I had the pleasure of visiting Montreal for an extended weekend with my girlfriends as part of my 40th birthday celebration. We planned what and where to eat first, and then filled our itinerary around that. You can read all about our extraordinary eating exploits in my last post, but today, I want to share some of the fun, touristy things to do in Montreal.
Montreal is a beautiful city with delightful food, friendly people and culture all its own. I’ve visited the city a few times, and each time I find something fantastic that makes it well worth the trip! And here are some reasons why.
UNDERGROUND CITY
When I was still single and living in New York, my sister and I visited Montreal in late fall. It was still rather warm in New York, so we didn’t think to bring jackets. Up north in Montreal, however, the weather was significantly colder and rainy. We trooped it out as best we could, only to find out on the day we left that we could have seen it all from the warmth and comfort of its underground complex.
With over 19 miles of shopping, restaurants and markets {along with a Metro system}, you could very well live the life of a gopher, traveling place to place underground and only popping up to the surface when you’ve arrived at your destination. Genius in harsh weather. Convenient even in warmer weather.
After living in Japan, I wasn’t surprised by these beautifully-lit, climate-controlled tunnels, but they were a first for my friends. It was just like strolling through a mall, shopping for souvenirs and stopping for tea {would you check out that tea contraption?!} — all underground.
MONTREAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
Located across from the Olympic Park {1976 Summer Olympics} and within walking distance from the Pie-IX train station, Montreal’s Botanical Garden is an oasis of tranquility in an otherwise bustling city. We spent most of an afternoon soaking in the sunlight and natural landscape, but didn’t get a chance to explore the Arboretum trails {more for another visit}. I was quite impressed by the plethora and diversity of plants in its greenhouses: there was one house completely devoted to the many kinds of begonia. I chose to skip the Insectarium, but my friend said it had a vast collection of beetles and butterflies.
Now, if you’ve seen pictures of massive sculptures made from plants floating around Pinterest, that exhibit is no longer there. We did see these cool wild boars, however, made out of tree roots.
And we caught the end of the blossoming of lotus flowers in the Chinese Garden. Would you just look at these beauties?
HOTEL BONAVENTURE
We stayed at the Hotel Bonaventure in downtown Montreal, located easily off the expressway and within walking distance of the Old Montreal district. Although the layout was a bit strange {it reminded me of a cruise ship}, the rooms were spacious and clean with modern decor. The hotel doesn’t have an on-site spa, but my friends enjoyed an in-room massage, facial and exfoliation while I relaxed on the rooftop garden with a massage in a private tent.
NOTRE-DAME BASILICA
Yes, this is the chapel where Celine Dion got married! The architecture is dramatic and the interior is equally grand and opulent. Don’t take my word for it; see for yourself!
It is quite striking when you enter the sanctuary. Interestingly, the pulpit was constructed in the center left of the church. It was later changed to the front so parishioners wouldn’t have to crane their necks. From the altar, you are afforded another striking view of this magnificent organ above the entrance.
I think it’s pretty cool that they named the towers: the western is Perseverance and the eastern is Temperance. This is Temperance lit in blue at night.
Kind of reminds you of Ghostbusters, eh?
Well, to end our exploration of Montreal, I leave you with this very fitting statue, called Les Chuchoteuses, of three boxum bronze beauties gossiping and carrying on in conversation. I feel very fortunate to have such friends to sit down with, even after several years apart, and be completely absorbed in conversation together, enjoying one another’s company. Those kinds of friendships fill a special place in your heart and are truly unique. So hug your girlfriends a little closer the next time you see them! — v.
