Travels on M/V Santorini: Merci Montreal !!

Montreal is an island city, like Manhattan. Montreal is only slightly more populous but significantly larger in geography. In 2009 it was named a UNESCO City of Design. Montreal is full of antiquity AND youthful exuberance. We mentioned previously that this is the 150^th year celebration of the Canadian Federation. Well, it is Montreal’s 375^th birthday and Montrealers really know how to party! Summer is always a cause for celebration here in the North Country and this summer there are even more events. Canadians are very conscious of their history and the land European settlers appropriated from the First Nations and the attempt to decimate their culture. Many of the special exhibits center around the history of Montreal in museum exhibits and in light shows projected on the face of two government buildings at night. At one time, the English and French settlers lived in different neighborhoods and even today as you walk around the City, you will hear predominately English spoken or predominantly French. Almost everyone is bilingual.

We loved everything about Montreal! The people, the architecture, the culture, public art, street musicians, museums and galleries, sidewalk cafes, fashion, flowers, pocket parks and cathedrals everywhere and the food – Oh la la! Montreal is a very diverse and safe city. Many Montrealers are well traveled and love experiencing the culture of other countries but they definitely are proud Canadians and are totally in love with their city.

Port of Montreal, circa 1979

Port of Montreal, July 2017

This is a great place for families! Adjacent to the Old Port is a promenade with a river walk, a Ferris wheel, zip line, Pirate ship with physical activities appropriate for every age, paddle boats, a train ride, science museum with special CSI activities for kids, and vendor stalls selling food and gift items. There are double-decker bus tours, Duck boat tours and river/rapids cruises.

The clock tower is a memorial to the soldiers and sailors of WWI

No swimming, but here is where Montrealers go to the beach.

Atwater Marche

View of Atwater Marche from across the canal.

Service levels in Montreal are exceptional, from the marina staff, to restaurant servers to shop keepers and the hair stylist. Montreal is a civilized city where many day-to-day tasks seem more like a joyous ritual. For example, a trip to Atwater Marche which is a very large farmer’s market both indoor and out with many stalls of fresh fruits, veggies, flowers, butchers, bakers and chocolatiers seemed like a special occasion. There are many specialty grocery items and ready-made foods. It is a feast for eyes and stomach! Another example was our trip for haircuts. The salon was in an old building with beautiful architectural features and also clean and simple elegance. The staff will brew you an Espresso or Cappuccino served in a real cup and saucer. If it is afternoon, there is also champagne!

The Canal Lounge.

Every summer since 1985, Montreal hosts the most prestigious and largest of international fireworks competition, twice a week from late June until early August. Pyrotechnical companies from different countries present a 30-minute pyro musical show. Approximately 6000 fireworks are set off during each show. We were lucky enough to see two shows, the first by Poland and the second by Germany. We had the best viewing area – sitting in chairs on Santorini’s cabin top with a celebratory glass of champagne. The second presentation was on our last night in Montreal and the magnificent display appeared to be especially for us … we are fortunate to live a charmed life!

Here are a few more pictures that we hope will give you some flavor of Montreal.

St Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal.

Old Fire Station #1, established 1903

People of all colors are welcome in Montreal!

Restaurant Barroco - YUM!

Notre Dame Basilica.

Philly isn't the only city with love.

The clock tower at night, as it greeted our arrival.

We should have stopped for massages.

Habitat, 67 are stacked concrete boxes, designed by Israeli architect Moshe Safdie when he was 23 years old. Built for Expo 67, the Montreal World's Fair, they are now apartments.