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Hello from Montreal, Canada

Discussion in 'Introduce Yourself!' started by kirkz24, Apr 29, 2013.

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  1. kirkz24

    kirkz24 Tourist

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    Just wanted to say Hi to everyone!

    New member here from Montreal, Québec, Canada.

    Im planning a surprise visit to Vegas for my wife's 40th Birthday.
    We are heading down on the 12th of Aug and staying until the 16th (Monday to Friday)

    The flight is picked, hotel is reserved (The Cosmopolitain with view of the fountain)

    I picked those dates as it was the week before the kids go back to school, so it will be easier for people to keep them and baby sit them.
    THEN... I happen to google "Weather in vegas in August"
    :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

    What did I just do?! I picked the worst time to go to Vegas! From what I am reading my face is going to melt!:cry:

    Montreal is known for some heat waves, with temperatures touching close to 91°F, and with the humidex 104°F. But i just dont know if the dry heat will be that much different than the humid heat of Montreal?

    I had plans on renting a convertible while there, but apparently that would be like sticking a blow dryer in my face full blast?!

    I have OH so many questions! I don't know where to start!

    Can you rent a Convertible in the summer or that is just crazy?
    Will it be much more bearable up near Hoover Damn?
    Would like to spend time at Lake Mead in the day time, can that help us?
    Golfing in the early mornings in August? Is that a BIG NO?
    Walking anytime from Noon to 5pm on the strip is not a good idea?

    I know I have much reading to do and that probably my questions will be answered, but in the mean time I am freaking out a bit! :faint:
     
  2. thecarve

    thecarve Misanthrope

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    First, welcome to the board!

    As for the weather…well, August weather in Vegas is certainly not terribly pleasant. But I think you’ll be okay. If you can handle those 90+ degree days with 95% humidity, you can handle the dry desert heat. The nice thing about the dry heat is that as long as you aren’t in direct sunlight, it isn’t awful. But once you’re in the sun, all bets are off – it’s an inferno and it just hits you like a ton of bricks.

    But, all the buildings along the strip provide some good shade. And you can always pop into the nearest casino to cool down and grab a drink if it gets to be too much.

    I would probably think twice about renting a convertible, though. I lived in Phoenix (similar climate as Vegas) years ago and I owned a convertible – the top never went down in the summer. The sun was just too hot and it made all the surfaces of the interior of the car painful to touch.

    I wouldn’t sweat it, though (yeah, pun intended:rolleyes2:). Just make sure you drink PLENTY of water and remember to pack the sunscreen, lip balm and some sort of moisturizer. You’ll be okay.
     
  3. sybgal

    sybgal VIP Whale

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    Welcome to the board Kirk! We always take an August trip (late March is our other annual visit)....I love hot weather and so August is always my favorite. The pool time is great. Yes, when walking the strip during the day...it can get very hot and the air sometimes feels like a blow-dryer...lol. That is why we always pop into the casinos to sit and play while having a drink & cooling down. We seem to drink more cokes & water during the day and save most of the drinking for evening because of the heat. We go to LV to gamble, see shows & eat so can't help you on the trips to the canyan / Lake Mead...etc. I know some of the vets will chime in soon with good info.

    I'm not sure if I would spring for that convertible or not. With the hot air and sun beaming down on you...it could possibly not be put to much use unless you are a real trooper. :) While we were there last August the temp was 110 - 114 every day but it felt about like 90 does at home. Hope you have a really great trip!!
     
  4. makikiboy

    makikiboy VIP Whale

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    welcome to the board kirk.

    Unfortunately August will be hot, probably in the 100's or 110's easy. but unlike montreal (near the water) there will be low humidity, making it a little more bearable (100+ in vegas is similar to 90's elsewhere with lots of humidity).

    As you mentinioned, it will be hot with blasts of hot air blowing in you face, but then you could always put the top up and use the a/c so that could be an option. I wouldn't recommend paying more for a convertible though, esp if you end up not using it at all.

    golf early morning (like sun up) might be okay (just play fast, lol) but it will be hot first thing in the morning (probably high 90's already). as with your convertible, take lots of water to stay hydrated and also bring sunscreen and apply liberally to avoid sunstroke or sunburn. It will definitely be hot.

    Hoover dam will still be scorching, so will lake mead. with the lower water levels you need to find a place to enter lake mead, you need to get into the water asap so you don't suffer heat stroke.

    As you mentioned, walking between noon and 8 pm will be scorching, best to try to stay in the hotels and casinos (shopping centers, etc.) at those times, avoid walking long distances too, even up to 1 am it is still hot, sometimes hot all night.




