A Weekend in Old Montreal

Photo taken from Notre Dame Basilica

History and Culture

Montreal is located in Quebec, Canada, along the St. Lawrence River. The region was founded by French settlers in 1642 as Fort Ville-Marie, later referred to as New France. King Louis XIV of France took over the colony and gave the settlers the island of Montreal. The construction of the Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Cathedral was overseen by Bishop Maurice de Sully and King Louis VII in 1163, with additions and restorations still continuing. The Notre-Dame Basilica we see today was completed in 1865. Four architects were credited: James O-Donnell, Victor Bourgeau, John Ostell, and Francois Baillairge.

Canada became a British colony in 1763, after the Seven Years War. Old Montreal was plagued by several fires which destroyed in total nearly half of the city's buildings. The oldest public monument, Nelson's Column was erected in 1809, became part of the new market square, called Marche Neuf, which is now called the Place Jacques-Cartier. Adjacent to the Place Jacques-Cartier is the Rue Saint-Amable lined with red bougainvillea and elegant archways. The largest building at Place Jacques-Cartier in Old Montreal in Montreal City Hall, reflecting the Second Empire style of French heritage. There is also an Inuit Art Gallery featuring the largest collection in North America. We listened to the street performers while having drinks and appetizers at Trattoria Gio. This area hosts an array of local artists, musicians, and restaurants.

Tourist Attractions

Just on the other side of Rue Commune is the Port of Montreal, docking site of several cruise liners. There are many art sculptures along the port and throughout Montreal. Below are photos of the Hydrospheres, by Linda Covit, as a tribute to the St Lawrence River and The Leurs Effigies, by Yann Pocreau as a tribute to three founders of Montreal - Jeanne Mance, Marguerite Bourgeoys et Marguerite d'Youvilles, symbolizing the contribution of religious communities to the city. Across the St. Lawrence river in the distance is Habitat 67, designed by Moshe Safdie, known for it stacked concrete units.

The Place des Arts and Underground Mall

Across the street from the hotel is the entrance to the underground city. You will follow a series of pedestrian walkways that will eventually lead you to shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Follow the signs for The Place des Arts. It is a good 20-30min walk, so if you want to wear heels for the Orchestra, bring sneakers.

Travel and Accomodations

Montreal from Delaware is about an 8hr drive. Pack a brunch for the road trip, as there are not many places to eat along the route. If you have time, plan to stop at Lake Placid, in upstate New York. Driving in cities and heavy traffic gives me a lot of anxiety, but getting to the hotel in Old Montreal was easy. Once we arrived at the hotel, handed the keys over for valet parking and began to unwind. From there, everything was walking distance from the hotel.

I chose to stay at the Hotel Place d'Armes because of its location, restaurants, the hammam and spa. We stayed in a suite with full shower and bathtub, complete with a sitting area and a view overlooking the city.

Place Hotel d'Armes

The hotel has three restaurants: Brasserie 701, Kyo Bar Japonais, and Terrasse Place d'Armes. All three restaurants provided very high quality meals worthy of the price.

Kyo Bar Japonais

Brasserie 701

Terrasse Place d'Armes

Considerations

Both the Bonsecours Market (not pictured) and City Hall were closed on the weekends. So check beforehand the operational hours of any venues. We traveled in October and the weather was in the 70s. Make sure you have an international cell phone or else you will lose connection after you pass the Canadian border towers. You will need reservations for the restaurants. Driving home, we hit a lot of traffic just past Albany, so getting home took over 12hrs.

Cost

Two nights at the hotel, valet, spa/hammam, restaurants, Basilica entrance, and gas cost us approximately $2,800

About

We decided to go to Montreal for our anniversary. Given work and the kids, it was a quick weekend getaway. There is plenty to do for couples and a lot of family friendly activites. There is a robust night life and a light show at the Basilica.