From the Pacific to the Atlantic - Crossing Canada by Train
2 October - 5 November 2024

Canada 2024
31 October 2024: Day 30

Quebec to Montreal by train

Introduction

An early start to make sure we were at the Gare du Palais on time. The taxi arrived promptly at 0700 and we were at the station by 0720. Had our bags weighed and ticketed, then waited to board. This would be a new "corridor" train, a higher speed train that travels the Quebec-Montreal-Ottawa corridor. It was spacious and the seats comfortable. We were all ready to go at 0805 when they announced there would be a slight delay - the train "conductor" (ie driver) had not turned up so a relief driver was on his way, maybe we would be leaving in 30 minutes, which we did. We sped through the countryside at up to 140 kph but did not make up the lost time. In fact we lost another 30 minutes, arriving in Montreal about an hour late. Theye did offer passengers a 50% discount on their next Quebec-Montreal trip but we declined, not expecting to do this trip again.

In Montreal we walked across the road to the Hotel Bonadventure and checked into our room - a nice suite on the 10th floor with a pleasant view of the rooftop garden. On venturing outside we were struck by the heat - we had gone from 4C in Quebec to 20C in Montreal.

Then we decided to take the Metro to visit the Quebec National Archives. We went first to the Grand Library, but were redirected to the Archives, 10 minuts walk away. There we found the files we were after, and spent an hour peering at microfilm copies of Notary files dating from 1790. Although they are in French we now have copies. Then back to the hotel. Discovered the hotel, although close to the train is distant from any reputable eating places, so dinner at the hotel it was. Simple menu but good food.