(UPDATED with more recs from my additional trip in December of 2019)
Canada, you’re like the guy who’s always been there, always waiting for their chance to show me how amazing you are. I’ve traveled to so many places, lived in Chicago my whole life, a place that is so close to you and somehow never made it a point to visit you. I’m sorrey and ashamed that 43 countries later I finally saw why everyone raves about you, especially your locals. Canada, I loved everything about you; Montreal looking and feeling like I was back in Europe (which we all know how much I love Europe and wish I could live there) and Toronto, feeling like I was in Chicago. The best of both wrapped into one.
One thing I’ve picked up while traveling is that “Canada Nice” is a real thing (as I write this next to two Canadians who I’ve been traveling with in Chile). Canadians are the reason why I finally told myself that during this Girl Takes Mundo adventure, Canada was a must! And who better to show me their city than a local. In Montreal, Elise who I met in Montenegro took me on the tastiest tour of Montreal while visiting the various eclectic neighborhoods. In Toronto, my awesome host was Neil who I met in Prague who managed to make me feel like a VIP at every place we went.
In the 10 days that I spent in Canada I managed to explore quite a bit while still being able to relax. Consider this my Travel Public Service Announcement; while you want to maximize on your time in a city, burning yourself out will leave you like you need a vacation once your vacation is over. Below you will see the places I went to in both Montreal and Toronto and for everything I did. I could have easily burned out but during this Girl Takes Mundo trip I have learned to allow myself naps, rest breaks etc. Not just in Canada but other cities as well. It makes the time you are out exploring less draining and allow you to really enjoy yourself in a city. This was the case for Canada.
Being oot and aboot in a city and seeing it from the eyes of a local is hands down the best way to really dive into a city. No guide book, google search or tour can show you a city quite how a local can so I know that my experience in Canada was extra special thanks to the awesome tips I got from friends who I’ve made while traveling who I couldn’t hang out with while I was in Canada but more importantly thanks to Elise and Neil. Thank you for the sights, tastes and memories aye!
Canada I’m not sorrey to admit that I’m crushing on you hard.
Montreal
Visit
- Walk around Le Plateau neighborhood
- Explore the mile end neighborhood
- Explore Old Montreal
- Visit Habitat 67
- Visit Le Village on Main Street (gay area with tons of night life.)
Do
- Walk along Lachine Canal
- Hike Mont Royal and check out the cross
- Grab a bloody at a bar (Bloody’s are a thing in Canada)
- Check out a social dance club in Le Petite Patrie
- Check out the nightly events at Gardins Gamelin (events may only be in the summer)
- Check out Village Au Pied du Courant
Eat + Drink
- Drink in Brasserie McAuslan and enjoy the outdoor patio area
- Lunch at Santropol Café
- Grab a bagel at St. Viature Bagel
- Lunch at Crew Collective Cafe (co-working space) near old Montreal
- La Banquis for poutin
- Eat at Maison Indian Curry House (byob)
(Tip: Do yourself a favor and purchase a seven day public transportation pass in Montreal. It’s the best way to really cover the city without having to walk everywhere.)
Toronto
Visit
- Check out the night scene in The Village
- Go out in the Osington neighborhood
- Exploring Queen Street West
- Visit the Distillery District
Do
- Visit AGO AKA the Art Galary of Ontario (Not only will the art impress you but the architecture itself will really blow you away.)
- Get a brewery tour of Steam Whistle (beers included)
- Check out CN Tower
- Visit the Canadian National Exhibit (Believe this was a seasonal thing)
- Nature walk at Cliffs in Scarborough
- Check out St. Lawrence Market
- Stroll around Kensington Market and grab lunch in one of the many restaurants
- Visit Trinity Bellwoods Park
Eat + Drink
- Tim bit snacks at Tim Thorntons
- Grab dinner and drinks at El Catrin in the Distillery District
- Mac and cheese lunch at Bobbie Sue Mac + Cheese
- Lunch at Messini Authentic Gyros in Danfourth (highly recommend their Greek fries)
- Dim Sum dinner in Toronto’s Chinatown
- Head to Trattoria Nervosa for delicious Italian cuisine
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