Date: Monday, September 13, 2026 (Number of Steps according to Apple Health – 7,260)
Note: Only marginal proof reading so likely lots of errors. Janet has taken of the role of proof reader so I’ll have them fixed eventually.
Adam and Chris are home in Halifax. Drew and I remain in Montreal. Little changes with the start each day for me; poached eggs around 5:00 am and back to bed to read or write with some soft music in the background. As with most mornings, it is normal to fall back to sleep.
Our plan today starts with a city bus tour. I find these to be a great way to get to know a new city. I book the 11:00 am departure from Dorchester Square.
But before then, we found a quaint diner close to the departure point with wonderful breakfast choices. Neither Drew or I can remember the name. The meal we had was thin sliced roast potatoes with cheese loaded omelet on top and hollandaise sauce. I did a reduced size and could eat it all but it was delicious. We should have taken a picture. Darn!
Below is a list of the highlights of the tour. Our guide was knowledgeable and the driver was comical. They were a great team.
- Old Montreal
- Olympic Stadium
- Mount Royal Park Lookout
- St. Joseph’s Oratory
- Montreal Harbour
- Bonsecours Market Building
- Place Jacques Cartier
- Notre Dame Basilica
- City Hall
- Place Ville Marie
- Place des Arts
- Fine Arts Museum
- Habitat 67
- Saint Helen’s Island
- Our Lady Queen of the World Cathedral
- Golden Square Mile
- McGill University
- Chinatown
- The Universite de Montreal
Both Drew and I learned a lot about Montreal in a very short space of time. We passed sites we’d already seen but it was nice to understand more about the history. For example, the colour of the brick sidewalk in front of Notre Dame Basilica has a defined colour change. That is the border of an earlier version of the church.
One location which really caught my attention was a hotel in Old Montreal called Auberge du Vieux-Port. I’d love to stay there sometime in the future. It will have to keep until my pockets are a little deeper, I win the lottery, or a long-lost family member shows up with handfuls of cash.
A second location was the Olympic Museum. I think it looks fascinating. There is a statue in front that holds the name of every athlete who has ever won a medal from the beginning in 1896; a year which is interesting because Canada did not participate until the second Olympics and won its first medal in 1906.
I would also like to see the interior of Notre Dame Basilica which looks remarkable in pictures. It is not open to the public but runs a show you can pay to attend and at one point a wall is opened so you get a look inside. Only parishioners are able to attend Mass.
The tour lasted 3.5 hours and both Drew and I were getting tired during the last half hour. The guide and driver were gracious and dropped us off within a short walk of our AirBnB.
On the tour, we passed Saint Paul Street West in Old Montreal. It is a narrow, winding street loaded with restaurants. I wished to head there for supper. Drew picked a Mexican Restaurant called Escondite Vieux Port and made a 7:00 pm reservation. It is just a few blocks down from Notre Dame Basilica. The colourful walls decorated are with sugar skulls, luchadors, cacti and other images from the home region which all transport you to the streets of Mexico.
Escondite has become a recognizable brand due to everything from the Mexican pop culture references that adorn the walls as well as the
stylized menu filled with delicious food and drink options.
As it turned out, Rochelle Douris was in Montreal and the plan to was meet her, Jessie (Jade’s brother), and Elena (a niece) for dinner. Jessie decided he was too tired and stayed home, It was great catching up with Rochelle and updating her on the state of my health. I’m not sure how wise this was giving we were about to eat.
We had so many laughs and the food was terrific. The signature drinks were particularly enjoyable and I had two delicious Margaritas.
Rochelle and Elena headed out around 8:30, and kudos to Rochelle as she snuck up and took care of the bill. Drew and I took an Uber back to the AirBnB.
It was a full day and we shut ‘er down soon after.
As always, I thank you for being a support pillar and keeping me motivated to keep up a good fight. This Road Trip is proving to be engaging and I’m creating wonderful memories I will take to my grave. Moments like this are just so wonderful.
Kudos to my wife for supporting me to make this trip, my offspring for cheering me on, my friends for sending lots of suggestions on things I should do, and all those from different parts of the globe who keep giving me the thumbs up!
Peace, Love, and Laughter
Phil XOXO
2 Replies to “Pilgrimage/Road Trip – Day 4”
Hey Phil, so glad you’re enjoying Montreal. My family is originally from there. My mother’s side from Verdun and my father from the north end by the old Jarry Park (since taken down) where the Expos first started. I have been there so many times that I can easily get around via the Metro. I know where all of these places are and I wish I was there to tour with you. I remember a few juicy stories from Old Montreal I could impart. Anita and I are really enjoying reading The Road Trip. It almost feels like we are there. Keep up the fun. Cheers my friend.
I wish you were here too my friend.