Montreal, Magnifique!
The first full day in Montreal has involved a lot of walking and it's been one to remember. This is a city that's absolutely saturated with art so a walk in any direction is like walking through an art gallery. I'd never tire of this.
Even the Metro stations are infused with color and creativity.
Old Port was bustling but after staying in that part of town for the last four years we decided to try an Airbnb in a different part of town, closer to Mount Royal.
This year we're staying at an Airbnb on Boulevard Saint-Laurent in the Plateau neighborhood of Montreal. The area has a hip, creative vibe very much like Brooklyn did fifteen years ago. It's a completely different vibe than Old Port, in a very good way.
Speaking of Brooklyn, Beastie Boys fans might remember this...
There are plenty of little shops, bars, and restaurants in the Plateau area and the downtown/Old Port area is just four subway stops and a few blocks of walking away.
This afternoon we walked beyond Old Port to a newer part of Montreal called, Griffintown. This entire area was filled with industrial warehouses just five years ago.
Today there are new, high-density, condo buildings on every corner and construction cranes putting up more of them in every direction. A walk in this part of town makes you feel like you've been transported to the future in comparison to most of the rest of the city.
As, I said before there is art infused everywhere in Montreal. This art installation is in the Place D'Armes Metro station.
Like New York City and Chicago, there's so much to see and do in Montreal that it's easy to forget how much you're walking between the subway stations and the attractions. My aching feet are here to remind me. I've closed my exercise ring on the Apple Watch four times over.
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Upon looking at the photos, I can say that Montreal is the place of art and yeah, that photo where you said 'a walk in this town makes you feel like you've been transported to the future' is true because it's actually so progressive.
Oh hey! I am so amazed after reading the last part of your blog. You are a great writer and I have googled your name on Google. I am a literature student and we tackle about contemporary books maybe I can share your works with our class. I would like to read the "Mindful Moments."
Thank you, Sydney!
You are welcome!
It really breathes art! Are you planning to go to the Museum of Fine Arts? Is it true that most people in Montreal speak French? The weather looks nice! I hope you will share with us pictures of all the interesting things you do on this trip. Hugs, my friend!
Ah, Finally!!! This is the first time, I think, that I am the first one to comment on your post. There are almost always people who beat me to the punch. hahahaha. Take care and have a nice weekend
We don't plan on visiting any of the museums this time, unfortunately. We've seen a few of them on past trips. Most natives here are bilingual, I try to speak as much French as possible though. After a few days it starts to come back enough where I can get my point across but it's difficult to become fluent if you don't speak French every day. I hope you're enjoying your weekend, Nancy! Take care!
I have seen artwork many times in pictures but I wish to see in reality.
It's been long I saw a place quite so colourful. And look at those miles you've walked. I think I've only ever walked about 12,000 steps and it was a lot so I believe you when you say, you did a lot of walking.
12,000 steps isn't bad! That's still about 5 miles. We're both feeling those 22k steps today! lol
It does look like a beautiful city. I have heard you have to have some understanfing of the French language to make your way in Montreal. Is that true?
It really is beautiful. Most people are bilingual (ENG/FR) here so it's totally fine if you speak no French. French is the dominate of the two though so if you learn a few French phrases people are a lot more receptive of you.
Thats Eye catching art on the way, buildings are unique as well. You have explored a lot during the walk. And 22k is a nice step count.
Thanks
22k is getting to be a bit too much at 52 years old. It was fun though!
This creativity is loveable.
https://twitter.com/LovingGirlHive/status/1695381321508642973
I love the colors at the metro station. It is so beautiful
It really is!
https://twitter.com/lee19389/status/1695426551150735618
#hive #posh
Well, sounds like you're having a fine time, indeed. I'm glad. The city looks beautiful, though in a weird way. It feels artsy but not too old, I don't know, it seems compelling. I'm kinda intrigued by that boutique now.
Enjoy yourself, Eric <3
Thank you! It's been a lot of fun so far. This is my sixth time here and each time I try to see new things and immerse myself into the culture a little deeper. I would have to say that staying outside of Old Port is the way to go. There's much more of a local vibe in Plateau/Mont Royal. It's so refreshing to walk around day or night and not have to worry about being robbed or harmed like we do in the major US cities. All it takes is a few days out of the US to realize how truly out of hand the crime is. Paul's Boutique was the name of the second Beastie Boys album. : ) Have a wonderful weekend!