    Say, I will stopping over in montreal overnight on the way back from europe (going back to hawaii) at the beginning of June. I get in around 1 pm, leave the next day at 6 am. do you have any suggestions for a stay in montreal? Because I am leaving early I was even considering putting my carry ons in a airport locker and cruising around montreal and go back to the airport in the evening and stay overnight in the airport (is that a good idea?). I checked the general montreal sites but do you have any sites which can help me figure what to do when I get there? I'm not into art or the night club scene, will probably visit the chinatown area for dinner. I could always hit a hotel near the airport but since I would have to get up early (probably 3:30 am wake up) I was wondering if it was even worth staying in a hotel. I don't mind sleeping on the floor or their seats at the airport. I read that the montreal casinos aren't worth a visit, what do you think? I play mostly craps.
    :wave:
     
  5. kirkz24

    kirkz24 Tourist

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    Awesome advice! Thank you!

    Thanks for chiming in!

    Thank you for your advice on Vegas. Im a bit less scared now, and I wont be reserving the convertible as well. Ill not pay extra for that option!
    I might rent a MINI Cooper since I am a MINI Cooper owner! Would be cool to drive one in Vegas.

    As for your questions about Montreal... If you say you will be here in June, early June... that means its F1 Season up here! OH... if your here on that weekend your in for a MEGA treat!
    http://www.grandprixmontreal.com/

    The streets are thumping with excitement and there are so many people and the atmosphere is awesome! Its good for any age! Always something to do. Most activities happen on Cressent Street.
    http://goo.gl/maps/5SUuD

    You can also visit St Catherine's street (Its like the Strip in Vegas... its the most popular!)
    http://goo.gl/maps/54Jdz

    If your a foodie, and you want at eat at some great places, here is a small list.
    http://brasserie-t.com/index-en.html
    http://www.restaurantaupieddecochon.ca/menu_e.html
    http://www.laurieraphael.com/en/Restaurants/Montreal/Menu/Soiree
    http://www.europea.ca/
    or sister restaurant
    http://www.andiamo.ca/
    http://www.joebeef.ca/

    If you are not a foodie, there are still awesome places to eat, you would find them on Cressent Street as well.

    A great little video to watch is when Chef Anthony Bordain came to Montreal. Its a interesting video to watch and has a bit of background and history to it.

    http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xo2kqf_the-layover-s01e06-montreal_travel#.UX_RaErp98E

    So if you come to Montreal, you need to eat a smoke meat sandwich
    http://schwartzsdeli.com/
    Open 24 hours.

    And you need to eat a "Poutine" which is fries, gravey and fresh curd cheese!
    http://labanquise.com/
    Open 24 hours as well, but you can get a Poutine just about anywhere... but why not at one of the best places around (some say)

    I hope this helps! If you want to know more or need more info, just let me know either by private message or in here.

    I hope this helps!

    P.s. The hotels at Dorval Airport are a good 20 -25 minutes from Downtown Montreal.
    My advice to you. Leave the bags at the airport, grab a taxi, go downtown and the money your going to save on hotel fee, have fun in Montreal!

    Cheers!

    Kirk.
     
  6. makikiboy

    makikiboy VIP Whale

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    Thanks for the info Kirk!

    I will be in montreal the week after the F1, June 13 for a night. Might be lucky as I will miss the crowds, lol.

    Actually I will get in closer to 2:30 pm. I didn't realize, someone mentioned that even though I am travelling through canada to hawaii (from europe) I will probably have to pass through customs so it may be closer to 4 or 5 pm before I get into town.

    I kind of agree with you, no sense staying in a room only for a few hours (the women I spoke with recommend a room to shower and change and sleep but prices near the airport are around $90 or so for the room, I will only be in the room for about 5 hours so wasn't sure it was worth the price IMHO).

    thanks for the other suggestions, I will have to check on them to decide what to do. I still have about 5 weeks to plan but I know that it will come up quicker than I expect.

    thanks again! good luck in vegas! :wave:
     
  7. conor9935

    conor9935 Tourist

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    Hey Kirk Welcome to the board,
    I wouldn't worry too much about the heat. It is hot and even when the wind is blowing its not refreshing. But we Canadians are able to weather anything :cheers: Last year was my first trip to Vegas with my wife and it was in July. The first step out of the airport was crazy hot to me (it was like being in an airplanes jet steam!!) and then within 5 minutes i was fine. My wife on the other hand..... well lets say she is not going with me this year :rolleyes2: I hope you have a great time!
     
  8. kirkz24

    kirkz24 Tourist

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    Thanks for that Conor! I too think we should be fine!

    My wife and I are aware that its going to be hot, we both say to ourselves not to complain and just enjoy the week with no kids!

    If well prepared, im sure we will be fine!
     
  9. BurlingtonDoodle

    BurlingtonDoodle Tourist

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    Hey - that's awesome. I'm heading to Vegas on the 13th of August for my 40th with my wife and 2 other couples...we're staying at the MGM until the 20th, and plan to enjoy the hot weather by the pool. I think you're exactly right - as much as I love my 3, it will be nice to spend time away from the kids :)
     
  10. kirkz24

    kirkz24 Tourist

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    Well, hot weather by the pool seem's to be on tap for August!

    Enjoy your trip! :peace:
     
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