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You are here: Home / Archives for canada

5 Things to do in Canada’s Cultural Capital, Ville de Montreal

February 19, 2015 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Montreal is a vibrant mega city full of art, culture, architectural masterpieces and good food. The city is well planned and laid out, with a highly efficient public transportation system and a network of bike routes, giving Montreal a more European flavor than the rest of Canada. There’s so much to do here, this article won’t be enough to cover all the magnificent activities and attractions this great city has to offer. So, let’s get started!

1. Head up to Mont Royal

When you’re in Montreal, be sure to include a trip to Mont Royal, the 760-ft. high hill Montreal was named after. Parc du Mont-Royal was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, co-creator of New York’s Central Park. The park offers spectacular views of the entire city, with the Chalet du Mont Royal serving as a wonderful lookout spot. The park is famous for its diverse flora and fauna, and is one of Montreal’s best known and best loved spots.

2. Step back in time and visit Old Montreal

I’m a sucker for all things vintage, and Old Montreal is one fine glimpse into the past. Vieux- Montréal is the site of the original city of Montreal and is a cultural mecca, being the hub and hive of all things artsy. Cobblestone streets, sidewalk cafes and horse-drawn carriages will greet you as you set foot in this beautiful part of the city seemingly untouched by time.

Have a drink at one of the many cafes overlooking the river, or enjoy some performance art in the summertime. Most notable is the Hôtel de Ville or the old Town Hall, with its grand architecture and historic past.

3. Say a prayer at Montreal’s grand basilicas

Your Montreal trip wouldn’t be complete without dropping by the Basilique Notre-Dame, one of the city’s most visited attractions. The iconic church is home to a 7,000 pipe organ that’s estimated to be a hundred years old and is located at the rear chapel. It also houses the gigantic 11-ton Jean-Baptiste bell. When you hear those bells toll, better head on inside the church to see the beautiful ornate wood carvings, stained glass windows, centuries old statues and high vaulted ceilings.

There’s also the Basilique-Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde (Mary Queen of the World Cathedral), which is a small scale replica of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Don’t let the word “small scale” fool you, because this church sits proudly right smack in the middle of towering skyscrapers and can hold its own due to the 294 ft. high dome.

4. Experience Nature in the City

If you’re a nature lover or if you want your kids to experience nature up close and personal, go to the Montreal Biodome for a fun nature adventure. The Biodome is split into four ecosystems: a tropical rainforest, a Laurentian forest, a polar environment and the St. Lawrence marine habitat. The most awesome part of this adventure is you get to experience the changes in temperatures as you stroll through the entirety of the Biodome and enter each separate ecosystem. There are monkeys, bats, capybaras, puffins, marine wildlife and penguins!

Located next to the Biodome is the 185-acre Botanical Gardens, which is home to more than 26,000 species of flora thanks to 10 massive greenhouses each tailored to a specific theme, like the tranquil Japanese Zen garden that showcases bonsai trees and the Chinese Garden which features designs from the 14th to 17th century Ming Dynasty. Don’t touch any plants in the popular poisonous plant section though, unless you want a trip to the emergency room.

5. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Being the art and cultural capital of Canada, Montreal is home to a lot of museums. The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montreal is the city’s most prestigious museum and has been building its collection of fine arts from renowned artists like Picasso, Rembrandt, Cézanne, El Greco and Renoir. The museum is also home to many Canadian and international masterpieces, plus a collection of artifacts from World War I.

Honorable Mention

As I said, we were bound to run out of real estate when talking about all the amazing things you can do in Montreal. A list like this should be 10x long! Anyway, other places you can go to that are worth mentioning are:

· Plateau – you should spend a day or more here. Go to every shop, every café and talk to everyone!

· Stroll the Underground – There’s a network of underground shops, restaurants and even movie theatres for when winter rolls in. A must see.

· The Food – I have to say, Montreal is a foodies’ paradise. Prepare to gain a few pounds when you visit. Don’t forget to try the smoked meat, the Montreal Bagel and their famous poutine.