I was actually wondering about the crime/danger, but other friends from the US have told me the same, that it's actually a lot safer than most of the US rn, sadly. I'm glad. It's so wonderful that you've found this place and can come back to it, to learn it, and wear it into your soul. Enjoy it!
Crime is way out of hand in America, especially larger cities. Thank you! We certainly do enjoy this place, the vibe is a lot more in alignment with me than anywhere I've been in the US.
Artworks are actually great and compliment the work done on some structures. They look good
Thanks, it's a beautiful city!
The whole city is vibrant and alive with art and culture. I am especially drawn to the Boulevard Saint-Laurent photos though, as it seems more old world to me. There is so much to see it seems as though you never really see everything when you go to a new part of town lol
Yes, Old Port was settled in the 1600's I believe and the Plateau region was settled in the 1750's as the city expanded out. It's a very cool vibe out here, more locals than tourists. In Old Port it's the exact opposite.
Cities breathe and have a pulse, at least it seems so to me and they breathe and pulse at slower and faster rates depending on the neighborhood. Love the artwork too!
That is so true, each one has its own personality. Old Port is great for the historical aspect but the soul of it has been stripped away by tourism. No one lives there anymore, it's mostly Airbnbs. Griffintown is a different story. It's close to Old Port and there are plenty of locals who live there.
Didnt know much about Montreal, but what I See here it must be a very interesting town full of surprised behind every corner
There is definitely lots to do here!
Any art lover would be like Disney land but for artist, all full of color and beautiful art is breathed in every part....
It's simply art 🚬🗿
Cualquier amante del arte estaria como Disney land pero para artista, todo lleno de color y hermoso arte se respira en cada parte....
Simplemente es arte 🚬🗿
Wow! I definitely need to try and get myself here one day now. It looks absolutely stunning. You seem to be heading there a lot lately. Scoping out locations for when you expatriate? I honestly can't say I blame you. I bet winters aren't much better than Minnesota though, especially with the fronts coming off the great lakes.
You must visit Montreal, Bozz. You and your wife would love it. Unless my wife and I decide to visit this will probably be my last time here for a while. I'd love to expatriate but I don't think that will happen now, that ship has sailed. The exit tax would be counter productive. Some years the winters are actually worse here in Montreal from what I hear! If I lived here full time I would have to plan on being away from Jan-March.
Oh wow, I didn't realize that. On all counts for your reply!
I also like walking around the city I go for travelling. I can even walk the whole day on my foot to discover the tourist attractions
Have a good trip mate!
Thank you very much!
Street art work is one of the finest art works I have ever seen. but the sad thing is they are very rarely get appreciated for their work.
Street art is celebrated in Montreal. It's refreshing to see!
Wow, that's a ton of steps, and here I'm proud that I made it to 8167 today!
Montreal looks amazing, and I'm sure that's where Hive's best vegan chef @carolynstahl lives.
My most favourite artist of all time is Leonard Cohen, sooo nice seeing him in your first image!
Enjoy your time there my friend 🤗
@lizelle , I live a block down from the Leonard Cohen mural. There are a few but this one is a few steps from my apartment. I can't believe fellow hiver was standing there. I wish I could have seen him. In fact I thought one time I saw someone that looked like him but sure it wasn't.
That would be just awesome if you could meet Eric!
@ericvancewalton, are you still in Montreal? Carolyn is my best Hive foodie buddy, knows how to cook up a storm😉
What a small world @carolynstahl! You probably did see us. We've been walking around this area for the past four days, especially up and down Mont-Royal Ave. We're actually going to be around this area until after lunch tomorrow. Let me know if you'd like to meet us somewhere for lunch.
I wonder if you had ice cream at a shop on St Laurent. I feel like that would be where I imagined I saw you or actually did haha. Or it was your dople ganger.
We never stopped for ice cream while we were there but we were walking up and down St. Laurent and Mont Royal Ave a lot. What a cool area!
