Sunday, September 30, 2012

The Canadian Exporail Museum

Exporail Train at Entrance

When visiting Montreal I had heard of a train museum that was highly recommended and since our son is a big fan of trains we decided to check it out.
It was just about a 40 minute drive south from our hotel in downtown Montreal and pretty easy to get to in nearby Saint-Constant. (Beware of the street signs they are very small). This museum was more than we could imagine. It had retired steam engines, diesel engines, freight trains, passenger cars, old steam trains on view from London, streetcars, school trains, really more trains than you can imagine. Weather permitting there are rides you can go on to view the grounds and have fun. I would suggest the tram ride first so you can see the whole museum but it all is in walking distance from each other. The mini train was a favorite among the smaller visitors but hold on tight!




Outdoor Exhibit




I couldn't believe how enormous the trains were and how well the museum was put together. This was a highlight of our trip for our train loving child but also for us adults. We had no idea what to expect and we were so glad we did, it truly is a railway adventure. Well worth the trip!






Monday, September 24, 2012

Montreal Canada : Fun for Kids

When deciding on a trip my husband and I could not come to a decision on where to go. We wanted to take a driving trip from New York and we needed it to be on the way to Lake George since we were meeting friends there at the end of our trip. We also needed it to be a kid friendly place and a much needed change of scenery.

We decided on Montreal because it is a beautiful city and since everyone speaks French it would be just what we needed to switch it up. We all had our passports already so we thought "what the heck, lets go". A hurricane was on its way so we packed up the car and headed north. It is a long driving trip so we prepared with electronics, car games and snacks. A day of driving (about 7 hours or more when including long stops) through the beautiful country, up and down mountains and across the border.

Biodome
We stayed in the center of town at Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel which is absolutely gorgeous, newly renovated and sophisticated but also kid friendly. I must say the staff was extremely helpful and the restaurant downstairs was one of the best in the neighborhood with breakfast as a highlight (we ordered room service multiple times). The concierge helped us with our directions and plans since our GPS was out of range while we were there and we also scored discounted tickets to events so be sure to check with your concierge when making plans for outings.



Biodome
Our first trip was to the Biodome, a sort of indoor zoo where there are different areas to see many types of animals in their own habitats (our favorite were the penguins, so friendly and active). They also had an interactive special addition that changes often. We then headed to the gardens and Insectarium. My son enjoyed the playground in front of the Insectarium but then fell asleep in the stroller. Surrounding the area is the gorgeous Maisonneuve Park which is perfect for picnics and bike riding or even a stroll. A trip to the top of the viewing tower is great so you can see all of Montreal at once.
Olympic Park Viewing Tower

Besides this area, which can take a full day or two to see, there are many shops on Sainte Catherine street but be sure to change your money and bring a lot of it because things can be pricey. While walking around definitely stop into the children's book store, Babar en Ville. It is a very cute store with children's books and toys. Afterwards you and your little ones can let off steam at a fantastic park, water play area and playground are near the


Park near the Westmont Public Library
Bibliothèque Publique de Westmount. It has sprinklers, play equipment, swings, paths for scooting or biking and a duckpond with a romantic landscape. It was a much needed escape for our energetic son and with the greenery we were just as happy to relax and play catch. Our next stops were just outside of Montreal so I will have a separate post for those and they deserve one since both places were super fantastic! Parc Safari and The Candian Exporail Museum - Here we come!
 
Scooter Approved!






Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Astoria Park Fireworks Show 2012