Travel: Montreal

There was something romantic about visiting a historic, cobblestone pathed city. The protruding limestone bricks, and washed up paint on the side of the walls were a sight in and of themselves. Walking along the streets of Old Montreal, you can feel the echoes of a deep (and slightly intense) history stretching beneath the corners of every street light. There's so much to see and do in the city, but there is also so much to be felt. ​

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I had a moral responsibility to visit the Notre-Dame Basilica. The Notre-Dame Basilica took my breath away. The lights at the center of the basilica were hypnotic. I couldn't help but feel like I was cocooned inside of this wooden cavern, caged inside these jewel tone painted archways and glimmering specks of gold. The design of the basilica is not only remarkable, but also very dramatic. I found a seat at the center of the basilica and sat there for a few minutes to take it all in. There are so many details that can easily be missed if you're not looking for them. You should definitely slow down to really savor the craftsmanship and ambiance. You cannot travel to Old Montreal without having seen this place. 

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I spontaneously visited the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel which isn't to far from the Notre-Dame Basilica. The large red doors and green angel at the top of the chapel caught my eye. At first I wasn't sure what this place was, but thanks to a bit of courage and free entrance, I got to see one of Montreal's oldest churches dating back to the 1700s. This space is very different from the Notre-Dame Basilica. It's smaller, cozier, and warmer. The stained glass windows were so vibrant, and the ceiling felt like something out of an old world map. The mosaic of Pierre Chevrier was a detail I loved; you don't see stuff like that anymore.

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Place Jacques-Cartier was a lovely place to walk since it is a pedestrian street. At night, all of the restaurant and shop lights pool onto the cobblestone to welcome you in. I grabbed some ice cream and sat on a bench, savoring the sounds of laughter and chatter. Old Montreal came to life in a very different way. There was music being played, a handful of homeless men asking for change. I found this faux floral archway, leading to various shops. In Old Montreal, there's a lot more than what meets the eye. If you "dig underground" you will find so many hidden treasures inside of these alleyways and tunnels - secret gardens, cafes, and souvenir shops.

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The Jean-Talon Market, don't walk - run! To get a sense of the local culture of Montreal, this place was on my bucket list. You are met with the most vibrant colored fruits and vegetables you have ever seen (especially if you're from New York City). The entire place is like this delicious maze. It doesn't matter which way you walk, you're going to find something you like. Maple candies, egg tarts, fresh breads, tomatoes, plums, I could go on and on. I didn't want to leave, I wanted to keep scavenger hunting for treats. If I lived in the area, I know I would be coming here every other day.  

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To learn more about Montreal's rich history I was recommended the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History and the McCord Stewart Museum. I got to visit the archeology museum, which helped me to better understand the history of Old Montreal and the different communities that were a part of its conception. Whether it was the missionaries or indigenous peoples of Montreal, so many stories were shared and celebrated. It was really nice to see that the city was making an effort to not only acknowledge but also share the culture of the indigenous tribes that were present in the development and settlement of Montreal. It was also pretty surreal to be walking through the original structures that were built during Old Montreal's settlement. Some other smaller but highly rated museums I would love to visit the next time would be the Redpath Museum and the Maude Abbot Medical Museum. 

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Tips and Tricks

1. The Montreal Museum of Archeology and History has a viewpoint on the 4th floor so I recommend checking out the exhibits and then going to the top floor to get a view of the city. 

2. On Rue le Royale E there is a secret French style garden that is free to the public to visit behind the Château Ramezay - Musée et site historique de Montréal. It's small, but really nice to stop by for a quick stroll. 

3. There is a small, free exhibit inside the Bank of Montreal Museum which has some really neat artifacts related to all things money. The bank itself is a beautiful piece of architecture both inside and out so it is definitely worth the visit. 
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4. There are a lot of local art and photo galleries that are free to visit with rotating exhibits that are really interesting.