Montreal, Quebec is a city built on an island and is at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and the Ottawa rivers. The French heritage is still seen and heard everywhere and is still very much alive. We thought that we were in Paris without leaving the northern hemisphere. The city’s Notre Dame basilica reminded us of the one in Paris, complete with the plaza in front, called Place d’Armes. Bonsecours Church is the oldest in Montreal. Notre Dame also has a seminary attached to it which is the oldest building in Montreal, built 1684. The plaza in front of it is, The City Hall, Hotel de Ville, a beautiful old building, where Charles de Gaulle shouted “Vive le Quebec libre!” Montreal is culturally diversified with its Chinatown and Little Italy; Latin Quarter and Artist Village. During US prohibition, Montreal was a favorite place for US people to go. Nightlife abounded then and still does. So the influence of jazz in local music is very present. Place Jacques-Cartier is a typical example of a place dedicated to the good life, with the street closed to cars and where the restaurants, cafes, entertainment, and gathering of the “in” crowd nightly happens. Rue St-Paul is the oldest street in Montreal, as evidenced by the cobblestone streets and is filled with shops & restaurants. The Pointe-o-Calliere Museum displays the history of Montreal, with the basement having excavated walls and sewers from when Montreal was founded, called Ville-Marie originally, 250 years ago. Watching boats from Old Port attempt to move against the rapid current was unique. Many parks face the St. Lawrence River and provide a pleasant respite from walking. Parc Jean Drapeau was created as the site for Expo ’67 and today is a large lovely city park.
Pat and Ron's Travel Adventures
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