I love Montreal….hmm. Not sure I can say that I love a city after spending five days of my vacation there. But I can write it is definitely on my favorite cities list. The above picture was taken at Vieux Port (Old Port) section of the city. As a port city, Montreal is also distinctively built upon an island. You can feel that distinct vibe as soon as you get there. In Canada’s second largest city, a multicultural spirit reigns, with French as the primary language existing harmoniously with its English roots.

We enjoyed a five-day stay in the city, and my fiancée, Brenda, and I experienced a side of Canadian life we hadn’t encountered previously. We checked into the HoneyRose Hotel in downtown Montreal on our first night, which was also my birthday, August 31st. I highly recommend HoneyRose Hotel for tourists coming to the city. We had a gorgeous room on the 6th floor with a view like this one:

The room was spacious and the bed comfortable. An excellent choice to spend for several days in the city. Also, there was a metro station just outside the hotel that we used to get around Montreal. I had a nice birthday dinner at Tiamo, an Italian Restaurant that was a five-minute walk from the hotel.

Day 2 was highlighted with a three-hour walking tour with Daniel Stewart, our tour guide. I signed up for the walking tour at Get Your Guide.com and we were the only ones to show up for it. Brenda and I had our own private tour that covered Downtown, Underground Montreal, and Old Montreal. The pictures below are the some of the highlights from the tour.  Canada is Hockey Country and people of the Montreal love their Canadiens. Definitely check out the Bell Centre where Canadiens play when you are visiting the city.

 

 

 

Day 3 in Montreal was highlighted with our hike to the top of Mount Royal Park. Mount Royal Park is one of the city’s main attractions and to get to see from city from the top of the park was incredible.

 

 

 

We could have stayed the entire day at Mount Royal Park. The weather was in the low 70s and perfect for the first week of September. I would recommend that time to come to Montreal as the summer tourist season has passed. It did not feel crowded like it does during the peak tourist season.

Day 4 was highlighted by our trip to Basilique Notre Dame in Old Montreal. Montreal has a long religious history with both Catholics and Protestants. The Basilique Notre Dame is a magnificent church and a must see when coming to the city.  I would recommend getting tickets online before you visit.  It will save you time getting into the church.

 

 

Our last day in the city was highlighted by a day trip to Quebec City and Montmorency Falls. Quebec City is about 3 hours northeast of Montreal. It is second largest city in Quebec and should be included on your Montreal itinerary. Montmorency Falls is in the heart of Quebec City, and we found out that is taller than Niagara Falls as well. Just breathtaking.

 

Brenda and I came down those stairs to reach the bottom of the falls. You can take a cable car if you are not up to doing the stairs. Both options are great to get the fullness of the falls.

In Quebec City, we made it to the old town and saw the famed Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. This hotel is one of the most photographed hotels in the world, and the picture below does not give justice to its size and beauty.  A must see in Quebec City.

We did an hour walking tour of Old Quebec City and got a sense of its history as well as some shopping and eating in. 5 days in Montreal is enough time to see most of the tourist attractions and get a sense of this dynamic city.  Also, we visited Atwater Market and gambled at Casino Montreal.  I had not spent any time in Canada (outside of the Toronto airport) and wanted to come to Montreal for some time. Glad we made the journey to one of the main cities from our northern neighbor.  I want to return for the Montreal Jazz Festival and spend some more time in the city.  However, I will definitely learn some French before my next visit for sure.  Au Revoir, Montreal for now.