Things get festive in Montreal
Montreal is a kick for anyone from anywhere, but for New Englanders it has the added virtue of being close. A few hours' ride brings you a city with a foreign flair that is affordable, fun, and, above all, festive. Three upcoming festivals will light up this French-accented city. (Prices are in US dollars, unless noted.)
Les FrancoFolies de Montréal.
It is appropriate that the biggest French-speaking city in North America host an event, June 8-18, that spotlights music of French-speaking countries everywhere and genres from pop to hip-hop and worldbeat to traditional French chansonnier. The Francos, as it is known to residents, takes place in a closed-off area of downtown Montreal, and nearly a million visitors attend.
A fun pack for about $35 gets you a gift certificate for $10 Canadian, redeemable at the FrancoFolies Boutique; a ticket for a show in the Hip Rap Rock series; a double CD, ''15 Years of FrancoFolies"; the Old Montreal Ghost Trail walking tour, June 10 or 17; a 25 percent-off admission to the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal, with a free audio guide; and a gift certificate for the Casino de Montréal. Buy the fun pack at www.francofolies.com or by calling 888-444-9114. Combine elements of the fun pack with hotel rates starting at about $110 by visiting the website and clicking on Travel Packages.
The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal.
From June 29-July 9, the brightly decorated area at the corner of Jeanne-Mance and Ste-Catherine streets will be filled with thousands of visitors come to hear, among others, bluesman B.B.King, John Pizzarelli and his big band in a Frank Sinatra tribute concert, and country-rock star Bonnie Raitt.
A Festival Kit costing about $35 includes a T-shirt; priority access to tickets for indoor concerts; a ticket for the Jazz d'ici series, showcasing local musicians; a certificate redeemable at the Casino de Montréal; a two-for-one walking tour of Old Montreal and Notre-Dame Basilica; a Friends of the Festival card that gives you ''privileged" access to the jam sessions at the Hyatt Regency Hotel; and a compilation CD. Festival organizers note that depending upon how many days you stay, the kit is worth $140-$275. Hotel packages that give you elements of the kit along with accommodations and breakfast begin at about $120.
Visit montrealjazzfest.com/packages or call 888-515-0515.
Juste pour rire/Just for Laughs Festival.
More than 700 artists from around the world amuse more than 2 million spectators every summer at special performances by such luminaries as John Cleese and Jason Alexander, street entertainers, urban street theater, and stand-up comedy in more than 20 venues and along St-Denis Street. This year's fete, July 13-23, will include 1,300 free outdoor shows. Just for Laughs ticket packages at various prices, all well under $100, can save you 15-40 percent. In addition, there are deluxe packages and hotel savings.
Call 888-244-3155 or visit www.hahaha.com.
And many more. There are dozens of festivals and events in Montreal throughout the year. For a rundown and some deals, visit www.tourisme-montreal.org.
High on my list of trips to make someday is across the continent on VIA Rail Canada trains, with their picture windows and panoramic dome cars. If you chug on to www.viarail.ca/packages, you will find links to dozens of trips, either escorted or independent. For instance, a seven-night excursion from CanadaYourWay.com takes you from Toronto to Vancouver with four nights' hotel and three nights' bedroom accommodation plus meals on VIA Rail, a wildlife tour in the Canadian Rockies, transfers, and national park admission. Prices range from $1,720-$3,414 US, depending upon time of year and choice of hotel.
Atlantic Canada is an exceptional place to visit, and its four provinces -- New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland -- produce exceptional free guides, which should be ordered whether you're traveling alone or with a group.
New Brunswick: www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca, 800-561-0123. Nova Scotia: www.novascotia.com, 800-565-0000. Prince Edward Island: www.gentleisland.com, 800-463-4PEI. Newfoundland/Labrador: www.newfoundlandandlabradortourism.com, 800-563-6353.
When not included, hotel taxes, airport fees, and port charges can add significantly to the price of a trip. Most prices quoted are for double occupancy; solo travelers will usually pay more. Offers are subject to availability and there may be blackout dates. Contact Richard P. Carpenter at carpenter@globe.com. 