Weekend in Montreal
…..not New England………and an Evening with Barry Manilow for The Last Montreal Show -May 30, 2025
My name is Laura, and I am a Fanilow. (even though we hate that expression) … and yes, I’m one of those people who goes to different cities to see Barry Manilow in concert. My first show was in Montreal in 1982 and when it was announced that his last Montreal show was coming up, I asked our dear friends from Ottawa to meet us there, and a great weekend plan was hatched! Although Barry was playing Toronto the next night, the prospect of Montreal was more exciting.
We had always wanted to fly on Porter Airlines from Billy Bishop Airport on Toronto Island, so this was a good chance to try it out. To avoid driving to downtown Toronto and leaving our vehicle there, we drove to Pearson airport instead, parked in pre-paid parking (to be guaranteed a space), took the UP Express train to Union Station, and then a taxi to Billy Bishop.
Such a cute little airport! The boarding area is a fabulous lounge instead of the usual boarding gates. The plane was a Dash 8 and we were all excited to experience Porter Reserve – allegedly Porter’s version of Premium Economy air. Gentle readers, it is NOT. (unless you’re a teeny tiny person) While we were seated at the front of the plane, the seats are so so small. We managed, but the flights were not pleasant.
https://www.flyporter.com/en-ca/book-flights/where-we-fly
However, the view from take off was great – pics from my tablet below.
After a quick cab ride downtown, we arrived at our hotel, the Vogue Curio by Hilton- and the fancy part of the trip began. This hotel is absolutely gorgeous and a quick walk to the Bell Centre where the concert was taking place. I was so glad I booked our expensive rooms early – within a week of when I booked, they were going for $750 a night. (and we were paying much less) The rooms are exquisite –– giant comfy beds, sofa at the end of the bed, huge bathroom with jetted tub, just gorgeous. The food and drink in the lobby bar were fabulous. We had cocktails there when our friends arrived, plus snacks after the show, (gyoza dumplings for me….yum!) and breakfast the next morning. The staff was super friendly and helpful.
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/yulmqqq-vogue-hotel-montreal-downtown/hotel-info/
I had also found the perfect restaurant for our pre-show dinner. Bazarette restaurant is right in the Bell Centre –you use your concert ticket as admission to the restaurant and it’s only available for event goers – after dinner, the back door of the restaurant is the entrance to the concert – and was 2 sections away from our seats! Food and service were great and it ensured we wouldn’t have to line up for anything.
https://centrebell.ca/en/food-and-beverage/restaurants/bazarette
And then the show…………ah……… the show. I had seen it in Kansas City last August and Las Vegas last September, but there’s something about a Montreal show. This one took place 2 or so weeks before Barry turned 82, and he did not disappoint! There was even a new dance routine this year. Our friends had seen him before, but we’d never seen him together, and that was a big treat for me. It was wonderful to be able to walk back to the hotel from the venue and hang out in the beautiful bar together.
After a great sleep, it was off to the airport the next morning, another cramped flight back to Toronto, then the Porter bus to Union, the UP Express to Pearson, and then the drive home.
Weekend in Montreal !! 2 fun days, 1 glorious night !
Next week, this blog goes to Leipzig, Germany!
I’d love to help you with your trip planning!
Happy Travels!