What I knew before going into Quebec: 1) known for natural landscape and nature tourism 2) the best poutine, bread, and bagels and 3) everything is en Francais (signs and spoken word).
We navigated the Montreal highways and streets very well, considering we were also warned about the traffic and driving patterns in Montreal.
What did we get up to?
We spent a day exploring Olympic Park: the Biodome, Planetarium, and Jardin Botanique. I enjoyed visiting the Biodome as is showcases 5 different ecosystems and the plants and animals that live there. I do recommend checking it out, I just wished there had been educational information about what we were seeing as we were seeing them, which would have made it feel less like a zoo… I will say, the very top area had some educational signs and displays about the practices at the Biodome.
On a separate day, we checked out the Biosphere. Despite the poor reviews, I thought the exhibits within the Biodome were very well done and well worth the visit. The Biosphere is Montreal’s Environment Museum and there were a few exhibitions: learning about wetlands and its conservation, impact of climate change on humans, our emotional and mental health and wellbeing, and many displays of carbon neutral or regenerative practical innovations.
Of course, we climbed Mount Royal and visited Beaver Lake after first walking Mount Royal Ave where we found a lovely Portuguese bakery and delicious sandwich shop with 2 vegetarian sandwich options! This is a city that definitely values nature. There are plenty of trails up Mount Royal, well-established trees in many of the neighbourhoods, and some beautiful parks. We really loved La Fontaine Park and enjoyed a picnic here on our first evening in Montreal.
Speaking of food, you know we had to go to both Fairmount Bagel and St. Viateur Bagel. They’re both so delicious so you can’t go wrong with either. I had never eaten a bagel whole and plain like a piece of bread until now, but this is the way to do it here (and for good reason). There is also a secret ,cheap gnocchi spot near one of these bagel joints but I’ll let you discover that for yourself… We also indulged in crepes from a cute new cafe and poutine from La Banquise (I appreciated the vegan gravy but it was much greasier than other poutine spots). On our way out of the city, we stopped at Jean Talon market for provisions of produire, fromage, and pain for our journey North Quebec.
We knew Montreal was like our celebration city to initiate our road trip. We had friends that hosted us and it was the freshest we would be before life on the road took its toll. We spent our three Montreal evenings, chatting with our friends who had just recently moved here (for the time being). It was so lovely to share stories and laughs and bond about Greensville. Very grateful to be hosted by you two. Merci beaucoup mes amis <3
On our list for next time in montreal:
- Re-visit the Jardin Botanique (and bring picnic supplies)
- Check out the insectarium while we’re in the Jardin area
- Re-visit the Biosphere environmental educational exhibits (too much to take in first time around)
- Explore vieux Montreal
- Check out a local rock climbing gym
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