After the wedding in Vermont, we took a short trip to Montréal with our friends Hope and Dave. Steve and I had loved our visit to Montréal in 2021 and were happy to return. Hope and Dave had never been to Montréal before, but they had lived in France for several years, so I was excited for them to see “the Paris of North America.” And as a logistical bonus, we’d be able to return our rental car in Canada and hitch a free ride with our friends back into USA.
Day 0 (Travel Day)
From Waitsfield, it was just a 2.5 hour drive north to Montréal. This time, the border crossing was swift and easy. We checked into the Humaniti hotel in the heart of Old Montréal.
That first evening, we had dinner at Jardin Nelson, known for its large, beautiful outdoor terrace and live jazz every night. The jazz trio was excellent! We loved it so much that we lingered for three sets. Dave is a musician, and I enjoyed watching his appreciation of the live music as much as I enjoyed the music itself.
There was plenty to see on the walk between the restaurant and the hotel, including the colorful Convention Center and the (French) Empire-style City Hall. Across from our hotel was a fountain with a circle of fire!
Day 1
The rain stopped in time for us to take a walking tour of Old Montréal and surrounding neighborhoods. Read more HERE.
Hope and Dave were having dinner with Dave’s former boss and his wife, so Steve and I went to a nearby pub called Wolf and Workman. It was cozy and welcoming, with traditional dishes that were well-executed. Their signature ale hit the spot, and the butternut ginger soup, pork belly croquettes, and chicken pot pie were perfect for a damp, chilly evening.
Day 2
It was a day with bright blue skies, so we took a ride to the top of Mount Royal (from which the city’s name is derived). Our Lyft driver was trying to be helpful, but after a slightly hair-raising ride, he dropped us off in the wrong spot. So we set off on an unplanned hike, climbing long stairways and tramping through the woods. Finally, we reached the Kondiaronk Lookout at the Mount Royal Chalet. The reward for our effort was a spectacular panoramic view of the city of Montréal. Glorious!
We walked down the mountain to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, where we learned about noted artists and movements in Quebec and across Canada. Read more HERE.
That evening, we returned to Notre-Dame Basilica for the AURA Experience, a light show with music. Of course, this church’s interior was already stunning, no light show needed. Still, AURA was thrilling, and gave me a a deeper appreciation of the singular beauty of this very special church. We were not permitted to take photos or videos during the show, so here is a sample:
After the light show, we had dinner in the hotel restaurant. It was nice not having to go out in the cold and damp. Steve and I indulged in the “Discovery Menu,” which to our surprise was not simply three courses, but three “waves” with multiple dishes in each. We ended up having eleven different dishes, with wine pairings, to boot! It was all delicious.
Day 3 (Travel Day)
On our last morning, Steve and I accompanied Dave on a walk through the eastern side of Old Montreal. I did my best to remember the highlights from the walking tour we had taken in 2021. We enjoyed seeing the picturesque buildings on Rue Sainte-Paul, the boats moored at the Old Port, and the historic Notre-Dame Bon Secours Chapel. Built in 1771, it’s known as the Sailors’ Church, and the votive lamps hanging from the ceiling were hand-crafted miniature ships donated by grateful sailors.
It was chilly and gray, so we didn’t linger too long. It had been fun in Montreal, but It was time to head back to Vermont.
