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Want to experience the culture of the old-world without the jetlag of a trans-Atlantic crossing? Québec in Canada may have British royals on its currency, but it retains much of the French influences and culture of its founders. Residents of Québec proudly guard their heritage, including their language. Montreal is the city at the heart of Québec and is well worth visiting.
A French speaking city
Though Québec is officially bilingual, meaning that all signs feature both English and French, you will find more people default to speaking French rather than English. So brush up on a few key phrases, including “Pardon. Parlez-vous anglais?” Politely asking if someone can speak English in their preferred language will get you a lot farther than loudly asking in English if they know English.
Where to Stay in Montreal
At the top of the list is the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, located in the heart of the city. This hotel marries classic elegance with a focus on sustainable tourism and includes charging stations for electric vehicles. Visitors can dine at the posh Beaver Club and feast on its roast prime rib of beef au jus, among other luxurious dishes.
The rooms at the Ritz Carlton Montréal, as explained on RizMontreal.com, feature gorgeous marble bathrooms and full-sized parlors. In keeping with the French flavor of Montréal, visitors can dine in Parisian splendor at the Cafe’ de Paris and the LeJardin du Ritz.
Place d’Armes Hotel includes three 19th century heritage buildings, with a mix of architecture spanning a trio of centuries. The hotel has 83 rooms and 52 suites, and these include five roomy penthouses and six balcony studios with private terraces.
Art from five continents is placed throughout the Hotel Le St-James. It has an Old World feel with its 19th-century sculptures and moldings. Special pampering can be found at Le Spa, including a Moroccan mud-based body wrap.
Hotel Le Crystal features suites with spa-style bathrooms and hypo-allergenic duvets. Each suite has a separate sitting area complete with a work desk, flat screen television set, a sofa bed and Wi-Fi. A guest at the Hotel Le Crystal could keep busy without leaving the premises, with the hotel’s haute cuisine restaurant, urban spa, gym equipment, indoor saltwater pool and sauna as mentioned on their website.
What to do in Montreal
There are lots of things to do in Montreal but the unique French Canadian culture is sure to take up much of your time.
Dine
Montréal has a rich culinary culture. It would be a crime to eat fast food or room service when you could be enjoying artisan chocolates, fresh croissants and other epicurean delights. If you’ve never experienced it, do try poutine – a traditional fast food dish comprised of french fries, gravy, and cheese curds that is unique to Québec. Plenty of places will probably claim to have invented it or have the best poutine around. As long as you get it from a local diner and not the mass-produced chain version, you’ll be alright.
Stop by the Casino de Montréal
Located on the Ile Notre-Dame, this architectural wonder is the largest casino in Québec. Modern and luxe despite being in the middle of renovations, the casino is always open, according to casinodeMontréalsedevoile.com. Before you hit the tables, be sure you know the rules of the round. Far from the gaudy casinos of Vegas and Atlantic city, this is a posh palace that will make you feel like you’re on top of the world. If you’re not interested in the gaming, they’ve got four restaurants and plenty of other entertainment to keep you busy.
Wander through the Old City
Make time to explore Montréal – on foot or via public transportation. The STM.info website provides tourist-friendly instructions and maps. Wander the streets to take in the breathtaking old world architecture and be sure to see the interior of the Notre Dame Basilica.
Have you visited Montreal? Let us know your recommendations in the comments below.
