My North American Diaries: Montreal - things to do in "Québec's Metropolis",

Round 2, here we go...

Hello! So I'm back with my second installment of 'My North American Diaries', but this time I bring to you beautiful Montreal! After a whirlwind start to our road trip we had finally arrived in Canada. This was my first time here, and it was a place that I had always wanted to visit, so I was beyond excited when we finally crossed the US/Canadian border!

(If you haven't read my first blog post of the series all about my time in Vermont this summer then you can follow the link here: 'My North American Diaries: Vermont' - let me know what you think!)

Montreal, Canada:

Montreal is unlike any city that I had visited before, indeed, a city of contrast. In between the modern glass high rises that dominate downtown Montreal, pockets of historic, Parisian-esque streets of the old city line the waterfront. The overwhelming feeling of European 'homeliness' due to Montreal's part French heritage contrasted with the expected North American skyscraper skyline created a Utopian traveler experience.

Not only a city of contrast, but a city of life, culture and art - down every street there was a welcoming hustle and bustle, be it musical street performers or the trotting of a horse and cart. A city indeed, that felt truly alive.

Montreal - a mix of old vs new

Highrise Skyline

Here is a list of 5 things to do in summer in this magical city based on my experience there:
(See below for a list of things to do in Winter!)

1. Osheaga Festival - At the peak of Montreal's music scene, Osheaga Festival brings world class acts to this artistic city every August. With the likes of The Weeknd and Muse playing this year, the festival is held in Parc Jean-Drapeau on the famous Île Notre-Dame that is best know for hosting the Canadian Grand Prix. Which leads me nicely onto number 2...

2. Canadian Grand Prix - The 2018 Canadian Grand Prix takes place in Montreal between 7th-10th June!

3. Annual International Firework Festival - Parc Jean-Drapeau also houses Montreal's annual Firework Festival, a competition that welcomes incredible displays from around the world. The competition takes place over a course of 4-5 weeks (this year from July through to August), with a display being held every weekend (and occasionally during the week), with each date hosting a separate display that conforms to a specific theme. We were lucky enough to catch the final display on the 5th August and it was truly spectacular!

4. Cycle around the city - Montreal is littered with cycle routes that take you beyond the city centre. Below is a photograph of the view from our picnic stop along our route!

6. Visit a market - We accidentally stumbled past Atwater market along Montreal's canal during our cycle ride. The atmosphere at the market is great and, if you go self-catering like us, it gives you a chance to try local cuisine. What's more you can grab yourself an ice cream if it's super hot, or have a go on the very bright and funky public piano! The other popular market in Montreal is called Jean Talon and is located in the Italian Quarter. 

There are plenty of cycle routes around Montreal - the one we took skirted around a river

And here is a list of 5 top things to do in the winter months (when cycling just wont't cut it!):

1. Visit Old Montreal - With an array of museums and quaint little bars & restaurants, in Old Montreal there is enough to explore for a whole day. What's more during the winter, Old Montreal is the home to the Christmas Market, that also hosts an annual New Years party!

2. Shopping! - I was pleasantly impressed with the shopping in Montreal and a little upset I didn't have longer to take full advantage of it. On a rainy day, however, this would be a perfect past time!

3. Igloofest - So you've missed out on Oshega yeah? Do not worry, Igloofest brings electronic music to the masses at Montreal's Old Port. Although the details for 2018 haven't been released yet, the festival normally takes place during January/February!

4. Montreal En Lumiere - If one winter festival is not enough, then you can't miss Montreal En Lumiere winter festival that celebrates arts, cuisine and culture. From light shows, to fairground rides and circus acts, you can get involved between February 22 to March 4, 2018!

5. Go Ice Skating - From about December to March (weather permitting, obviously) Montreal opens up loads of it's famous outdoor ice skating rinks for all round family fun. Whats more, a lot of them have free admission!

Old Montreal

Thank you for reading!

NEXT BLOG POST (Coming Soon): 'My North American Diaries: Toronto, Canada'