this lets you know that they are bilingual. I think QC is a lot more French than Montreal but I have never had any communication issues at all. The main thing is to be respectful and you will be treated the same way. In QC stay in either the Upper Town or Lower Town (I prefer Upper) this is the old city and it is very charming and very beautiful. I think by going in the autumn you will avoid alot of other tourists, etc. The ViaRail train from Montreal to QC is a nice ride through farm country. In Montreal as well as QC there are numerous choices for accomodations...depends on your budget. I love both places for different reasons. QC for a lowkey getaway and Montreal for nightlife, shopping, etc. I think you will totally fall in love with "La Belle Province" Enjoy!

BTW the train from Penn Station to Montreal's Gare Centrale is 10 hours because it stops EVERYWHERE. I used to fly Air Canada from Newark (one hour usually). The bus is also a great way to get up there and it only takes 8 or less hours. The bus has many departures daily whereas Amtrak only has two and neither are very convenient to me.

The Travel Lodge is about a half mile from the train station in Montreal. The train ride to Quebec takes about 3 hours and was lovely when we went last January. If you don't have much luggage you will be within walking distance or a short cab ride of many of the hotels in lower and upper Quebec.

I have not made the train trip from NY to Montreal, but have made similar train trips. It is great if you are prepared to relax and unwind. It beats the heck out of driving because you can close your eyes and sleep, or use the toilet, or go to the club car and get a hamburger. Lots of people take CD or DVD players. Some take laptops, which you can plug in (full electricity provided). I like a book.

The train station in Montreal is IN the Queen Elizabeth hotel (actually slightly underneath and to the side). The QE isn't the cheapest hotel in town but it looks great. I have stayed at the Hilton Hotel Bonaventure which was likewise great, and is connected by walkways to the train station, but is not cheap either. If you can afford either of these, the convenience is unbeatable, otherwise I suggest you decide how much you want to spend and then go shopping on the internet. The Metro is also accessible from the train station, so if you find a hotel near a Metro stop you will have no transportation problem.

Montreal is bilingual and if you make any effort at all to speak French you will be welcomed. A badly mispronounced "Bonjour, comment allez-vous," will get you a welcoming smile and a reply in English.

Quebec City is decidedly more French, but in the tourist areas everyone is bilingual. It is a 3 hour train ride from Montreal, you can reserve a seat on the ViaRail website. Quebec City is a jewel and not to be missed.

Montreal and Quebec City are 2 of my favorite places on earth. The cities are clean, the people are polite, the exchange rate is favorable, the food is wonderful,the shopping is magnificent, and they both have great entertainment in the street in the old parts of town. I am planning my 4th trip there for next summer.

Bon voyage!

If you really want convenience the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth is above the train station and you can walk to registration as easy as to a taxi. But it is a bit pricier than the travelodge. I looked at the ratings on this site for the Travelodge and they didn't look pretty., however the price is about as inexpensive as you can find downtown.

For travel to Quebec City, the train is the most convenient especially if you don't have a car. The Canadian equivalent of Amtrack is called ViaRail and you can find out the details on their website.

First, let me say that Montreal is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE city on the planet! I think you'll have a great time there. There is such an incredible energy about the city - it's absolutely amazing.

Regarding your question about hotels, I have only stayed in one tourist class hotel, and that was La Tour Centre-Ville. It was bargain priced, clean, had a comfy bed, and a mini-kitchen in the room (great if you're watching your $$). It's walking distance from the train station (which, as others have mentioned, is under the Queen Elizabeth right up the road).

You will be surprised and delighted by the number and variety of restaurants available in Montreal. One thing is certain though- don't miss out on an opportunity for a smoked meat sandwich! Montreal is famous for them (a few of my faves are Schwartz's, Bens, or Lesters). They're huge and reasonably priced.

There are tons of things to do in Montreal (far too many to mention here). Once you get into town, grab one of the underground newspapers - such as the Mirror - and check out the local scene.

Have a great time! Bon journee!

Thank you, all, for your responses: Vancouver girl, luvquebec, SZ, J Rose, sbbvt and Nancy! It took a year of intense planning, and finally I am heading to Montreal (staying at La Tour Centre-Ville). BTW, thanks for letting me know indirectly to bring extra money for shopping and dining in Montreal and for informing me directly that I do not need to swallow my French phrasebook in a bilingual cosmopolitan city such as Montreal. I will take your advice and make an honest effort to speak French when appropriate. I also appreciate the advice given regarding the VIA RAIL Canada site for traveling from Montreal to Quebec City. I will visit QC as a day trip. I hope you guys have a great fall. And, as Nancy wished me, I wish you all BON JOURNEE!

Only one advice for your french concerns. You don`t have to the language but don`t expect everyone to speak english to you.

The best thing to do, which is very appreciated personnaly from english people, is to ask the person if he speaks any english (in french or english). That will get you the best service and they will be polite with you.

PS Eventough i`m billingual, nothing insults me more than when I say hi in french and the client just starts speaking english.

Thank you for that advice. You saved me from sure embarrassment. I will take the greeter's lead when in the province of Quebec. I want to avoid sounding like the Ugly American (i.e. from the USA) who's too arrogant to appreciate other cultures. BTW, j'aime le francais!