Montreal Trip December 6-9

[EZEtoGRU]

Well in spite of the fact that I said my last trip to Montreal was the last for the year, I ended up going again this week. The weather was overcast but dry for most of the visit. Also, not too cold considering it is December. I spent most of my time at Stock but did manage to visit all the other clubs. Here's a quick summary:

 

STOCK

Still the best of the strip clubs for what I like (masculine and muscular). Standouts for me were JP, Steven, Kevin, Calvin, and Tyler. They also had a few token twinks for those that like that. No really new faces that I could see. A minor tussle broke out between two dancers on Thursday night but the manager stepped in and settled things down pretty quickly. Anyway, they have the bar all decked out with seasonal decorations. Very nice. Both Tuesday and Thursday were pretty quiet in the bar but plenty of dancers were available so it was good from a customer standpoint. Wednesday, of course, was ladies night. Somewhat disappointing this week as I thought the dancer lineup was kind of weak. I usually like the dancers that are at Stock on Wednesdays......but not this time. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood.

 

CAMPUS

As with my last three trips, Campus has become mostly a disappointment for me. I feel they have a pretty weak lineup of dancers in general. I visited both during the day and at night. The only guy I really found interesting was a new dancer named Johnny who works in the afternoons. French Canadian, about 20 years old and a nice body. I loved that he doesn't shave his hairy legs and butt. Nice change to see the hair. Other than Johnny, I did not see anyone very interesting at Campus. Perhaps their weekend guys are better??

 

JP's

I only popped in quickly on Thursday night. It seemed fairly busy with customers. I saw no women in the bar. quite a few dancers.....mostly a mix of swimmer build type guys. In general, they do not have the quality one sees at Stock. Thankfully they have a different bartender than the one who worked the last time I visited a few months ago. The new bartender was really friendly and had a big smile. The previous one was downright nasty.

 

TABOO

Whilst I really have no interest in twink type guys, I decided to visit Taboo just to provide another datapoint for those from Daddy's that do like Taboo. See I can be helpful to others on occassion!! I visited only for about 20 minutes early Thursday night at about 9:15pm. There were about 10 customers there and maybe 12 or so dancers. Half the dancers were very small, skinny, girlish types. Two of them seemed to be wannabe drag stars. The other half of the dancers were more swimmer body types with a little bit of muscle. A couple of the guys seemed pretty masculine. There was one older dancer there that told me he used to work at Campus and that he remembered me from there (I did not remember him). He told me he is the one that sucks his own cock on stage!! Anyway,I did not go to the private dance area with anyone so I cannot comment on how that is set up. I did speak briefly with the manager Ricky (previously a dancer at Campus). He said the first month of operation was good and that the number of clients is steadily increasing. Interestingly, he mentioned that they plan to have more of a mix of dancers in the future so that they have something for everyone....and not just twinks.

 

Overall, a good visit to Montreal with Stock being the main place for me once again. I don't know if the city can really support four male strip clubs in the long run. I don't really think that it can....but we will see.

 

At the airport now leaving Montreal.....it is snowing!!

[brettnyc]

Hey,

 

Nice report from Montreal - did you run into Kevin from Campus - I assume not as he's not mentioned, but figured I would ask anyway...and perhaps someone else knows his recent whereabouts. I'm referring to the firefighter Kevin who made quite a splash a Campus last summer - buff build, square jaw, close cropped hair, handsome - he may or may not have danced as Wilson - I think there's something of a mystery waiting to be solved.

 

thanks for any clues ----

 

 

Well in spite of the fact that I said my last trip to Montreal was the last for the year, I ended up going again this week. The weather was overcast but dry for most of the visit. Also, not too cold considering it is December. I spent most of my time at Stock but did manage to visit all the other clubs. Here's a quick summary:

 

STOCK

 

CAMPUS

As with my last three trips, Campus has become mostly a disappointment for me. I feel they have a pretty weak lineup of dancers in general. I visited both during the day and at night. The only guy I really found interesting was a new dancer named Johnny who works in the afternoons. French Canadian, about 20 years old and a nice body. I loved that he doesn't shave his hairy legs and butt. Nice change to see the hair. Other than Johnny, I did not see anyone very interesting at Campus. Perhaps their weekend guys are better??

[Cooper]

Thanks for the MTL review... Good hearing updates on each strip club...

