Top 3 things to see in Montreal, Canada

 

View of Montreal from Mount Royal

During the 20 plus years my wife and I lived in New York City, one of our favorite places to visit was Canada.  We visited Canada five times or so together.  We visited Montreal (twice), Ottawa, Quebec City, and Niagara Falls.  Canada will always have a place in our hearts for all its natural beauty, the warm friendly people, the delicious food, and LaBatt Blue beer!

Home to over 4.2 million inhabitants, Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec, Canada.  It’s set on an island near the St. Lawrence River, and it’s named after Mount Royal, the triple-peaked hill at its center.  Montreal is the largest primarily French speaking city outside of Paris, France.  About 60% of the population can speak both French and English.

Montreal started out as a French colonial missionary settlement in the 16th century, but soon became a fur-trading center thanks to the St. Lawrence River.  Montreal was the largest city in Canada until Toronto took that distinction in the 1970’s.  

The city has been a major destination for many immigrants, and is considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in North America.  Montreal boasts world class museums, attractions, natural and historic sites, as well as delicious French inspired food!  

These are our top 3 things to see in Montreal:

  1. Mount Royal Park
Montreal got its name from this triple-peaked hill Mount Royal, located immediately west of downtown Montreal.  Mount Royal Park is a four season playground and it features hiking, biking, skating, boating, skiing, tobogganing, among others.  It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect behind New York City’s Central Park.

On our last trip to Montreal, we did one of the overlooks to get a feel for downtown Montreal.  Views are simply spectacular on a clear day.  You’ll see St. Lawrence River and all surrounding areas.  Grab lunch afterwards at the Cafe near the Beaver Lake.  It’s a popular gathering spot and it’s great for people watching!

Mount Royal has several points of interest you’ll want to see:

  • Mount Royal Summit: Hike up here for spectacular views of downtown Montreal.  
  • Belvedere Camillien-Houde:  Well known scenic overlook with ample parking.
  • Cafe des Amis - Pavilion du Lac-aux-Castors:  Casual airy eatery overlooking the Beaver Lake.
  • Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal:  Roman Catholic minor basilica, and is Canada’s largest church.
Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal

     2.   Montreal Botanical Garden

Montreal Botanical Garden is a 190 acre botanical garden and is home to more than 22,000 species of flora.  It is a popular respite for locals and visitors alike.  It features international gardens, alpine garden, rose garden, insectarium, and toxic plant garden.

On our last visit, we stopped by here for the first time.  It was absolutely beautiful and well maintained.  We would’ve liked few days to discover everything at the garden!  The indoor gardens were so colorful.  The international gardens are our favorite places and are not to be missed!

Points of interest you’ll want to see:

  • Japanese Garden:  A visit to the Japanese Pavilion is a must after enjoying the gardens that feature bonsai trees and a koi pond.  
  • Chinese Garden:  Features 14th to 17th century Ming Dynasty style garden complete with lily pond.  It is the largest garden of its kind outside of China.  Everything in the Chinese Garden was built by Chinese workers in Shanghai.  
  • Tropical Food Plants Greenhouse:  Features plants from all over the world.  

Japanese Gardens at Montreal Botanical Garden 

     3.   Old Montreal (Vieux Montreal)

Old Montreal dates back to the 17th century, with its narrow cobblestone streets and beautiful plazas which are lined by restaurants and cafes.  There’s a definite European feel to this place.  It sits in front of the St. Lawrence River and hosts many popular attractions like the Montreal Science Center and the iconic Clock Tower. 

We had visited Old Montreal on our first trip and was amazed by how beautiful it looked.  The streets are narrow, smells are fragrant, and small retail stores are so cozy and cute!

We had perhaps the best tuna salad sandwich on a baguette anywhere and anytime in Old Montreal.  It was a small cafe near the Notre Dame Basilica.  The baguette was phenomenal.  Outside was crusty while inside was doughy.  Tuna was perfectly done with right amount of red onions, celery, and mayonnaise.  When combined with the baguette, it was pure heaven!  We still talk about that sandwich years later...

We also had a taste of our first escargot in Old Montreal.  It was marinated in lots of garlic and butter and served with another perfectly baked baguette!  Wow!  Wow!  Wow!  

We literally wiped the plate with the bread, and of course, we asked for bread the second time.  I think Montreal chefs go to the same school on how to properly bake a baguette!  It was usually fantastic anywhere we went...

Points of interest you’ll not want to miss are:

  • Notre-Dame Basilica:  Beautiful Gothic Revival church where celebrities like Celine Dion got married.  
  • Walk the Place Jacques-Cartier:  Cobblestone lined square with restaurants and cafes lined on each side.  A must when you get there.  See stores/restaurants names in French.  Smell, anytime of the day, is simply heavenly...
  • Pick a local restaurant or cafe for a meal or two or three:  We were totally impressed by the quality of food at Montreal.  Eating local French inspired food is a must when visiting Montreal!

Notre Dame Basilica


Old Montreal 

We long to visit Montreal again when the pandemic ends.  *At this writing, the border is currently closed for non essential purposes...Montreal has so many wonderful sights that few days there wouldn’t do justice.  When the pandemic is gone, we plan on visiting there for a month or longer.  We can’t wait to find another cafe that serves the best baguette sandwiches in the Americas!

Thank you all for reading!


Jake

Wandering Money Pig 


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