Category Archives: Canada

The Perfect 3-Day Weekend: Montreal

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Justin| 19 Comments

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Vieux Motreal (Old Montreal)

We knew it would be fun, a great long-weekend getaway, but we hadn’t expected Montreal to be so … well, enchanting.

Don’t get me wrong. We certainly encountered the unexpected and downright quirky in Montreal, including but not limited to Darth Vader, Predator, and some very creative and expressive street art. But overall, this city impressed us more each day with its fascinating history, diverse culture, stunning cathedrals, and spectacular food.

In just three days, you, too, can experience some of the best that Montreal has to offer. Here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your limited time in the city:

Day One
9:00 - 10:00 am Grab some breakfast at one of the bistros in Vieux Montreal.
You’ll pay a little more, but it’s good to get the experience of eating in the Old Town at least once if you feel you can afford it.

10:00 - 11:00 am Visit the Notre Dame Basilica
Notre Dame Basilica is Montreal’s most magnificent basilica and is not to be missed. Originally built in the 17^th century it combines characteristics of both the Neo-Classical and Neo-Gothic styles. This stunningly beautiful church has enough seating for 3000 in the nave and two tiers of balconies on either side. When you visit, make sure to check out the elaborate wooden pulpit on the left side of the church. In its base stand spectacular statues of the prophets Ezekiel and Jeremiah.

11:00 - 12:30 Head to Chinatown for lunch

Chinatown is easily recognized by the two giant Asian style arches that bookmark this 18 block district. Originally formed by the Chinese immigrants who came in large numbers after 1880, it has been a distinctive part of the city for over a century. As one would expect, many of the restaurants serve distinctly and varied Asian cuisines including Szechuan and Cantonese food and has only benefitted from the expanding Asian influence that has come South East Asian countries in the past couple of decades.

1:00- 3:00 Visit the Chateau Ramezay
Originally built by Claude de Ramezay, Montreal’s 11^th governor, this French style Chateau has witnessed almost every stage of Motreal’s history. Through the years it has been home to a number of Ramizey’s successors and even used as an office for the West India Company. Restored to its original splendor, this museum provides a valuable opportunity to learn about Montreal’s history and heritage. Important documents, uniforms, and furniture are displayed along with the city’s first automobile.

3:00 Montreal’s City Hall
Admire the beauty of Montreal’s City Hall located across the street from Chateau Ramezay at the end of Vieux Montreal.

3:30 - 5:00 Shop (or at least window shop!) at the Marche Bonsecours along the Old Port

This spectacular building was home to Canada’s Parliament in the early 1800s and was later used as a vegetable market. It is now home to several stories of fancy clothing and artisan shops, and is a great place to have a look around, even if you’re not in the mood to buy anything.

5:00 - 6:00 Stroll along the Vieux Port
The old port experienced the pinnacle of its glory days in the 19^th century as one of the most important inland harbors in North America, but its importance declined throughout the 20^th century. By the end of the 1980’s, however, it experienced a breath of new life as it was transformed into a recreational area. Now, whether it’s the cycling in the summer or skating on rinks in the winter, the old port’s 12.5 km of waterside walkways adds to the charm of this popular district of Montreal.

6:00 Enjoy dinner and shopping in Vieux (Old) Montreal

Day Two
9:00 Enjoy a leisurely breakfast of coffee and pastries at Juliet and Chocolat.
This sweet cafe has locations throughout the city, but we recommend stopping in the Latin Quarter on Rue Saint-Denis, where we stayed, or heading to St. Laurent Boulevard for your fill of coffee, pastries, and of course chocolate!

10:00 - 1:00 Pointe-a-Calliere Archeology Museum

See the original walls of a fortified "Village of Montreal"

This has to be one of the most interesting museums that we have ever been to, and if we go back to Montreal, it would be worth checking out a second time! Built on top of excavated building foundations and water systems from the 17^thcentury, this setting makes the perfect setting for learning about Montreal’s fascinating history and the role it has played in Canada’s history as a whole.

