Earlier in the month I listed out some of the things we were considering doing in Montreal. It's time for the big reveal on what we actually did while abroad.
The Hotel
We stayed at the Hilton Bonaventure in downtown Montreal. The hotel has a rooftop heated pool that is open year round. Did we go swimming? Um--yes! We went swimming twice during our visit! I wore a winter hat to keep my ears warm while in the water. Hubs went underwater and then proceeded to style his hair in ridiculous ways that would freeze in place in a matter of minutes.
I know it looks a little frigid, but it was really warm and totally fun to be in a heated pool outside in the middle of January.
Added bonus? The receptionist told us our hotel room overlooked the beautiful St. Lawrence River. We both smiled at each other...like we haven't seen that before...
What our "view" of the St. Lawrence River looked like:
Notice all the train tracks? Let's just say that hubs thought the view was fantastic.
In reflecting on our hotel choice, I'm still quite amazed that a story that our high school teacher told us left such an impression that we sought out this hotel to experience it ourselves. We had a great time and we give the hotel two thumbs up. We'll definitely be returning.
The Underground City
Our hotel was connected to the underground tunnel system in Montreal. This means we were able to walk almost everywhere we went without going outside. This was ideal for us given that the weather was near 0 degrees Fahrenheit during our visit....Brrrrr!
Upon arrival at the hotel we asked for 2 maps from the concierge: a map of the streets above ground, and a map of the metro station and tunnels underground. We used my laptop to do some research on where things were located, plotted them on our maps from the concierge and packed up for a tunnel adventure. Hubs also plotted locations on an app on his phone that he could use without roaming on Canadian cell towers.
At first we were a little confused. The tunnels were BUSY because it was rush hour and we clearly had no idea where we were going. We walked in a couple of circles before deciding to go back to the hotel to rethink our strategy. During one of the circles we found the indoor ice rink. We didn't end up going skating this trip, but here is what it looked like:
We also stumbled upon a Jean Coutu. If you grew up watching Canadian teleivision and listening to Canadian radio advertisements like we did you'll get the jingle to the tune of Mozart's A Little Night Music stuck in your head immediately.
If you didn't grow up watching or listening to Canadian TV and Radio, this will make no sense to you.
Our second attempt navigating the tunnels was successful. Hubs is an excellent navigator. He basically kept his finger on the map the entire time we were navigating and we made it from building to building underground very easily!
We navigated the tunnel from our hotel to Sainte Catherine Street (big shopping street). We then walked outside to a few shops until we found our restaurant.
Here are some secrets for the tunnel system:
1. Keep walking past the metro station. You'll see turnstiles and trains but don't let them scare you away...keep walking through the sections that aren't closed off with turnstiles.
2. You may find yourself going up an escalator and toward frigid air (making you think you are headed for an exit). Keep on going even if the air is cool for a minute. It means you are near an exit to the street. Even after you ride an escalator up to street level, there will be a way back down to the tunnel nearby.
3. Don't be afraid to stop and look at a map. Some friendly guy will start speaking to you in French and after you stare at him for a dumb founded second and say "ummm" he will proceed to ask you in English, "Are you lost/Can I help you?" Such friendly natives!
Anniversary Dinner
Have you ever been to a Brazilian Steakhouse? The concept was recently introduced to us by friends and we just had to check it out. We ate SO. MUCH. FOOD. at Le Milsa and it was delicous!
Basically, you pay once price (expensive) for an all you can eat experience. Each person has a card at their place setting that has a red side and a green side. You leave the green side facing up to indicate that you are hungry and that you want more food. You put the red side face up to indicate that you need a pause or that you are finished eating.
The restaurant cooks up 10 different kinds of meats and travels from table to table to ask you if you would like some. We tried so many things. It was so good!
Geocaching
One of the geocaches Hubs planned was right next to Le Milsa. We bundled up after dinner and set out to find it. It was so cold outside! I felt like my legs were freezing if I wasn't moving.
We walked around a bit and then paused. I said to hubs, "I bet it is right there" and pointed to a space on a fence. Sure enough, there it was. Hubs was brave enough to take his gloves off to try to sign the log. We then proceeded to find a warm store front to go inside to defrost.
Unfortunately, none of the other geocaches panned out this trip. We normally use our cell phones to cache and that made it challenging in Canada because we didn't want to roam the Canadian towers with our cell phones. Hubs was relying on a separate map application that he downloaded to help him find the caches. I think a mixture of the cold temperatures and the failing technology just made this a no go this time around.
Drinking
We navigated to Crescent Street and "hydrated." It was a good time!
Shopping
We did lots of window shopping at shops on Sainte Catherine Street and also in malls we crossed throughout the underground tunnels. We didn't buy anything of significance but it was nice to window shop and be warm!
Imax Movie
While we were sitting there among many children and young families I couldn't help but think of the Modern Family episode Our Children, Ourselves where Claire and Phil are so excited to watch a 3d children's movie together. This is so us.
Notre Dame Light Show
Old Montreal is very beautiful. We will definitely be returning when the weather is warmer and we can explore the streets more freely.
The light show experience was not what Hubs and I were expecting. Upon entering the church we were given a headset to listen along in English. I was so confused, I kept saying, "Why do I need a headset? Isn't this a light show?"
The first 10-15 minutes of the light show was basically a movie about the history of the church and how the structure was built in Montreal. The acting was so ridicoulous that Hubs and I were smirking at each other throughout. An actor "died" and his head dropped to his shoulders in the most ridiculous way.
I was almost uncomfortable enough to get ready to get up and leave, when finally....a "light" show began.
The projected screens dropped and the narrative followed different lighting schemes to show off the interior of the church. Organ music (though not live) accompanied this part of the show.
Overall, the church is quite beautiful. It is definitely not as beautiful or impressive as the Notre Dame in France but I am glad we checked it out nonetheless.
Van Houtte
We walked by many Van Houtte bistros during our visit. Sunday morning we finally stopped at one to taste the coffee. It was delicious, as expected.
There you have it - a quick summary of our Montreal get-away! Such fun!!!
You guys are too cute. I'm glad to hear you had a blast. This just makes me want to go to Montreal more!
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