We've walked our legs off, a total of almost 20 miles in three days. Over 8k isn't anything to sneeze at either! How serendipitous that the Leonard Cohen mural was the first I saw when coming into the city from the airport! Thank you, @lizelle! Your trip is coming up too, right?
Yes, it's just around the corner, just under 4 weeks! Just sad that I'll be traveling solo, my hubby so sooo excited about the trip. The kids have many plans, so I'm going to make sure I get a good pair of walking shoes, time is running out!
That will come up very fast! I'm so sorry your husband won't be with you physically. I'm sure he will be watching over you all. Comfortable shoes are a must, especially in the Netherlands. Their cities are very walkable and you lose track of how far you're walking. What brand of shoes do you like? We leave for the airport in just a few hours, I have a few weeks home and then it's off again to Ireland! Take care Lizelle and enjoy the week!
Thank you Lizelle! It was such a fun trip. We ate in the cafe that Leonard Cohen used to hang out in! I hope you're enjoying your week.
Wow, really beautiful photos. Thanks Eric for the really great photos. You have got me there just by looking at the photos. Happy holiday, have a nice day.
Thank you Eliana! I'm so glad you enjoyed them. I hope you have a wonderful week!
I myself am very fond of going on a trip like this and I also go out to a beautiful place every day and post pictures here. Will also make a post about all these places are looking very beautiful especially the way we see the artist has worked hard to create beautiful paintings on the walls in such a way that because of this, the roads and neighborhoods that are there look beautiful. Street food and street art always best.
Sharing this kind of experience makes it even better. Thanks!
Most welcome dear.
Looks like you're having a great time in Montreal! Exploring the Plateau area, enjoying the shops, bars and restaurants, and even discovering the transformation of Griffintown is certainly an extraordinary adventure. The city's mix of historical and futuristic elements is eye-catching, and art installations add a unique touch to the experience. Continue to enjoy urban exploration and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere! Your active days are sure to give you great memories and helpful steps on your Apple Watch.🚶♂️
Thank you!
Une tres belle ville. … Ok, I need to get back to Montreal now. It looks wonderful. I love Old Montreal and don’t think I have ever visited the Plateau.
The Plateau area is really nice. Having been here a few times before I think I prefer this neighborhood to staying in Old Port. It's not a touristy and there's definitely more of a local vibe.
Wow!!! I am happy to see my city from your eyes. It gives me a new appreciation of it. I really take it for granted sometimes.
The first photo with the Leonard Cohen mural is literally one block down from my apartment and when I step outside I can see it from the front door.
It would have been cool to run into you and say hello.
Nice photos. Thanks for sharing this.
Have you always lived in Montreal? What a small world it is that you live so close! You're welcome. We're here a majority of the day tomorrow if you'd like to meet us for lunch.
It's an absolute honour to have your invitation, however we crawl out of bed at the average persons lunch.
I will have to pass but I thank you for the invite and I look forward to you sharing some more of your experience here in Montreal.
I have lived in Montreal for a total of 14 years with a gap in between. Most of my life in Ontario between Toronto and Niagara.I still feel like a tourist in Montreal sometimes. We usually don't venture far from the plateau. It's our favourite place to be. We also work near by in a restaurant. Convenience is perfect for us.
Enjoy your stay!!!
No worries at all, Carolyn! We ended up eating at Darling Cafe, just a few doors down from our Airbnb. Their veg cheeseburger was the best I've ever tried.
Oh nice! So you're very familiar with Canada. You wouldn't ever have to leave Plateau! Everything you need is right there. Thanks!
Darlings is always busy but I've never been. Next door is a Cafe where Leonard Cohen used to have a fruit salad. We saw him there when he was alive and in town. His old house was across the street from there. We met him at the park by his house.
I am so familiar with Canada since I've been here since the age of four. I wish my Canadian father would have left my mother and I in Thailand. Over all I would like to leave Canada and never come back but I can't. In the meantime the Plateau serves me enough.
Enjoy your time Eric!
How cool is the second picture, I love it, Montreal looks like a very colorful and interesting place, you walked a lot haha