Montreal: A Cultural Paradise

Montreal is a very cool city; we visited for a few days in the fall of 2014. It’s located in the only truly French-speaking province of Canada, Quebec, a legacy left behind from the days of European colonization. That’s what initially drew me to the city; its blend of French and English language, of European and North American culture. And from the moment I stepped out of the airport, I was captivated by this complex and lively city. I loved its rich history, its stunning architecture, its contrast of nature and city life, its delicious food, and most of all, its incredibly unique culture.

The European influence was strong in this North-American city. The city itself is bilingual, and I loved the way their daily chatter switched from English to French, and then back to English again. Out on the streets, you could find classic Quebec delicacies, such as Poutine, a dish of fries and cheese curds smothered in gravy, as well as traditional french restaurants serving everything from escargot to baguette, and the city was filled with European-esque coffee shops. In the old town, the European resemblance was uncanny, with cobblestone roads, Parisian architecture, and even horse-drawn carriages. The city was home to Notre-Dame Basilica, a stunning basilica with intricate designs in its undeniably Gothic architecture, a true homage to the city’s European side.

I loved wandering around the city, and just observing the daily goings-on of life. But there were plenty of sights to see as well. We stopped in Chinatown for lunch one day, where we saw a chef making Chinese noodles through the window of a restaurant, and dined on a delicious soup. We explored Montreal’s famed underground mall, yes, underground mall, that housed stores of every kind, from American chain stores to quirky European shops. We strolled through the old town, where we took in all the stunning architecture and enjoyed a delicious traditional Quebecois meal. One afternoon we hiked up Mont Royal, a mini mountain located in the center of the city, and took in the sprawling view of the city: its buildings and the land masses that stretched into the distance.