Quebec City and Montreal, Canada

Bonjour! Merci! Thank god for Google Translate or I would still be trying to figure out how to read French signs and menus. Did you know on the Google Translate app you can hold your phone camera above whatever you need to be translated and it magically appears in English! (Really showing my inner grandma with comments like that). But in all honesty the people of Quebec City and Montreal, though French is the predominant language everywhere, are very kind to us English speakers who end up totally butchering their language. It’s the thought that counts, right? Until you say Bonjour with just enough of an accent that they actually think you speak fluent French and things go down hill very quickly. Deer in the headlights anyone?

Ok enough of how amazing Google Translate is (unless someone from Google is reading this and wants me to be the spokesperson for Google Translate 😂 ), lets talk about Quebec City and Montreal. If you ever get the chance to visit these two incredible cities, you need to visit in Late September or Early October as I have never seen trees so beautiful. All the maples are mixed in with different pine trees, creating this absolute spectacular array of colors that no pictures will do justice. I don’t think I’ve ever said the word “wow” more than the last few days. Everywhere you looked just reds, oranges, yellows, pinks and greens. An absolute must see.

I traveled with my mother, which she may be one of my favorite travel buddies. Travel with your parents if you can! Lots of memories made. Plus she was able to rent a car for us since I can’t (why it’s 25 years to rent a car I do not know). After a stressful and tiring travel day, we finally arrived in Montreal at a lovely 3 am and immediately sought out a bed.

Heading out the next morning to Quebec City, we had no idea what was coming for us 3 hours away. (Side note: Would recommend taking the north route to Quebec City as a lot more scenic than the south route). Quebec City may be one of the cleanest, calmest cities I have ever been to. Saturday was garbage day in the city, and that was the only time I saw any trash. And it was in a bag or in a tin! It feels like you are walking through a small french village. Beautiful old buildings with cobblestone streets and sidewalks filled with quaint restaurants and shops. One of the most picturesque places I’ve seen in a long time. If you have the ability to splurge a little, the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is a must to either stay or at least walk through. There is so much history there and the basement was one of my favorite parts as it was filled with artifacts from different points in history. Fun Fact: It’s the most photographed hotel in the entire world. To continue the splurging, you need to go to Le Continental. It really highlights why french cooking is where most chefs start off. Everything is all about building flavor on top of flavor. Best seafood I probably have ever had.

One of the days while up in Quebec City, my mom and I took a day trip to Montmorency Falls and Ile de Orleans. Montmorency Falls are these huge falls that just come out of nowhere along the highway and flow into the Saint Laurent River. The suspension bridge offers a great view from top to bottom of the falls. Ile de Orleans ended up being an unexpected gem. Located just north of Quebec City, and running 20 miles from the north to south point, Ile de Orleans is a whimsical island that gives off a small french town and Martha’s Vineyard combo. You have these cottages right along the river, that are never more than 2 stories and fairly small in size, playing up the humbleness of the region. Nothing is flashy and everything is well maintained. Not one house looked run down, had old pickup cars laying in their front/back yard, or had a yard that needed some assistance. Definitely can not be said about driving through America. It’s an incredibly peaceful and scenic drive, and one I’d definitely recommend.

After saying goodbye to the lovely Quebec City, we made our way back south to Montreal. Montreal is definitely more city like than Quebec City. You get the grunginess, the smells, the noises and just typical city experiences. Old Montreal was fun to walk through as that is where many of the shops and restaurants are at but overall was just kind of ok with the city. It would’ve been interesting to see my opinion on it if we had visited before going to Quebec City. It was like a complete 180. I would 100% go back to Quebec City but could go without Montreal. Though both make a great long weekend destination in my opinion. So while I am happy to be back in my own bed and sad that the trip is over, you already know that I am planning my next trip. Just need to figure out where to next. And a Happy belated Thanksgiving to everyone in Canada!

Jusqu’a la prochaine fois, The Library Abroad