[EZEtoGRU]

Brettnyc,

No I did not see Kevin at Campus. Wish I had. Also Brandon was not there. I have not seen him at all during my autumn visits to MTL. Maybe he stopped dancing. I sure hope Campus has some better dancers on weekends cause what I saw there during the week was pretty forgettable.

 

Thanks to you and coop for the positive feedback.

[+ newatthis]

Thanks once more eze for the update, and thanks especially for taking the time to check out Taboo. I like it that Taboo is aiming for a mix of dancers without abandoning (as the former owner did) the twink-loving contingent which was their bread and butter. A friend is there as I write this, so hopefully we'll have even more data points next week when he returns.

 

...STOCK...A minor tussle broke out between two dancers on Thursday night...

Any idea what that was about?

 

...I don't know if the city can really support four male strip clubs in the long run. I don't really think that it can....but we will see...

It managed to support 4 clubs very nicely for quite a while. But that may have been before Campus & Stock went to $20 dances.

[Irtwo]

I would also like to hear more about the tussle between the dancers. Sounds kind of hot.

 

And thanks for the reviews.

[Samai139]

It managed to support 4 clubs very nicely for quite a while. But that may have been before Campus & Stock went to $20 dances.

 

And before the US dollar and the CD dollar were at par or even worse exchange; and before the recession and before major,IMHO, hassles at the border--especially coming back into the USA

[Cooper]

before major,IMHO, hassles at the border--especially coming back into the USA

 

Samail, In all my years of traveling to MTL, I've never had a problem "coming back into the USA".... What happened?

[EZEtoGRU]

newatthis/irtwo,

Thanks for the feedback. Always good to know folks like seeing the reports just as I do when others have travelled.

 

Regarding the tussle, I don't really know what caused the altercation. May have been some jealousy over who was going to spend time with a particular client. Anyway, it was not an out and out fight (I have seen that happen between sauna boys in brazil), just some pushing before the manager jumped in. Most dancers know that a true fight in one of these clubs will likely get them banned. Not a good idea.

 

I really don't see four clubs surviving in MTL in the long run. 10-15 years ago a night out at a club could be had fairly cheaply. No longer. For me, I rarely get away with a night out in MTL for less than $500....and sometimes much more. Granted I tip well and often have dancers at my table drinking. And then there's the backroom dances. I think having a good night in the club is beyond alot of folks budget. Heck I remember lapdances at Campus when they were 5 dollars.

[Irtwo]

Thanks. This is what I was picturing of the tussle:

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-nWdh2UiV6c/TOwF-InLXAI/AAAAAAABDn8/Ny0ZY_x88sU/Hot-Muscle-Hunks-Wrestling-000.jpg

[happyguy2]

Thanks for all these posts, I haven't been to Montreal in a few years and this has made me wonder about a quick roadtrip during the Christmas season. Does anyone know what the scene is like at that time of year - I usually go in the summer!

[Cooper]

MTL over the holidays...

 

....made me wonder about a quick roadtrip during the Christmas season. Does anyone know what the scene is like at that time of year.

 

HG2... I've celebrated NYE many times in MTL. Each club has it's own lively party. I'm sure you'd enjoy it. A very festive atmosphere, also, the dancers realize this is the last big weekend before Spring, they're out to please... Yes, there's the cold/snowy weather and the possibility of a flight delay but if you're up for it, go for it!

 

Coop

[Samai139]

Cooper---

For a few years, before and shortly after 9/11 I used to travel to Montreal often--perhaps once every six weeks or more often. Always with a friend from the Capital District of NY. We would drive up the Northway, a great expressway with little traffic and go through customs with no problems. We also applied for and received Nexus passes---special passes that are approved by both the US and Canadian authorities to expedite crossing the border for those who do that frequently. Soon after 9/11 several times when we traveled back to New York from Montreal and showed our passports and Nexus passes, we were questioned extensively, in spite of the Nexus passes (which are supposed to give you special consideration because your background has been investigated and you make all kinds of assurances about what you can and can't bring in and out of the countries) Three times, not only were we questioned about why we had spent four days in Canada, where we had stayed, what we had done but my friend, who usually drove his car, was asked open the trunk and that was examined, our luggage was opened, glove box examined, etc. We had carried nothing against the regulations and so the border officials allowed us to go home, after what we thought was an unfair delay. When we were asked how we spent our time, we did not lie---unless you consider leaving out the hours we spent at Campus, Stock and L'Adonis as lying. We eventually decided to try another crossing point (can't remember the name, but it entailed going out in the countryside on roads which I didn't like but my friend preferred to waiting to be grilled again.) At that crossing point we were waved through with a cursory examination. I haven't been to Montreal in two years, so maybe next summer I'll give it a go and see what happens. We both felt that having spent money on the Nexus passes and following the rules as frequent crossers, we were not treated very well and decided to go less often. Maybe we were just unlucky; maybe there was something about his car; maybe my swarthy complexion raised suspicion; who knows? Glad that you haven't had similar experiences.

