November in Montreal, Quebec, Canada
November in Canada!
In November, we hit the road for a journey from Toronto to Quebec.
Kingston and Montreal
Our first stop on the way to Quebec was Kingston, a quaint city known for its historic buildings and waterfront views. We didn’t spend too much time here, but it was the perfect place for a quick break before heading further into Quebec. We grabbed a coffee and took a stroll along the Kingston waterfront, which was peaceful and picturesque.
After Kingston, we continued our drive to Montreal, a city known for its European charm. The city’s energy was contagious, with people out and about, enjoying the early winter air. The first stop was Mont Royal Park, where we hiked up to the summit and were rewarded with sweeping views of the city. We took in the crisp autumn air and the sight of downtown Montreal nestled below.
We also wandered over to McGill University, which was one of the Universities that I had considered in my SEP application process. The old buildings and sprawling campus made for a nice walk.
We also visited the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, a beautiful church that gave us a peaceful moment of reflection.
We spent the rest of the day walking around the city, stopping at quaint shops and cafes. Montreal has this special blend of European and North American influences, and it was fun to just get lost in the streets. We also took an evening walk in the nearby Parc Jarry. We also had poutine at Casse-Croûte MangeDansMonHood, one of the best poutine places in Montreal (and possibly the best we’d had), and QDC burger.
Quebec City
Next, we drove to Quebec City, a place that felt like stepping back in time. Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s easy to see why. We wandered through narrow cobblestone streets, past charming boutiques and historic buildings. The old town had such a magical feel, especially as the evening light cast a golden glow on the Château Frontenac, one of the most iconic landmarks in Quebec.
One of the highlights in Quebec was visiting the Plains of Abraham, the site of a historic battle between the French and the British. We walked around the park, taking in the views of the St. Lawrence River. It was incredibly peaceful, and the fall colors added to the beauty of the place.
Later that evening, we went to a jazz bar, (Bar Ste-Angèle) which had a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The music was fantastic, and it felt like the perfect way to end our day in Quebec.
Parc Omega and Ottawa
On our way back, we made a fun detour to Parc Omega, a wildlife park located in the heart of nature. Here, we had the chance to see a variety of Canadian animals, like elk, bison, and even wolves. It was great to get up close to these majestic creatures, and the park itself was beautiful, especially as the landscape began to change with the approach of winter.
After Parc Omega, we drove through Ottawa, Canada’s capital. We stopped to see the iconic Parliament House, with its stunning architecture and the famous Peace Tower. The area around Parliament Hill is really impressive, and we spent some time walking around the grounds, taking in the sight of the massive buildings and the Rideau Canal in the background.
Wrapping Up the Trip
Finally, before returning our rental car, we made one last stop at a car wash. It felt like a fitting end to our road trip—giving the car a good scrub before we returned it and ended our adventure.
Our road trip made for a great reading week trip! Until next time, Quebec!