Not to be missed is the 20 minute 3-D introductory movie of Montreal. One of the most unique experiences we have had, this movie takes advantage of a fantastic light display, movie screens in front of and to either sides of the audience, and even the centuries old foundations of the city below. Just don’t visit on Monday … they are closed, come to find out.

1:00 - 4:00 Head to the underground city for lunch and shopping
What began in 1966 as Montreal’s first subway lines has expanded into a flourishing underground city. With more than 200 restaurants, 1600 shops, hotels, concert halls, and film theaters this underground city can appear to go on endlessly.

4:00 - 6:00 Take a walk along the Golden Mile
From University Street, near the underground city, head to Rue Sherbrooke, along the slopes of Mont Royal, to take in a piece of Montreal’s more affluent past. During the late-1800s, some of Canada’s most successful traders and industrialists built their homes in this area. Many of the remaining buildings are now up-scale boutiques, bistros, or hotels.

6:30 Dinner at Schwartz’s Deli on St. Laurent Boulevard
Schwartz’s Hebrew Delicatessen is a Montreal landmark and is rumored to have the best smoked meat sandwich in the whole town. It was certainly delicious!

Day Three
10:00 - 12:00 Take a walk at Parc Mont Royal
Although we had quite the misadventure atop this park, we still believe Parc Mont-Royal is a must see for any visitor to the city. Parc Mont Royal is a symbol of pride to its people and the name sake of the famous city that sits in its shadow. Established as a park in 1867 and landscaped by Fredrick Law Olmsted, the man who also designed New York’s famous Central Park, this iconic place offers visitors beautiful views of the skyline and a great place for a leisurely hike.

1:30 - 4:00 Visit St. Joseph’s Oratory

St. Joseph's Oratory

Architecturally, this is one of the most impressive buildings we’ve ever seen with its massive copper dome, one of the largest in the world. This cathedral was built in honor of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. Each year, two million pilgrims climb the 300 steps to the entrance on their knees! We didn’t believe it until we saw them for ourselves, climbing the stairs on their knees in the snow! The site is famous for the miracles reported to have occurred here.

6:00 Find a pub and indulge in a classic French-Canadian tradition: Poutine!
What a weekend! Reward yourself with a relaxing meal. This delicious take on French fries (smothered in cheese, soaked in gravy!) is a must-eat before leaving Montreal.

Poutine along Rue Saint-Laurent

Phew! That’s quite the weekend!

What else you need to know
There is so much more to do in Montreal that you cannot possibly fit it all into three days. You could probably spend three days just visiting museums alone in Montreal. Or, if the weather permits, relaxing with friends and family in the city’s many parks. We’ve offered you the highlights based on what we enjoyed, but we encourage you to explore some more on your own.

Don’t forget to plan your trip around one of the many festivals. Known as the city of festivals, Montreal hosts a different one each month of the year, including a world-renowned jazz festival in the summer.

And, last but not least, don’t forget they do speak French in Montreal! Although most people you meet will also speak excellent English, you may find that road signs are written predominantly in French. But don’t worry, just employ some common sense and look at the accompanying illustration — and remember: “Sortie” means exit. Happy travels!

Have you ever been to Montreal? What would you add to this itinerary?

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Posted in 3 Day Weekend, Canada, Montreal

10 things you might not know about Montreal

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Ellen| 13 Comments

Take the underground tour of Montreal's archeological museum and see centuries-old ruins of Montreal

It’s known the world over as both the “city of festivals” and the “city of a hundred steeples,” with enough character and culture to compete with any European city. But did you know that Montreal, located in the Canadian province of Quebec, has quite the rich history as well?

We’ll be the first to admit that before our trip to Montreal this winter, we knew next to nothing about the town except that it was, according to our friends, tons of fun and freezing cold. Turns out, both of those statements are correct. But what’s also important to note is its rich, and tumultuous, history. Gaining an understanding of the settlement and development of this now-thriving metropolis will greatly enhance any trip to Montreal.

