DISCLOSUIRE

To view our Privacy Policy, please click here.

Note: The views expressed are independent. All the products listed on the blog are my personal tried and true recommendations. They may contain affiliate links.

IMPORTANT

The information was accurate when published but can change without notice. Before planning your trip, please confirm all rates and details directly with the organizations in question.

Tag: Montreal

Am I a Travel Snob… or Just a Montreal Snob?

Posted on by Roberta Hill

I’ve been asking myself an uncomfortable question lately. Am I one of those travellers who quietly rolls her eyes at the obvious? The ones who say, “Oh yes, the main square is fine… but have you seen the real neighbourhood?” Or am I simply defensive about my own city? Here’s the thing. The first time I visit any city, I am unapologetically a tourist. I want the postcard. I want the view. I want the thing I’ve seen in movies. And yes, it is 100% touristy. I say that without judgment. Touristy places are touristy for a reason. They’re beautiful….

Read more

The Long Game: Money, Priorities, and the Luxury of Time

Posted on by Roberta Hill

There’s a peculiar thing that happens somewhere in your early seventies. You begin to realize that money is no longer about accumulation. It’s about allocation. I used to think longevity was about green smoothies and 10,000 steps. Now I think it’s about optionality. The ability to choose. Where to go. How long to stay? Whether to upgrade the seat or take the train and watch the countryside unroll like a favourite novel you’ve read twice before. As a senior traveller, I’ve stopped asking, “Can I afford this?” and started asking, “What does this cost me in time?” Because time is…

Read more

Finding Home After a Lifetime of Motion

Posted on by Roberta Hill

The Shape of Home Home is a funny word. One syllable, four letters—yet it holds entire lifetimes. Ask ten people what home means and you’ll get ten different answers: a street, a voice, a feeling, or maybe just the smell of something cooking on a Sunday afternoon. For some, it’s a place to return to. For others, it’s a person. For a few of us, it’s a question we’ve been trying to answer for years. The Pull of Where We Began There’s something magnetic about the landscapes of our youth. Even after decades away, a part of us still remembers…

Read more

Surfing “Vague à Guy” at Parc des Rapides

Posted on by Roberta Hill

There’s something a little bit wild — and wildly poetic — about a place where the St. Lawrence River decides to stop flowing politely and throws itself into a frothy, endless dance. It’s not quite an ocean, not quite a river, and not relatively calm. It’s the Vague à Guy — Montreal’s perpetual wave — and it’s been churning just west of downtown for decades. Vague à Guy is steps from the bike path and the bird sanctuary at Parc des Rapides, which we often visit. A few weeks ago, we were walking on Le Plateau in Montreal and saw…

Read more
Schwartz's Deli

Schwartz’s Deli in Montreal is Overratted

Posted on by Roberta Hill

I wrote a lengthy article comparing smoked meat in New York and Montreal. In it, I implied that Schwartz’s Deli might not be the best in town. My observation had not been drawn on any recent verification. This is still a nostalgic, popular spot, local, and because Schwartz’s Deli is listed in almost every travel book, blog and video, as a place to visit Montreal, it tends to have long lineups even off-season. So, as we were passing by last Wednesday afternoon, we were surprised to find a few seats available. I thought this would be a good time to verify my…

Read more
Landmarks in Old Montreal

Old Montreal Quick Reference Guide

Posted on by Roberta Hill

Montreal has much to offer visitors from The Plateau to The Mile End to The Underground City to Saint Laurent Boulevard. It is my hometown, and I live in Ville Marie (Old Montreal). This article and checklist are geared toward first-time visitors. While the itinerary is four days, it includes arrival and departure. Old Montreal can be done in two full days, and I have asterisked what I consider the essential places to visit. I hope you come for a more extended stay and discover all my city has to offer. Download Your PDF Copy Here Old Montreal for First-Time…

Read more

Exploring Your Own Backyard: Becoming a Tourist at Home

Posted on by Roberta Hill

Travel often sparks visions of exotic beaches, bustling cityscapes, or winding mountain trails, but there’s a hidden charm in rediscovering the place you call home. Becoming a tourist in your backyard offers a fresh perspective on your familiar surroundings, turning everyday sights into a unique adventure. Here’s how to dive into this local exploration and enjoy all the benefits of travel without needing a suitcase. All photos were taken recently in Montreal. Why Explore Locally? Staying close to home doesn’t mean sacrificing adventure. Local exploration offers several perks that travel abroad might miss: Reduced Costs: You skip airfare, accommodation fees,…

Read more
Mont Royal pedestrian-only Streets

Magnificent Montreal’s Pedestrian-Only Streets Update

Posted on by Roberta Hill

Walking in Montreal Montreal is a city filled with history and charm, and one of the best ways to explore it is on foot. If you visit Montreal this year, walk or stroll uninterrupted by cars! You’ll be able to explore Montreal’s pedestrian-only streets and learn about the city’s unique charm. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular Montrealer, this walk is a great way to get to know the city! Montreal has several streets that transform into pedestrian-only zones during the summer, creating lively and bustling spaces for locals and visitors to enjoy. 9 pedestrian-only streets in Montreal…

Read more
Montreal from Mount Royal However, if this is your first trip to Montreal there are common pitfalls that may hinder their full enjoyment of this diverse city. Here's how to sidestep these errors and truly embrace what Montreal has to offer.

10 Mistakes to Avoid for a First Trip to Montreal

Posted on by Roberta Hill

Montreal, a city renowned for its vibrant culture, exquisite cuisine, and dynamic seasons, offers a unique experience for travellers. However, if this is your first trip to Montreal there are common pitfalls that may hinder their full enjoyment of this diverse city. Here’s how to sidestep these errors and truly embrace what Montreal has to offer. 1. Overlooking the French Connection While Montreal is bilingual, a few basic French phrases can go a long way in showing respect for the local culture. Don’t worry; the majority of Montrealers are fluent in English and appreciate any effort to speak French. 2….

Read more
←
Verified by MonsterInsights