I grew up there. I left at 20 and travelled the world a little bit and met Mister Mister and went abroad again to do my Master's.
And I never moved back. One day I hope to.
In the meantime, it's only 2 hours from Ottawa (less if I'm driving), and it's still, hands down, my favorite city anywhere.
(photo, above, via Flickr)
We were just there to change the pace and visit some friends (and, honestly, feast on the most marvelous food anywhere in this part of the world)... and I have some new (eco friendly) favorites to share with you. Just in case you're planning a trip there or at least dreaming of one.
TO SLEEP
An organic bed and breakfast, in the perfect spot in the city, just blocks from everything, but sitting on quiet tree-lined street facing Mount Royal? Housed in a centuries old home, all painted white with lovely wide open rooms and gorgeous architectural details, this place is a real find. You can even use their vegetarian-only kitchen. They only use non toxic cleaners, serve largely organic breakfasts, and have organic rubber mattresses. And they are super family friendly.
TO EAT
Chez Serafim, an all-organic, homemade (down to the pita bread and sauces), meat-friendly Greek restaurant in the heart of Old Montreal facing a Church built in 1648. Living with 2 serious carnivores in Ottawa, we know well the frustrations of not having any organic restaurants options where meat is served. Now Montreal has a very, very, VERY delicious one. Family-friendly, super kind owners who serve breakfast and lunch all day (how convenient), and some of the finest food we've had in a long time.
TO EAT
It's not organic, but it's authentic and it's very, very delicious. La Chilenita is our favorite place to find Chilean empanadas (different than Argentine ones, Venezuelan cheese ones or Colombian ones - all delicious and also available in Montreal). And it's 2 blocks from Casa Bianca (see above).
152 rue Napoléon, Montréal, QC H2W 1K8
TO RIDE
After all that delicious food, Montreal makes it easy to get around the city on your own two legs. Replacing scores of parking spaces with lines of rental bikes, the city is adopting one of the most wonderful things about Amsterdam. It's now very easy to jump on and jump off a great bike all over the city. Now that's a great use of parking spaces, isn't it?
Jen,
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute little B&B. We will have to check it out next time we aare in town.
Have you ever been to La grande Ourse? It's a childrens/wool store. And I know that Montreal has so much more then shopping to offer, but you may loose your breath when you walk in :)
Hi Anne!
ReplyDeleteYes - we always go there. It's actually only a 10 minute walk from that b&b, and close to everything. LOVE that store!
What a lovely post! One can really see how much you love Montreal - and, as you describe it, it seems like the city I often imagine!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to visit it!
It's also wonderful to see Montreal has the same bike system I saw in Paris - people get to work using the nearest bike (from a bike parking), drop it off near a parking at the metro station, ride the metro, get off, use another bike... I found it perfect!
Thanks for sharing! :)