Here are 10 things you might not know about Montreal:

1.) It was originally inhabited by the Iroqouis.

Check out models of what the Iroquois settlement in what is today Montreal looked like

The Iroqouis inhabited the land along the St. Lawrence River, numbering around 10,000, until around 1600. Soon, French farmers began to settle along the river’s shores.The Iroquois were known for building long houses, which could hold up to 10 families. French explored Jacques Cartier visited the village in 1535.

2.) The original settlement was known as Ville-Marie.
French settlers, led by Paul de Chomodey de Maisonnevue, founded the first European settlement on the island now known as Montreal in 1642. The intent was to build a fort and establish a mission base from which to begin converting the native population to Christianity.

3.) Montreal was the gateway for French expansion in North America.
Capital of the fur-trading industry, it served as a gateway for westward expansion by the French. The most popular fur was the beaver pelt due to popular demand in Europe. During the 17 Century, nearly 20,000 beaver pelts a year were sent to France alone. Montreal’s location along the St. Lawrence River allowed not only the fur trade to expand down the Mississippi River, but also aided in the expansion and settlement of a New France.

4.) Montreal signed a peace treaty with the Native population in 1701.
This opened the door to French expansion, allowing them to settle a land ten times the size of France. Montreal served as the launching points for such expansion efforts.

5.) The U.S. city of Detroit was founded by soldiers and settlers from Montreal.
In 1701, Detroit was founded by Lamonthe de Cadillac (yes, ironic since it later became the Motor City). The French expansion into what is today the American Mid-West continued into Illinois all the way down to New Orleans, Louisiana.

6.) Montreal was once fortified.

Visitors get an up-close look at the remnants of the walls that once surrounded the settlement of Montreal. It was once a fortified city.

The early French settlers to the area built a fort around the village. To see the remnants of these walls, as well as the city’s old sewer system, take the underground tour at Montreal’s Pointe-a-Calliere Archeological Museum.

7.) Montreal is actually an island.

Montreal was built along the St. Lawrence River (which gets a little icy in the winter!)

The main city of Montreal occupies a 30-mile long island along the convergence of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers. The island is linked to the mainland by a tunnel and 15 bridges. Although this makes it sound quite expansive, most of the cities main attractions are within decent walking distance of one another, or are a short bus or train ride away.

8.) Montreal became Quebec’s railway, manufacturing, and financial hub during the Industrial Revolution.
As the fur trade declined, Montreal rose to prominence in other areas. Vast railroad lines and shipping lanes were established around and through Montreal, allowing for even greater economic expansion. The food, tobacco, and textile industries also greatly expanded during this time.

9.) Benjamin Franklin, an American statesman, was sent to Montreal during the American Revolution to persuade the Canadians to join the American cause against the British.
After a stay of just ten days, Franklin left convinced that it would be easier to buy Canada than to conquer it.

10.) Montreal hosted the 1976 Summer Olympic Games.
These games were perhaps most famous for witnessing Romanian gymnast, Nadia Comaneci, score the perfect 10-heard-round-the-world and capture the gold in the All-Around. Today, the Olympic Park is quite a popular tourist attraction, and features a biodome that has re-created various climate zones and animal habitats.

Montreal is a rich city in both culture and history. Today, about 70 percent of its 3 million residents are of French descent, while another 15 percent claim British heritage. The remainder of residents come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, including a growing immigrant population. The various languages and cultures represented in the city today stand as a testament to Montreal’s storied history.

Have you ever visited Montreal? What interesting facts do you know about the city?

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Posted in 10 Things, Canada, Montreal

80 years and still smokin’ at Schwartz’s Deli

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Ellen| 30 Comments

Montreal's famous "shaved meat" at Schwartz's Jewish Deli

Montreal's famous "smoked meat" at Schwartz's Jewish Deli

New York has its corned beef. Philadelphia, its cheese steak.