· The Beer – There are tons of micro-breweries and if you love beer like the people of Montreal do, be sure to go to a few of them.

· Visit the Markets – A trip to Montreal wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Atwater market and Jean-Talon market.

There you have it folks! This list is far from complete because there are a whole lot more activities, events and festivals in Montreal you just have to experience for yourself. If you want to be near the action at all times, you can opt to stay in the many hotels or condos in the heart of Montreal, so you don’t ever miss out.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: canada, Montreal, travel

The Top 5 Best Family Family Activities in Montreal Canada

April 3, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

The Best Family Activities in Montreal, Canada

by: Alexandre Duval

Travelling with kids can be quite challenging for many reasons, one of them being that adults and kids do not always have similar interests. Merging your kids’ preferences with your own often is easier said than done, indeed… and when you are on vacation and find yourself far away from home, there is no escape: you have to find a way to entertain your kids! Luckily, if you decide to make it to Montreal this summer, you will find that tons of family-friendly activities are available: cool things to do in Montreal abound! Here is a list of 5.

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1. La Ronde

With more than 45 years of activity behind it, La Ronde is Eastern Canada’s largest amusement park, spreading over more than 590,000 square metres. With more than 40 rides and attractions, including one of North America’s highest and fastest roller coasters, La Ronde’s reputation needs no introduction. Not only will it entertain the whole family for endless hours, but its strategic location on Saint Helen’s Island (accessible by subway from the Island of Montreal) offers an interesting outlook on Montreal. It must also be noted that apart from La Ronde, Saint Helen’s Island abounds with green spaces, sports and entertainment activities.

2. The Olympic Park

Montreal hosted the 1976 Olympic Games and has tried ever since to promote the attractiveness of the Olympic Park by implementing all sorts of activities to keep the place busy. One of them is the Biodôme, which recreates some of the continent’s ecosystems such as the tropical rainforest, the Laurentian maple forest, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Labrador coast and the Sub-Antartic islands. The temperature, soil, fauna and flora of these ecosystems is mimicked which allows the visitor to not only observe over 4,500 animal species, but also to study the environment in which they actually live in the wilderness.

The Olympic Park also houses an Insectarium, a Botanical Garden and a Planetarium. It is also home to the world’s highest inclined tower: its height of 165 metres is really impressive considering that it was built with a 45-degree angle! A funicular that brings people to the top offers a fantastic view up of the Montreal area and St. Lawrence Valley. There is no doubt that a visit at Montreal’s Olympic Park will leave both kids and parents happy!

3. The Old Port

Montreal’s Old Port offers countless activities for the whole family. Its Science Centre, for instance, is a good way to spend a few hours learning about science and technology in a dynamic and interactive environment. The Old Port also is one of the best places in Montreal to take pictures of the city since you get the waterfront view. The area offers various possibilities for sports and entertainment; many venues actually take place there, including festivals, concerts, Cirque du Soleil shows, etc. Furthermore, the Old Port is one of the best spots to sit down and watch the Montreal fireworks festival, which takes place each summer between June and August.

4. Montreal Impact

If your family loves sports, a good afternoon or night activity undoubtedly would be to go watch a Montreal Impact soccer game! Located at the Olympic Park, the team’s stadium was renovated just last year and can welcome more than 20,000 visitors! The Montreal Impact evolves in the Major League Soccer (MLS) and the team’s season spans eight months, between March and October.

5. Mount Royal Park

If your family enjoys getting some quietness in the midst of the city, Mount Royal Park is the perfect place to spend the day. Located on Mount Royal (a hill situated in the heart of Montreal that peaks at 233 metres), the park was inaugurated in 1876 and was the creation of Frederick Law Olmsted, who also happens to be the one who co-designed New York City’s Central Park! No wonder, then, that Mount Royal Park features tall and diversified trees, walking and biking paths as well as a man-made lake called “Beaver Lake”.

