Montréal Neighborhoods

Today I used the Metro (subway) and bus to get a little further out to see some of the neighborhoods of Montréal. I started at the Marché Jean-Talon in the Little Italy area, having a breakfast of coffee, pastry and people-watching.

All the produce looked so vibrant and fresh

Then I walked around the residential area of Outremont to see older, historic homes.

I took a bus up to Parc du Mont-Royal and walked some of the paths there. It was another beautiful day.

Mount Royal Cross

City views from Mount Royal Park

Capped the day off with a plate of poutine and a beer, which tasted amazing after so much time on my feet.

Even the fire stations are beautiful.

Bonjour de Montréal

Today was a lovely afternoon in downtown Montréal, partly sunny with a comfortable, crisp fall air. After sleeping late due to a post-3:00 a.m. arrival, I spent my first afternoon here walking around.

I’m staying in the Chinatown area of downtown.

The travel guides I’ve read all point to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal as the must-see attraction. It was stunning. When I first walked inside, I felt a little involuntary gasp. My camera photos don’t come close to capturing the vibrant colors and intricate details.

All along the sides of the building, on three stories, are stained glass scenes such as this one, depicting religious and local historical themes.

I walked down to the waterfront area (the St. Lawrence River), walked around Vieux-Montréal (old town), checked out the Place Jacques-Cartier, an old town square area, and had an early dinner.

Seems like every major city has a big waterfront Ferris wheel these days. No, I didn’t go for a ride.

The fall colors are starting to show nicely.

My plans: I’ll be here until mid-day Monday. Then I will be staying outside a small town called Eastman a little over an hour southeast of here for the week.