Montreal

Montreal is special. It seamlessly stiches the best parts of Edinburgh and Melbourne, showcasing the good bits of Dundee with the bridges over Scotland’s river Tay.

Historically, geologically and culturally, Montreal contains enough to keep the city explorer entertained for a number of days. Three days were not enough.

With a very Parisian architecture, walking around the old town you are taken back 300 years to a time when the French fur trading economy was booming. As time progressed the city has diversified its economy, while maintaining its historic buildings as functional contributors.

The city suburbs contain those tightly condensed terrace houses, reminding me of Melbourne’s terrace-houses around Carlton. High density living, but done so in style. The various parks spread across the city provide breathing space.

Montreal takes its name from the volcanic hill in the middle of an island in the Saint Lawrence River, at its confluence with the Ottawa River. Mount Royal, said with a French accent, became Montreal, as the city developed around this hill.

The First Nations people, known as the Iroquoians have been associated with this land for 4000 years. They had transitioned to a farming community by AD 1000 through maize cultivation. Hochelaga being one of the first fortified villages on the island as the new economy kicked off.

By 1600 the Iroquians had left the area. Whether by migration, disease or inter-tribal wars; I expect one of the many museums would be able to explain why. By 1620 the French had established a fur trading post on the island, which provided the economic incentive for colonists.

British forces had been sniffing around the area and in 1760, during the Seven Years War, the French colony of Montreal surrendered to Great Britain. Passionately proud of its French heritage, the city has maintained French as its national language.

Enjoy Poutine at a very busy ‘La Banquise‘. Made up of French fries, cheese curd and much gravy, it is an easy to eat dish. Loaded with carbohydrates, and heavy on the fats, it’ll take a few days of running to work this tasty dish off. The following morning, topping up my stomach with more of the good stuff, L’Avenue served up an Eggs Benedict worth getting out of bed for.

Being in Canada’s Cultural Capital, a live theater show was calling. From the train between Toronto and Montreal I had booked a ticket to MOB, a show at the Centaur Theater. To get to the theater, the walk through the Quartier des Spectacles was exciting. The city is developing this area as it’s cultural centre. Lined with Jazz Bars, Speak-Easy’s and bustling restaurants, it was unnerving to see them mostly empty as we entered this period of Corona-Virus social distancing.

The show MOB was very good, grappling with the challenges of cyber-bullying, but cyber-bullying between adults. Narrated through the eyes of a successful female executive in the predominantly male driven gaming industry, managing career breaking online comments. Very riske acting and visual stimulus, with some scenes pushing the censorship boundaries. But very cleverly done.

The walk around the Old Port, with the Saint Lawrence River flowing past, is worth an evening stroll. Ice was still covering the berths where the summer boats moor. Small ice-burgs were still flowing down the river, on their very long journey to the ocean. The winter colours, fading light and city-scape make for some excellent photograph opportunities for those with cameras of all abilities. The Montreal Eye and Canadian flag standing proudly above the city.

The rooftop bar ‘Place Ville Marie’ in Les Enfantes Terribles provided excellent views over the Montreal skyline. Enjoying a grapefruit cocktail, then a Moscow Mule and a Vegan Poke Bowl, I watched the sun go down over Montreal. From this vantage point high above the river, the city lights were worth the picture. The restaurant catering for most tastes with spectacular views in a bustling and happy atmosphere.

Montreal has plenty to keep the solo traveler, couple or family entertained for a number of days. Setting up in Old Montreal puts you a good walking distance, or short Uber drive, to the fun places. I sure want to go back, but next time in summer, as that is when they have the festivals, and the Formula One.

Read further stories associated with Calgary, Banff, and Canada.