2025-08-01T20:44:22Z
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I spent 24 hours in Montreal in August 2022.
It was my first time visiting the French-Canadian metropolis, and I used to be stunned by the structure.
I did not anticipate my journey to Canada to really feel like a European journey.
After a 10-hour practice trip, two hours on a bus, and one other 5 hours on the rails, I lastly made it from my house in NYC to Montreal, the most important metropolis in Canada’s japanese province of Quebec.The journey was lengthy, however the journey was brief. Though I solely spent 24 hours within the metropolis, my single day in Montreal was full of surprises.
The very first thing that shocked me about Montreal was how a lot inexperienced area I noticed, even in essentially the most city areas.
A view of Montreal from the highest of Mount Royal.
Joey Hadden/Enterprise Insider
Montreal is house to greater than 1,495 parks, in keeping with the Authorities of Canada.All through Downtown Montreal, I noticed greenery in each path, from distinctive landscaping on buildings to traces of timber. In between blocks of skyscrapers, I additionally discovered shaded squares to chill off.West of downtown, I additionally loved visiting the plush Mount Royal, a small mountain in the midst of town with 400 stairs resulting in a viewpoint overlooking Montreal.The doorway to the park was a 30-minute uphill stroll from my lodge. Climbing the steps alongside the mountain took me one other half hour.The stroll was tiring, however once I acquired to the highest of Mount Royal, I believed it was completely price it for the all-encompassing views.
I did not anticipate to see such all kinds of structure.
Architectural selection in Montreal.
Joey Hadden/Enterprise Insider
Whereas wandering by way of the downtown space and Outdated Montreal, I observed one other cool factor about this metropolis: the contrasting fashionable and historic architectural kinds, from Artwork Deco to Gothic Revival.Downtown, I additionally noticed historic constructions that stood out subsequent to fashionable skyscrapers, like Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral and the Solar Life Constructing.
I did not anticipate to really feel like I used to be in Europe.
Scenes in Outdated Montreal.
Joey Hadden/Enterprise Insider
Heading east from downtown, I may inform I had reached Outdated Montreal when the streets turned cobblestone, which made me really feel like I used to be in Europe. The stone streets date again to the 1800s, in keeping with the Montreal Gazette. Historic structure added to the European vibe.
I had by no means heard of the Underground Metropolis earlier than my go to.
Contained in the Underground Metropolis.
Joey Hadden/Enterprise Insider
One other space I discovered fascinating was the Underground Metropolis, which is a horizontal constructing full of outlets and passageways that connect with underground metro stations over a 20-mile radius, in keeping with Montreal Tourism.The Underground Metropolis is supposed to save lots of pedestrians from the outside throughout harsh winter months when temperatures drop to 10 levels Fahrenheit. Since I visited on a stupendous day, I discovered it largely empty.
I did not anticipate poutine to style like Thanksgiving dinner.
Poutine at La Banquise.
Joey Hadden/Enterprise Insider
My final cease earlier than leaving Montreal was La Banquise, a poutine restaurant the place I attempted the Canadian delicacy of fries, cheese, and gravy for the primary time.The fries had been crispy and greasy — similar to I like them. I believed the gravy was paying homage to Thanksgiving dinner, and the curds added a novel texture with out including an excessive amount of taste.In a single chew, I may see why this dish was so well-liked and comforting. It was heat, filling, and nostalgic, transporting me again to November.
After I left Montreal, I believed my journey was too brief.
The reporter enjoys her journey to Montreal.
Joey Hadden/Enterprise Insider
On my approach to my subsequent vacation spot, I made a decision I would be again quickly for the structure, the greenery, and naturally, the poutine.