[+ newatthis]

....Soon after 9/11 several times when we traveled back to New York from Montreal and showed our passports and Nexus passes, we were questioned extensively [description of bad treatment]...We eventually decided to try another crossing point...we were waved through with a cursory examination...

I'm wondering if timing is the key here. Your bad experiences happened "soon after 9/11" when there was heightened security everywhere. How much later was the "eventually" when you got better treatment at another border crossing?

[+ Lucky]

Crossing by car from Canada to Maine once led to a lengthy delay as the guard seemed quite concerned about all of the numerous stamps in my passport from Thailand. He wanted to know why I went there so often. My bf was in the car, but so was my mother. Finally I showed my attorney ID and he quickly let me go. But going into Canada has often been a real pain.The bf and I once were separated and interrogated when entering Montreal that made me think the rubber hoses were about to come out. Canadian customs officers are the rudest I have encountered anywhere.

[EZEtoGRU]

I agree that NYE in Montreal can be very festive and fun. As far as traveling to/from Canada is concerned, I think going by air seems to present fewer problems than going by car. On arrival in Canada, I always tell the immigration officer exactly why I am going(to spend three days in the gay village at the clubs). They usually laugh and wish me a nice visit. Never had one that was nasty to me and I never was sent for secondary screening. When I leave MTL, I clear US immigration at the Montreal airport. No problems usually. Again, I tell them the same story as I tell the Canadian officials when I arrive Canada. I tend to hear more about border crossing s

Problems from people that travel by car.

[+ newatthis]

...As far as traveling to/from Canada is concerned, I think going by air seems to present fewer problems than going by car... Never had one that was nasty to me and I never was sent for secondary screening. When I leave MTL, I clear US immigration at the Montreal airport. No problems usually. Again, I tell them the same story as I tell the Canadian officials when I arrive Canada. I tend to hear more about border crossing s

Problems from people that travel by car.

Pretty much my experience as well...except once, when I was briefly interrogated at the airport on the way in. They questioned me almost entirely about how much money I was bringing into the country. I have no idea what set them off, since I had made many visits before without being stopped (and have not been stopped since). Perhaps it was just a random check. I've never had any problem with the US preclearance in Montreal for the return -- have always found those agents to be very laid back and friendly.

 

It makes sense that cars would get more scrutiny. Compared to plane travel, where you and your baggage are scanned, there seems to be more opportunity for smuggling by car.

 

..On arrival in Canada, I always tell the immigration officer exactly why I am going(to spend three days in the gay village at the clubs). They usually laugh and wish me a nice visit.

LOL. I once had a long and somewhat anxious conversation with a friend who is a frequent visitor to Montreal about how to deal with the "what are you going to do here?" and "do you know anyone here" questions. Looks like we had nothing to worry about.

[Samai139]

Newwatthis---perhaps a year or 18 months after 9/11 and after three repeated questioning. We both thought 9/11 was the reason at first, but three times? I guess at that time they didn't have the same computer data base that they have now?? Strange that some posters feel that the Canadian border officials are the rudest they have ever encounterd---I've never had any problems entering Canada especially after I got the Nexus Pass. But I do agree with EZE that candor and honesty is the best way to handle officials on both sides of the border. The guy I traveled with once tried to "con" an official with a story about visiting the casino in Montreal, but then could not follow up with any specifics---he was NOT a gambler and the border man knew he was weaving a story. Never a wise idea to get "cute" with them!!

[EZEtoGRU]

But I do agree with EZE that candor and honesty is the best way to handle officials on both sides of the border. The guy I traveled with once tried to "con" an official with a story about visiting the casino in Montreal, but then could not follow up with any specifics---he was NOT a gambler and the border man knew he was weaving a story. Never a wise idea to get "cute" with them!!