Mount Royal Park also features two belvederes that offer unmatched views of the city. It is also the most coveted spot in Montreal for sports lovers and people who love picnicking. In the summer, the park hosts the “Tam Tam Jam”, which basically consists of dozens and sometimes hundreds of locals and visitors gathering to play hand drums, dance, listen, and relax on Sunday afternoons. On a sunny day, Mount Royal Park is definitely a must-see place for the whole family.

About the author:

Alexandre Duval is a blogger for ViaRail. He is also currently completing his master’s degree in political science at the University of Quebec in Montreal.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: canada, cool things to do in Montreal abound, The Best Family Activities in Montreal, The Top 5 Best Family Family Activities in Montreal Canada, travel

5 Reasons Why Your Kids Are Going To Love Montreal, Canada

March 19, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

5 Reasons Why Your Kids Are Going To Love Montreal, Canada

By: Mireille

Planning your next family trip and don’t know where to go yet? Try Montreal, Canada. Quebec’s vibrant, unique, multicultural metropolis has a lot to offer to families. Here are five reasons why your kids (and you!) are going to love Montreal.

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Photo credit: http://www.parcjeandrapeau.com/
Because There’s Plenty to Do

From museums to festivals to theater performances to swimming, hiking, biking, playing… there is so much to do for families in Montreal, you and your kids might even have a hard time picking up an activity!

Because Most of the Streets Are Flat!

“But Mom, I’m tired!” No more complaints about getting up the steep street: For the most part, Montreal is flat. You can very easily walk or bike your way around town, without tiring yourself and the little ones too much.

Because it Is Safe

Ok, this is probably a reason why you will love Montreal, but let’s put it in the list as well, because the happier the parents, the happier the kids! Streets of Montreal are remarkably safe. Most of the neighborhoods, even the less central ones, are secure at any hour of the day or night. Of course, as in any big city, certain parts of downtown are a little sketchier – but nothing too overwhelming.

Because a Lot of Restaurants Are Offering A Special Children Menu

There is nothing worse than the feeling of bothering everyone when eating in a restaurant with kids. This won’t happen in Montreal. The minute a family walks through the door of a restaurant in Montreal, whether it is in a chic Montreal hotel or a dinner, kids are welcomed and taken care of by friendly waiters; a special seat will be made available for smaller children and a special children menu can be found in most of the restaurants.

Because of There Are So Many Pools and Beaches

Summer in Montreal is hot. But, thank goodness, the city is packed with free public swimming pools and a few very decent beaches. The most popular beach is Parc Jean-Drapeau’s Plage Doré. There is a small fee to get in, but it is the ideal place to relax and refresh on a hot summer day. And for feeling away from the city and immersed in nature, try the beach of the Cap-St-Jacques Nature Park.

Mireille is a travel, music and theater enthusiast. She wrote for the stage and television, and is now working as a freelance blogger for Tourism Montreal.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: canada, Montreal, travel, Why Your Kids Are Going To Love Montreal

Photography: Vancouver Crossing

September 9, 2012 by Momstart 17 Comments

Bridge in Vancouver

Bridge in Vancouver

Filed Under: photos, travel Tagged With: bridge in Vancouver, canada, photography, travel, Vancouver

Photography: MomStart Takes Flight in Canada

July 21, 2012 by Momstart 4 Comments

Taking Flight

Filed Under: photos, travel Tagged With: canada, photography

Romance at The Opus Hotel Vancouver Canada

July 18, 2012 by Momstart 10 Comments

We spent our ten year anniversary in Vancouver Canada at the Opus hotel. Staying at the Opus Hotel in Vancouver Canada was amazing. Not only was I able to spend time alone with my husband without children I was able to be in the central hub of Vancouver. Everything we did was in walking distance of the hotel, yes we walked about 10 miles a day but that’s because we went back and fourth to and from the hotel every day more than once.

