What areas would you recommened staying in Montreal, and Quebec Canada?

I’m going to Canada this summer (Toronto, Montreal, Quebec, possibly Ottowa) and need advice on what areas to stay in Montreal, Quebec, And Ottowa. The friend im traveling with is from Toronto so we have all of our accomodations set there. We will be traveling by train. As far as the others cities I have never been there so I wanted to get some advice on what areas to stay (around, shops, cafes, bars, restaurants) easily accessible by bus or metro. Also any places I must go (touristic places, restaurants, neighborhood, artistic, cultural) somewhere with a great music scene (love music) I know i will be there for the Jazz Festival which looks amazing but other genres?
Hotel recommondations would be good too.
anything helps. thanks