But what to eat in Montreal, you may ask? That’s easy — smoked meat!

What exactly is “smoked meat” ?
Smoked meat is a Montreal tradition dating back well over 80 years. It’s pretty simple, really. It’s a kosher-style deli meat that is salted and cured with various spices. In the case of Montreal smoked meat, cracked pepper, coriander, and other spices are absorbed into a nice cut of beef brisket for at least a week.

English? Francais? Good thing this menu is bi-lingual!

What does it taste like and where can I get some?
It tastes amazing, tender and juicy, especially when served on rye and doused in plenty of mustard, and you can — and should — get your smoked meat fix at Schwartz’s Deli on Saint-Laurent Boulevard in Montreal.

Of course, you may have to wait your turn in line behind the likes of Celine Dion, Angelina Jolie, and the Rolling Stones.

That’s right! Schwartz’s is so famous, it’s on the radar of pretty much everyone in town, tourists, locals, and celebrities alike. Expect to wait in line no matter what time of day. Plan your visit during off-hours for a shorter wait. No need for a reservation … everyone has to wait their turn.

Despite its popularity, Schwartz's still has a small-town, neighborhood deli vibe.

Why Schwartz’s?
Schwartz’s Hebrew Delicatessen is a Montreal institution. It’s reputation boasts the best smoked meat in town. We didn’t sample it anywhere else, so we cannot say for sure. We can say, however, that we were extremely impressed by the quality of food and service at Schwartz’s. Despite the cramped space and limited seating (even at 8:30 on a Wednesday night …), it still had the feeling of a small-town corner deli, and the staff were fast, friendly, and funny, too.

Schwartz’s was started by Reuben Schwartz (I know, Reuben, how ironic), a Jewish immigrant from Romania, in 1928. Since then it has maintained its old-fashioned traditions of marinating its briskets for 10 days, without the use of artificial chemicals, and then serving it up with mustard on rye to hungry customers who come from around the world.

We’re certainly glad we took the time to grab a bite at Schwartz’s for a little taste of the history of Montreal. We definitely recommend you check it out, too.

What’s the best sandwich you’ve ever tasted, and where can we get one ?

For more information, visit Schwart’z Deli.

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Posted in Canada, Montreal

From Popes to Pop Stars: A brief guide to Montreal’s Notre Dame Basilica

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Ellen| 23 Comments

Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica, located on Rue Notre-Dame in Old Montreal, is one of the highlights of any visit to Montreal

Celine Dion got married there.

Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass there.

But pop star romances and papal visits were not exactly why we wanted to visit Montreal’s Basilique de Notre Dame.

Located on Rue Notre Dame in the heart of Vieux Montreal (the Old Town), the Basilica of Notre Dame is one of the most spectacular sights in this, the city of a hundred steeples, and it was in large part the impetus behind our visit to Montreal. Before we arrived, we thought it looked like one of the most beautiful cathedrals we had ever seen. After visiting it in person, there is no question: it will be difficult to find a cathedral that will ever top Montreal’s Notre Dame.

It is by far the most beautiful cathedral we have ever seen.

If you’re headed to Montreal, the Basilica Notre-Dame is a must-visit. Here’s what you need to know …

A Brief History
This gorgeous cathedral was founded in 1642 as a simple wooden chapel in what was then known as the village of Ville-Marie (later to become Montreal). A larger Baroque-style cathedral was constructed and completed in 1683. But by 1800, the congregation had outgrown this building, and so construction on the current cathedral commenced. New York architect James O’Donnell selected the Gothic Revival style, the first of its kind to be built in Canada. Major construction of the cathedral was completed just after 1830. The cathedral’s famed bell towers were completed in 1841 and 1843.