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At check in we were given glasses of Champaign that was very good and when we got up to our room I went out on the balcony, which was small but really cool. It’s not very often that I’m in a room that has a balcony and I stay in a lot of hotels. It didn’t take them long to remember us as we came and went and I really liked being recognized. OPUS hotel is a smaller boutique type hotel that was very friendly with really great service. My questions were always answered with a smile and I was surprised at the extras you could find there.

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The OPUS hotel has fabulous rooms. They designed their luxurious 96 room boutique hotel in downtown Vancouver. Their unique, playful rooms feature vibrant colors, contemporary furniture and a dizzying array of special touches. Our room had a spa bathtub and heated floors. We also had an n-room iPad that we could use anywhere within the hotel. They have six different types of rooms inspired by five different décor flavors. All reliably cool and fabulously delicious. We had complimentary Wi-fi and complimentary breakfast in their restaurant. The free breakfast included a pastry, juice, coffee, and yogurt.

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We had umbrellas to use in our room for the rainy day and when it was sunny we were allowed to check out bicycles, making all that walking we did a lot easier. We were thinking of taking the bikes out to the island but we ended up walking there instead. The hotel has an amazing sitting area, it’s quite chic with pink accents and jewelry used as privacy separations in certain areas. We hung out there two nights in a row getting dessert and having drinks.

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My dessert

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We were provided with a very special anniversary gift from the hotel. They gave us pink popcorn and a bottle of wine.

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The hotel also provides local transportation to and from the hotel.

 

We were given a media rate for our hotel stay while we celebrated our 10 year anniversary in Vancouver Canada.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: canada, hotel, hotel review, review, The Opus, Vancouver

Photography: Modern Roman Architecture Vancouver Canada

July 6, 2012 by Momstart 12 Comments

 

Modern Roman Architecture Vancouver CanadaModern Roman Architecture Vancouver Canada

Filed Under: photos, travel Tagged With: canada, photos, travel, Vancouver

Photography: Mona Lisa In The Sky in Vancouver Canada

July 5, 2012 by Momstart 8 Comments

Mona Lisa

Traveling in Vancouver, my husband said, quick take a picture of that. I wasn’t sure if he meant the building or the Mona Lisa on the sky bridge. So there you have it, what do you see in this picture from Vancouver Canada.

Filed Under: photos, travel Tagged With: canada, photography, travel, Vancouver Canada

Photography: Happy Canada Day

June 30, 2012 by Momstart 15 Comments

 

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To all of my Canadian friends and my new friends at the Opus Hotel, Happy Canada Day.

Filed Under: photos, travel Tagged With: canada, Happpy Cananda Day, photography, travel

Romantic Vacation Spots Where Would You Go?

December 13, 2010 by Momstart 9 Comments

Have you thought about where you would love to go for a Romantic getaway? I think about it all the time and it’s the beach. I love being warm, I love the sound of the ocean, and I love the sand in my toes. I love how bright it is and the cool blue color that the ocean has, and the green it has in Destin on the Amalfi Coast.

mondaymingleBut, today when I considered the question for Monday Mingle over at Eighty MPH Mom, I thought about what my husband would like. Because it wouldn’t be a romantic getaway without him right? We spent our Honeymoon in Victoria. It was amazing, it was beautiful, and even though it was in the Summer, there was only one really hot day. We rode a water taxi, ate excellent seafood, and visited the Butchart gardens. The Butchart Gardens are lovely. Victoria is quite a tourist place with a lot of history and the buildings further illustrate just how historic Victoria is. One of my favorite things to do was have high tea, I think we had high tea five times.

 

Welcome to Monday Mingle, where we chat over video answering questions. It’s fun and the more video you do on your blog the more comfortable you will be in front of the camera. Want to participate? Monday Mingle is a Meme over at Eighty MPH Mom. Go over to her site, find the questions, take a video of the answers and post them to share. Then visit everyone that linked up and have fun getting to know each other.

 

Where do you like to go?

Filed Under: monday moment, personal Tagged With: Amalfi, Butchart Gardens, canada, Destin, FL, Monday Mingle, Victoria

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