 

Creating some story is definitely not the way to go. That's what got Joey Bryant in trouble when he tried to go into Canada a few weeks ago. He lives in Denver but he told the officials in Alberta/Manitoba that he drove up to see a mall in Edmonton. Huh??? Really? Drive all the way from Denver to Edmonton to go to the mall? Then he told them he was going to visit a friend (which he was not), and then he told him he was going to work as an escort in Canada (which was true but he did not have a work visa). I may not have all the facts entirely right, but with all those things, there was no way he was going to be let in. And unfortunately, he is likely on their "stripsearch list" for future visits. Unfortunate really.

[BSR]

To all Montreal "veterans," how do you bring cash in? I don't have a trip planned right now but will definitely visit Montreal at some point. Considering how pricey an evening in a strip club can be, I would need to bring a pretty good chunk of change with me -- I was thinking around 3 G's for a week. It's a 5-hour flight from Las Vegas, gotta make it worth the bother of travel. Plus I'm a big foodie, and I hear the food scene is fantastic. 30 C-notes are pretty easy to tuck away, but is it too large a sum of cold hard cash for the rather dour border officials? I guess I could always bring in travelers checks since I need to exchange USD for CD anyway. Or is it the amount, not the cash, that would arouse suspicion? Any insight is appreciated.

[Diverdan]

I travel to Canada frequently, but have not been to Montreal in several years. I never bring more than $500 in cash with me. ATMs are so easy to use and you get Canadian money in return, so there is no premium like you pay when you exchange money at the currency exhanges. Many debit and credit cards no longer charge the "foreign exchange fees" so you save on that as well. I am usually going on business or to attend meetings, but even when I have said I am just going for a few days of vacation, I have never been interrogated by either Canadian or US officials. I always am wearing a button down shirt, a sport coat and a pair of nice slacks and shinned shoes. The jeans and other casual wear are always in my suitcase. I learned many years ago that traveling internationally goes much easier when you are better dressed. In the USA, I am often very casually dressed, but never when crossing a border. When the exchange rate was so much better, a lot of the folks I met preferred to get paid in US Dollars, but now, not so much. Enjoy your trip BSR, and I hope you have a great time in Montreal. It is one of my favorite cities, although I love Toronto and Vancouver equally well.

[EZEtoGRU]

I agree with Diverdan. I only take about US$500 in cash in. My ATM card lets me withdraw about $1000 per day Canadian dollars (and as Diverdan says at a fair exchange rate) and that covers me for lapdances, tips, and incidentals. Hotel bills, nice restaurants, and club bar bills I always put on a credit card. I have not used Travellers Checks in many many years and never have come across a situation during that time where I thought I could have used them.

 

Just be sure before you go that you know what your ATM maximum withdrawl limit is.....and that your are comfortable that it is enough for you to have fun on.

[Samai139]

I also agree that using ATMs is the best way to go especially if you have a debit card from an institution that doesn't charge for foreign exchange transactions, as mine does. You may want to check with your bank/credit union to find out if they do charge and how much. Also be careful which ATM you use in Montreal---under no circumstances use the ones in the strip bars---their fees are outrageous. In the Place duPuis there is a coffee shop on Maissoineuve, forgotten the name, which has an ATM in the lobby and it is convenient, safe and has no ATM fee---at least the last time I used it. In my many, many crossings into Canada by car I was never asked how much money I was carrying. The only danger of carrying $2-3,000 in cash would be having it stolen or losing it or overspending on a stripper you really got into!! The bertter hotels will give you a safe place to deposit money if you wish.

[+ newatthis]

One more tip about ATMs which I got from an American acquaintance with a home in Montreal: the ATMs of the Caisses Desjardins give a better exchange rate than most (all?) other Canadian banks. You can find them all over the city (do a search at http://www.desjardins.com/en/votre_caisse/). There's a bank of their ATMs across the street from JP's in the Village for example. I was skeptical about that tip until I tried the experiment myself a couple of times.

 

Most Canadian bank ATMs (as opposed to those located in the clubs, etc.) do not charge a fee for using an ATM card that doesn't belong to them. Your own bank might however.

[+ newatthis]

other post[/url]).

 

I try to have a hotel room with a safe to avoid multiple trips to the front desk to raid my piggy bank (=the hotel's safe deposit boxes).