Laurentian resorts try to stay under the radar

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Quebec‘s Laurentian ski resorts, north of Montreal, are trying to stay low-key. The 14 ski areas dotted along Highway 15 tend to be family owned and operated – translation: reasonably priced.

Mont Saint-Saveur is part of this region’s offering, taking skiers and snowboarders to 38 runs via eight lifts. Ample lighting makes night skiing much easier (Saveur has the most night runs among the Laurentians). A heated floor on the outdoor terrace, and a giant fireplace to go with it, make Saveur a great après-ski spot, as well.

Mont Avila is reputed to have the best terrain park in the region, which includes an Olympic-sized halfpipe. “Snoprk” reflects the handiwork of park designer Patrick Bernier, which I’m sure matters to somebody. If you really prefer to ski alone, consider Le Mont Gabriel (popular with ski racers), Mont Olympia or Belle Neige. Ski Morin Heights is family-oriented with one run cut specifically for kids.

You need choices? Well, now you got ’em. Montreal is 45 minutes from New York by plain, Quebec is about an hour – a little more from Washington, D.C., a little less from Boston. Grab your skis, and trek up to the Laurentians. Put the commercial stuff behind you.

[Via Toronto Sun]

Light Up in Montreal

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Most cigar smokers know what they want when border-crossings are involved: Cubans. Stepping through customs onto foreign soil, you can feel the pull to the nearest tobacconist. Maybe you drop your bags off at the hotel first, but that’s about it. As our nearest neighbor-at least from my part of the country-Canada is the top destination for Cuban cigars. In Montreal, go to the right shop instead of the closest one, and you will actually enjoy the results. La Casa del Habano should be at the top of your list.

Montreal is a world-class city, with top-tier dining, luxurious accommodations and a festival scene that includes independent film, comedy and the fine arts. If you’re on your way to Canada, Montreal should be your top priority, even beyond Vancouver and Toronto. There is a draw beyond illicit cigars, but for the cigar smoker who “just happens to be in town,” the fellowship of the leaf is a powerful force.

You have to be careful with Cuban cigars in Montreal. Counterfeits abound north of the border, and unfortunately, many smokers rush to the nearest cigar seller-specialist or not. The cigars may snap, burn unevenly or unwind … but who cares? They’re Cuban! Right?

If you’re a vanity smoker-showing off the label rather than enjoying the tobacco-then just hit the Duty Free store before you leave Dorval Airport. But, if you appreciate the complexity of a well-blended, property constructed stick, be patient. Grab a quick shower and a bite to eat before heading over to La Casa del Habano, Montreal’s premier smoking lounge.

Unlike most shops, which may have a few chairs along a wall, La Casa del Habano offers the full cigar-smoking experience-in a way that most jurisdictions in the United States don’t allow. Pick up a few sticks and settle into a comfortable lounge with a Cohiba Siglo VI or a Vegas Robaino. Sip on a glass of port. Relax. In addition to the full bar, the shop’s walk-in humidor is managed carefully. Whichever cigar you choose, it will not crackle in your fingertips. The lounge is designed to be an oasis, with soft leather chairs and couches offering plenty of comfortable seating. Ventilation is sufficient to ensure that you’ll enjoy every draw, without having to suffer those expelled by the other guests.

I’ve found that in cigar shops across Quebec, selections tend to be limited. The old stand-by brands are all available-Monte Cristo, Cohiba and Punch-but there is little depth. Fortunately, this is not the case at La Casa del Habano, which carries an array of Cuban cigars that would rival non-Cuban selections at the top retailers in the United States in terms of variety and desirability.

Too often, we have to compromise. At La Casa del Habano, this will not be necessary.

During the summer, La Casa del Habano is a brisk walk from Old Montreal-or a short taxi ride. If you happen to be up north on business, you’ll probably be right around the corner. La Queu de Cheval, Montreal’s premier steakhouse, is only a few blocks away. Bring a cigar with you to enjoy after dinner-or take one from the restaurant’s humidor. Either way, light up, and enjoy the fact that you have options.

Montreal: Food, Fun and Shopping

by Neil Woodburn on

Montreal continues to intrigue me. This little slice of Europe in North America seems to beckon from so many different travel magazines I crack open. This month, it’s Budget Travel.

As a sign of the times, Budget Travel turns to a couple of local Montreal bloggers to introduce its readers to all the best that this city has to offer, broken conveniently down to three categories: Shop, Play, Eat.

While the shopping and playing categories certainly shouldn’t be overlooked, the article hones in on that which Montreal is most known for: its restaurants. In fact, My Montreal Is Better Than Yours, is written by two bloggers who run the epicurean-focused site, EndlessBanquet.com. Because, as they explain, Montreal’s culinary scene is indeed an endless banquet of foodie delight.

The best part about all of this is that the article appeared in Budget Travel; that means that the suggestions on where to dine won’t break the old pocketbook. And, the fact that I won’t have to travel all the way to Europe to experience some old world ambiance along with my meal should help matters as well.

Now, all I have to do is get myself there. In the meantime, I’ll be stashing this article away in my Montreal To Do file.

(photo via Catherine Hine on Flickr)

Festival du Nouveau Cinéma – Montreal

by Adrienne Wilson on

With so many film festivals to check out on the planet Earth, I don’t know how I even go about picking one to mention here on Gadling. You’d think I’d just live the festival selection to our good friends at our sister-site Cinematical, but with the weather cooling down and snow flurries appearing somewhere in the U.S. or maybe even Canada at this time why not fly in to screen a flick or four? Unless of course you’re looking to snowboard or ski you’re better off staying warm from the glow off the silver-screen. So why the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma in Montréal this October? Because Montréal’s a happening spot from what I hear and the bigger question is why not? The festival takes place October 18-28, 2006. Head to the website for additional details.