Key Features of the Basilica

The Pulpit

This is one of the Basilica’s more popular features, and its ornate design makes it easy to understand why. It’s location toward the middle of the sanctuary on the left side of the cathedral made it possible for the priest’s voice to project out to the congregation. The Old Testament characters Ezekiel and Jeremiah are carved into the base of the pulpit. Surrounding the platform of the pulpit are carved the New Testament characters of Peter and Paul. Other features on the pulpit represent the role of the Holy Spirit and Faith in Christian doctrine.

The Stained Glass Windows

New stained glass was installed in 1929 to mark the centenary celebrations of the Basilica. The ground floor designs depict scenes from early Montreal life interwoven with Biblical stories and themes.

The High Alter

The crucifixion of Christ is the centerpiece. Below are scenes from the Last Supper. The blue lighting makes this sight incredible.

The Great Casavant Organ

The Great Casavant Organ towers over the choir loft

This spectacular organ, built in 1891, towers over the choir loft and includes over 7,000 pipes!

Chapel of Notre-Dame du Sacre-Coeur

Sacred Heart Chapel, located behind the main sanctuary

A smaller chapel located behind the main sanctuary was created to accommodate smaller functions. It was destroyed by fire in 1978, but restored by 1982. Its theme is the progression of mankind toward reunification with God and depicts various stages of life.

What else you need to know
An admission fee of $5 is charged to all visitors (Adults), regardless of whether or not you opt for a guided tour of the cathedral. Guided tours are offered Monday - Friday from 9 am - 4 pm, Saturdays from 9 - 3:30, and Sundays from 1 - 3:30. You can also arrange for a group tour. Tuesdays through Saturdays, you can also catch the evening sound and light show, “And then there was light.” Tickets for adults are $10. The show lasts approximately 35 minutes.

Whether you’re looking to visit the location of a famous Canadian celebrity wedding or just hoping to find an example of impressive architecture, the Notre-Dame Basilica is one of the most stunning sights we think you’ll find in all of Montreal. We hope you’ll make time to stop by!

What’s the most impressive cathedral or religious site you have ever visited? What makes it stand out from all the rest?

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Posted in Canada, Montreal

The Weekly Worldview: Montreal City Hall

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Ellen| 3 Comments

City Hall in Vieux Montreal

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Posted in Canada, Montreal, Weekly Worldview

An alien encounter in Montreal

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Justin| 15 Comments

Darth Vader seems to stand vigilant awaiting the return of the Jedi

I nearly jumped out of my skin.

I had glanced up as Ellen and I walked down the street only to have my eyes meet the steely gaze of Lord Vader himself. Instinctively I recoiled in fear. I half expected to hear the droning noise of his light saber as it cut through the air.

Preparing for the worst, I looked up. It was Darth alright. But far from being animated, this exact likeness of him was a statue - welded from what must have been over 1000 different random steel parts and scraps. Next to him, perhaps an even more frightful rendition of his cinematic likeness, stood the predator.

Predator: Where's Arnie when you really need him?

How awesome was this??? Two 300 pound steel statues of some of my favorite intergalactic characters? What kind of store was this?

I looked up. Above the door in bold yellow letters standing against a green background: Surplus International…

So while I can’t claim that army surplus stores usually catch my fancy (and certainly I wouldn’t admit it to anyone if they did), this one definitely had my attention. I was intrigued. I grabbed the handle of the door and prepared to meet a world of its own…

The Starship Enterprise: Art boldly goes where it has never gone before ...

Really? No more to be said ...

Ripley eat your heart out: Prooving that the timeless classic still isn't dead...

So if you’re bored of plodding down the beaten path or maybe you just can’t seem to fight off that desire to own a kilt and red jacket – hey who am I to judge???… then consider this hole in the wall. While it may not be out of the way (located on Rue St Laurent), it certainly is off the beaten path and will ensure fond memories of your trip to Montreal for years to come.

Have you encountered any random, humorous, or disturbing stores while traveling that proved memorable?

