Montreal, Quebec

Hilton Montreal Bonaventure Hotel
900 de La Gauchetiere West
Montreal (QC) Canada H5A 1E4
514-878-2332

Location Rating: T-A-5

This multi-story hotel of the Hilton chain doesn't sit alongside tracks, it towers over them.
Located immediately across the street from Central Station and Canadian National headquarters,
this hostelry gives the railfan an opportunity to look directly down upon VIA Rail and Montreal
AMT commuter trains as they approach the south portal of underground Central Station. Hotel
and station are located on the edge of the Montreal business district and a few blocks west of
the city's major tourist area. Thus, the visiting railfan should suffer no pangs of guilt as he
/ she spends hours watching and recording the comings and goings of a major North American
passenger station, as the rest of the family has plenty of attractions to discover and explore.

A bit pricey for the average railfan, Hilton Bonaventure rates run about $150 / $200 per night,
American currency, but considering the hotel's amenities including convenience to major Montreal
attractions and the status of Montreal as North America's preeminent French-speaking city, the
cost per room for a night is not exorbitant. Out in the boondocks it's not, but that's the charm
of the hotel.

When checking in, ask for a room facing south toward the St. Lawrence River over the approach
tracks to Central Station. The view is over the four track approach, with the tip of one platform
barely seen. All VIA trains reach Central Station through the south entrance. Northern Quebec
service used to be electric drawn northward through the Mount Royal tunnel on the north side of
the station or coasted southward into the station, Upon discharge, the train is then reversed to
the Pointe-St. Charles servicing yard, hidden behind Alstom shops to the south. Also in view in
the distance is the Victoria Bridge over the St. Lawrence River, used by trains to Quebec City,
the Maritimes and U.S. Thus, approaching or departing trains can be followed with the
naked eye easily for two miles as they maneuver through the approaches to the station,
either as a scheduled train or a deadhead move. AMT commuter service to Mont Saint-Hilaire
via the Victoria Bridge can also be followed. Unseen is the electrified service to
Deux-Montagnes that operates northward from the station in a tunnel. Also out of sight,
but in close walking distance, is the Lucien-L'Allier commuter terminal, successor to the famed
Windsor Station, from which frequent commuter service to western and northern suburbs departs.

Movements are easily heard from hotel rooms that are maybe 20 floors above the tracks. Status of
incoming trains can be ascertained by a quick visit to Central Station's main concourse, directly
across De La Gauchetiere Street from the hotel. And while in the station, a mandatory visit to
the McDonald's just off the concourse is in order to view black and white photographs of Canadian
National motive power, trains, people and stations in the steam era.

Although Montreal is ostensibly a French-speaking city, English is a second language, readily
used by railroad personnel and shop keepers alike, particularly in the confines of Central Station.
The American dollar is worth approximately $1.35 Canadian at this time, giving a Yank more bang
for the buck. A bank ATM and a well-stocked deli / grocery store compliment other Central Station
concourse services including an extensive food court. The nearest city subway station is also
reached via Central Station, making it easy for one to stay inside during cold Montreal winters.
Be sure to pick up a government refund booklet at the station information desk to request a refund
on the 7% Federal sales tax levied on all purchases including hotel rooms. It'll help cut your
expenses a bit. Once proper documentation is sent, a refund check in American dollars normally
returns in four to six weeks.

Don't let the hotel room price or the fact that the natives speak French as a first language put
you off. Watching trains from atop the southern entrance to Central Station is an experience not
to be missed. There's nothing quite like watching a twenty-car Ocean depart in the gathering darkness,
slowly moving away from the longest platform in the station as shorter movements pass like fish
alongside a whale. Christmas is a good time to visit, for both hotel and station are gaily decorated
with appropriate holiday lights and trees. Railfanning is not all outdoor heat, rain, discomfiture
and sleeplessness. Why not pamper yourself for a day or so in Montreal watching trains from the
luxury of a Hilton room between trips to the many services of Central Station? Live a little.
It's an experience you won't forget. Submitted By: Malcolm Bruno 9.2.03 (via Railpace)

Travelodge
1010 Herron Rd
Montreal, Quebec H2Z 1A2
514-631-4537

Location Rating: T-x-2

It is a good spot and I've often seen it being used by CN or CP work gangs.
Though I have family in the area, I've never stayed at the motel. However, I'd
say that the 2nd floor is probably better as there is a highway and some businesses
between the motel and the twin main lines. Submitted By: Peter Laws 11.18.03

Within about 1000 feet of the Montreal location already listed is also a Travelodge (Dorval).
It is on the opposite side of the Autoroute (Interstate) from the CN and CP mains, but the
view is quite good from front rooms and it's a fun place to spend the night. You can hear
and see all the action. It would be okay for some video from the balcony but not still
photography (too many obstacles). It's a good second choice for people who can't get in to
the other place on a busy night, or who have some affinity points with Travelodge.
It's also closer to restaurants and other conveniences (walking distance), whereas the other
place is kind of on an island in the middle of a highway interchange.
Rates are about US$45-50 per night. Submitted by: David Garon