I’ve always wanted to visit Canada, especially since we moved to Massachusetts and I realized Montreal was only a 5-6 hour drive from our home. A gorgeously scenic drive, at that!
It was fantastic to see the Montreal skyline as we crossed a bridge into the city!
I’ve already written about the HUGE hit the Biodome was with our family. It was also our most expensive outing in Montreal – all the rest were free!
We wandered through the Old Town, admiring all of the old buildings.
One thing that surprised me about Montreal: the lack of bakeries and grocery stores in the center of town! They are much more frequent as you move away from the town center.
I was especially fond of this staircase with the ivy.
Meeting Jaimie was definitely a highlight of the trip for me! We were (at my suggestion) going to visit the Musee des Beaux-Arts (free except for special exhibits), but most of the museum was closed for renovations. The kids were NOT amused:
So we left, and went to a park instead. Where the kids chased pigeons,
Jumped,
And admired flowers, while we talked (and occasionally chased children). Perfect.
What have I learned from my travels with small children so far? Be flexible, go at their pace, and stick with kid-friendly attractions. Maybe sitting in a park wasn’t what I envisioned for the day, but it was certainly a good way to experience a taste of what it would be like to live in Montreal with our little ones – and a memory they treasure!
Exploring Geography is a showcases cities, states, and countries in a child-friendly manner. Please email mamasmilesblog at gmail dot com if you are interested in contributing a guest post.
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
Love this field trip! Looks like so much fun! I shared a link to this post on our blog today!!! http://theeducatorsspinonit.blogspot.com/2011/12/afterschool-express-field-trips.html
It was fun to see your photos! I don’t know much about Montreal. So long as the kids have fun, it’s always a success. :)
What a fun trip! I’ve always loved to travel, but have learned that it is a very different game with young children! Still, they seem to love it too, when they get a chance to take in the world at the rate pace. ;) I’m so glad you guys were able to relax at the park! Sounds like a blast!
Best advise ever: Being flexible when traveling with children! Children learn so much from getting out and exploring the world. But we adults must be flexible. :)
We visited the Canadian Rockies: gorgeous, breath-taking!
That would be stunning! Maybe we’ll make it there someday =)
It sounds like you guys had a lot of fun. You definitely need to come to Silicon Valley one of these days :) My least favorite memory of Montreal – ending up there on a business trip with my wallet stolen in the airport. Imagine being in a different country with no money.
I am hoping to make it out to Silicon Valley sometime – maybe next year if I’m REALLY lucky?
Being in a different country would not be fun. One of my sisters is living in China, and last week she had her diaper bag stolen. With their only set of apartment keys, US driver’s license, money, camera…
it looks gorgeous! I love downtowns and being able to see all of the old buildings mixed in with the new.
It’s a beautiful city.
What a fun trip. I visited Canada a few times as a child and would like to go there with my family. Just curious: how was the border crossing? I remember it being really laid back when I was little, but I doubt that’s the case any more.
It wasn’t bad when we were there. Roll down the windows so they can see everyone, hand over passports (birth certificates are fine for kids, at least kids as young as ours). I’m sure they search cars sometimes.
So glad you had such a great time in Montreal! Also great that you recognized your kids needed a change of scenery. Chasing pigeons sounds like fun!
They sure loved it!
Lovely photos, and I think my favourite was the “NOT amused” one. LOL! Glad you had such a fantastic holiday!
Isn’t that picture hilarious?
I’m so glad you guys enjoyed Montreal! I was also so happy to meet you in person! I’m laughing at the Musee photo because Bojey just said to me the other day “Can you take me to a DIFFERENT museum one day?” Haaaaaaaaaahahaha!
I love the photo of the skyline. I must say that after three years of living here, that sight actually feels like home to me. I never thought I’d say that about living in a city :).
Too funny! I wish more of the museum had actually been open!
It’s a beautiful skyline – and good to hear it now feels like home for you!
I love love love your global posts!
We have traveled a ton…but not out of the US…maybe someday?!
Canada was a lot of fun!
I see you in the side mirror!
Yep =)