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Posted in Canada, Montreal

How NOT to explore Montreal’s Parc Mont Royal

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Justin| 15 Comments

This must be what it feels like on the top of Everest …

Slowly and stiffly, I placed one frozen foot in front of the other, frosty gusts of wind zipping past my ears. I had never been so cold in my life. Other random thoughts began running through my mind: “I wonder what frostbite feels like? Is this really worth it? Why can’t Ellen and I be more like normal people and just stay home?”

But no …

Instead of cuddling on the couch watching National Geographic documentaries, we were trudging through freshly fallen snow in single-digit temperatures in search of the summit of Montreal’s famed peak, Mount Royal.

My mind flashed back to the days before, sitting in the comfort of our living room checking out the weather forecast: temperatures just above freezing… perhaps a little overcast… near negligible chances of precipitation. Nothing to worry about.

How could the weather channel have been so wrong…

Instead, the temperature hovered around 8 degrees Fahrenheit, with a windchill of -8. Nice. And, in addition, it had been snowing for most of the three days we had been in Montreal, and all we had to wear were sneakers.

I continued forward along the icy path – all the while cursing the weather channel in the back of my mind. But then as the grade leveled and I cleared the last corner, my eyes were met with the most beautiful view. At last… an effort well rewarded.

Except, it looked a little something like this …

A sky of solid white stood like a harsh reality before me. Somewhere in the distance, barely discernible, the skyscrapers of Montreal braved the cold – like soldiers standing guard in an arctic post. The sweeping balustrade – which would have been thronged with happy tourists in T-shirts during the summer – was all but empty, only visited by one lone figure – a barren reminder of this now desolate park.

As I progressed further, the figure turned and approached… her arms flapping wildly like some sort of crazed albatross. Her voice hoarse from the cold and veiled in restrained frustration: “this is the building that we passed 45 minutes ago!” she squawked.

Ah yes, my wife was indeed correct. As I turned 180 degrees from her and my less than scenic view, I was able to discern quite clearly that this lonely building was in fact the Chateau Mont Royal.

Approaching the Chateau Mont Royal ... for the second time.

Neither of us – neither me nor my wife, who had made it to the summit a few minutes before me – were too enthusiastic about our new found realization. We had been walking in -9F weather for almost an hour in what was apparently a giant circle. And while I had in fact enjoyed the scenery, it dawned on me suddenly and sadly that we should have given greater consideration to the fork we had come across at the beginning of our excursion.

Cross atop Mont Royal that lights up at night.

As I had stood there at the time, I had seen – not far off – a rather unassuming building at the end of the right hand fork. Who could have known that this was in fact a shortcut to the top of the famous park from which Montreal had acquired its name? And to my left… well we had found out the hard way that this was the loop trail that circled around the whole of the top of Parc Mont-Royal.

As we made our way towards the Chateau to thaw ourselves, I thought, “ah yes, once again, we should have turned right.”

A welcomed site: Inside the Chateau, away from the cold and snow!

Attempting to feed the squirrels on the way back down the mountain.

Cemetery on Mont Royal

How about you … have you ever made an unfortunate wrong turn? Tell us!

We do it all the time …

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Posted in Canada, Montreal

The Weekly Worldview: Notre-Dame Basilica

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Ellen| 8 Comments

Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

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Posted in Canada, Montreal, Weekly Worldview

Beyond Graffiti: Spectacular street art of Montreal

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Justin| 10 Comments

A man of pure style blows out a tune of blue and green letters

It’s like love… yes… difficult to define… easy to recognize. Yes, every city seems to have its own character… something that makes it truly special. While difficult to put your finger on, it is still distinguishable nevertheless. New York has that energy. Cairo has the feel of the present colliding with an illustrious past. And Montreal?

Well one of the things that stood out to me in my effort to understand this new and inviting city was artwork like no other. Sure there were art galleries – like any big city, but far more visible and apparent on almost every block was the most vibrant and colorful street art. Come join me and take a look. Explore a colorful and energetic Montreal!