LOOKING FOR TRAIN STORES NORTH OF SYRACUSE TO ONTARIO EN ROUTE TO MONTREAL ROUTES 81, 12, 37, 401 ETC.

Others feel free to correct me if I am wrong. You are most likely to find O gauge in New York state.  Canadian prototype HO and N are big in Montreal area. Some of these stores may have some O gauge.

I suggest that you visit Expo Rail, located on the south shore of Montreal. Plan to spend several hours if you are in to real trains. Last time I was there in 2005, there was a fully landscaped miniature riding railroad with an over and under track plan.

Allan

Norwood Hobbies, Main St, Norwood, NY, on NY Rte 56 is a full line hobby store.  Has model RR, all gauges, as well as other hobby lines.  Norwood is just south of Messena, NY and north of Potsdam, NY all on the way to Montreal.  Used to visit the store frequently when I worked for Clarkson University in Potsdam.  Always thought is was well worth a visit.