After our “fire” at the Aloft Hotel, I headed back to the room and tried to get a little more rest. Tossing and turning for another hour prevented me from falling asleep. I got in the shower, repacked, put on my winter wardrobe, called an Uber-like service and headed to the bus station. I was taking the Orleans Express Bus to Quebec City.
The Orleans Express Bus is like the Greyhound but in Canada. It’s convenient and inexpensive, just like in the US. From Montreal to Quebec City, it’s about $25 one way.
The great thing about Canada is that it could be -300 degrees Fahrenheit and everyone and everything is still in service. The trains are working. The public buses are still running. The flights are not getting cancelled. Considering there are months of winter snow, shutting major cities down for snow and cold weather wouldn’t do them any good.
Previously, we booked a train ticket into Quebec City. We missed it due to our LaGuardia debacle. We called to book another train ticket but since it was so close to Christmas, they raised the prices to $400 CAD per person, one way. Instead, we decided to take The Orleans Express Bus.
Think of the Orleans Express like a fancy bus service that takes you where you need to go. The seats are somewhat wide. They have a restroom in the back. The great thing about heading to Quebec city from Montreal is the length. It’s only a 2.5 hour bus ride.
The Orleans Express Bus Ride to Quebec City
This wouldn’t be a nightmare trip if I told you everything went smoothly. We headed straight to Quebec going 40 miles per hour most of the time. It was more than just the snow. The bus sped up appropriately. It was fascinating to watch. The giant front windows would freeze over. Sometimes it would freeze over completely, then crack and fall away. I got a kick out of watching it. Montreal and Quebec city always remind me of an alien ice planet. It’s so different from my home town of Los Angeles.
Growing up in LA meant I never knew weather like this was real. I honestly grew up thinking we had weather… not knowing that this frozen thing called snow is real weather. It fascinates me every time.
As we continued to inch forward we came upon car accident upon car accident. We stumbled upon pile-ups and roads that were a single lane due to these incidents. Each time we crossed one of these incidents it elongated the travel time.
The trip took about 4.5 hours to Quebec city. Even though it took twice as long, I’m glad we made it safe. The ride was comfortable and inexpensive.
The only real downside was the sweltering heater and the amount of time it took us to get to Quebec city. However, the bus also had free wi-fi on board. Though I was in foreign soil, I was able to pass the time by doing all the things I love to do online. The bus ride was not that bad. I would take it again for a cheaper alternative.
But honestly I was glad to finally be at my destination. It felt like an eternity to get here.
You Should Probably Know…
I have always hated Christmas… Something about growing up in a giant family that made me hate it… I only come to Canada for Xmas with my partner because, well Canada is fun and very “Christmassy.” Also my partner’s family is pretty cool.
I’ve been going to Canada for Xmas for the last 5 years now. However, this trip made me realize I’m just never going to like it… I don’t enjoy it… If I could, I would veto Christmas from now on…
You should also probably know that these experiences happened in the span of 24 hours… Except the Delta Airlines flight that set the “mood” for this trip. If you want to start at the beginning of what I am calling my Nightmare Trip, start here!
Let me break it down for you.
The Orleans Express Bus from Montreal to Quebec city is comfortable, reliable and cheap.
From Montreal to Quebec City was $25 CAD, one way. It has a restroom and wide comfortable seats.
They have free wi-fi on board!
Check out their website for more info: https://www.orleansexpress.com
Do I recommend it? YES! It’s cheap and easy. Just how I like it!