September 3, 2023

Montreal Diary

Montreal is a vibrant and multicultural city located in the province of Quebec, Canada. Montreal is the largest city in Quebec and the second largest in Canada. The city is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning architecture.

My first trip outside of the United States technically was to Canada. I was so excited to finally use my passport for a trip. So, you could imagine my disappointment when I didn’t receive a stamp in passport when we crossed the border (lol). It was like I was never there.

Despite not receiving a stamp in my passport it was still an amazing trip. One of the reasons why I wanted to go was to practice my French. At that time, I was trying to re-teach myself French and I wanted to immerse myself in a culture that spoke the language. Going to France wasn’t an option, so I figured Montreal would serve as a great learning ground. And it was!

Montreal History

French settlers founded Montreal in 1642, and its name comes from Mount Royal, a large hill located in the heart of the city. Over the years, Montreal has become a hub for arts, culture, and entertainment, with numerous festivals and events taking place throughout the year, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs, and the Montreal International Fireworks Competition.

In addition to its cultural offerings, Montreal is also home to many historic sites and landmarks, such as the Notre-Dame Basilica, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and the Old Port of Montreal. Visitors to the city can also enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and skiing in the nearby Laurentian Mountains.

This is an image of the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This photo was taken in 2013 by T from Sundays at T's. — Notre Dame Basilica

Montreal’s Culinary Adventures

The highlight of our culinary adventures was poutine! We ate so much poutine. For those of you who don’t know, poutine is an amazing dish of French fries, brown gravy, and cheese curds. You can then add other toppings based on your liking.

This is an image of poutine taken at one of many restaurants in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

This is an image of savory crepe served with a salad. There are so many delicious creperies in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Try one today!

This is an image of a Grand Marnier crepe on fire at a creperie.

This is an image of T eating a delicious chocolate eclair on the streets of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

We also enjoyed Canadian ice wine, a dessert wine, made from grapes that have been frozen on the vine. Allowing the grapes to freeze naturally on the vines, concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grapes. Ice wine is known for its intense sweetness and complex flavors, which often include notes of honey, apricot, and peach.

Things to do in Montreal

Tour Old Montreal

Old Montreal is the home of the Notre-Dame Basilica, Saint-Paul Street, the Grande Roue de Montreal, and the Pointe-à-callière museum. You can also discover Old Montreal on foot and pop into shops of local artisans and food.

Walk the streets of Old Montreal and pop into artisan shop and view the picturesque architecture. This photo was taken in 2013 by T from Sundays at T's. — Old Montreal

Rent a Canoe

Parc Jean-Drapeau is a park surrounded by the St. Lawrence River. We were able to rent a canoe and spent the afternoon cruising down the river. It was a very relaxing experience and I highly recommend it! Montreal is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and adventure. With its unique blend of French and English influences, stunning architecture, and endless entertainment options, Montreal is a city that truly has something for everyone.