Vieux Montreal

I have so many fond memories of Montreal from my childhood, sometimes it’s hard to believe that not everyone has visited. I know that’s a foolish thing to think but it’s true!

It was the first experience I had of an ‘old’ town. Montreal’s streets date back to the mid sixteen hundreds, and so the budding history fanatic that was my younger self adored every part of it. It was the first time I’d stepped on cobble, and I’ve not forgotten the joy of walking on that which I’d only read about.

It’s also the first place I’d ever used a metro system, so really Old Montreal was like a giant playground for me. A big, slightly old world city, it was like a Canadian version of everything I would come to love about Europe.

We would always go in June, and I can attest that if you love big cities with lots of energy it’s a pefect time to go. Post covid of course! June is when the Formula 1 Montreal Grand Prix is run, and I suspect Cirque Du Soleil takes advantage of that because usually you can find their tent on the piers that line the St. Laurence. Their shows are always so full of enchanting music, humorous acts, and hair raising acrobatics. That’s all without even mentioning the incredible artwork that is the sets, lighting, and costumes for each performer! Tickets aren’t cheap, but they’re well worth the experience.

If you stick around what is called Ville-Marie you’ll have plenty of boutiques to shop in, and the scent from the bistros will drive you delirious with hunger and an urge to try everything. My advice? Give in! While you’re in Montreal I also recommend you try Schwartz’s Deli.

It’s on St. Laurent street, which isn’t in Ville-Marie but if you’re already in Montreal it’s well worth a stop. To give you a bit of perspective, I must reveal one key detail:

I don’t like Montreal smoked meat sandwiches. I will choose them only over starvation.

When Mom and Dad told me we would be going to a place which was famous for them I was unconvinced. Dad insisted that I should give it a try on the grounds that the Deli was nearing it’s centennial, and therefore must be doing something right. It was either the deli or skip dinner, so I went along with it.

To this day, I will accept no Montreal smoked meat sandwiches unless it comes from Schwartz’s. They’re THAT good. Get a hot plate of fries and a gigantic pickle to go along with it.

Montreal has a lot of great things to offer, but if you only have a short time to explore, go to Ville-Marie in Old Montreal. Bring good walking shoes, weather appropriate clothing, and a French translation book. Have fun!

Wash your hands, wear a mask, and stay safe gentle reader.