Montréal

Monday, July 15 - Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Pulling into Montreal we were met by even stronger opposing currents, up to 6 mph! Docking could have been real interesting. Luckily Port D'Escale Marina in Vieux-de Port Montreal or the Old Port of Montreal has a large quay of concrete walls on 3 sides that serves as protection from the river current. Mike successfully placed us into our slip. This island is the heart of historic Montreal! Canada has never felt like a 'foreign' country to me before. After living in Michigan, Canada is like a neighboring state. Sure the currency and use of the metric system is unlike the USA but we still speak the same language, right.... Not in Quebec Province! Lucky for us most people speak some English (sometimes begrudgingly). English is Canada's national language but this part of the country is rich with French influence. Signs and TV stations are in French, no apologies made. Old Montreal is a beautiful city and worth the stop. The architecture is old world, streets are narrow and bricked or cobblestone. After exchanging some U.S. cash to Loonies and Toonies ($1 and $2 dollar coins), we were off to explore!

Approaching Montreal

Montreal's Clock Tower

Six Flags Amusement Park Located Across the River

Vieux-de Port Montréal

Irish Attitude, Tranquil at Dusk

Unusual (but clean) Bathroom Accommodations!

View of Bernard Ave Across From the Marina
Shops and Walks are Reminiscent of Europe

Paul de Chomedey of Maisonneuve
founder of Montreal (Rick and Bob in foreground)

Bank of Montreal

An evening light show inside Notre Dame Basilica tells the history of the settlement of Old Montreal and the quest to build the cathedral. It was extremely warm inside and we all plugged in ear-buds to translate the narration to English. After the show the fabric screens were lifted and we were able to see the beautiful interior.

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
Right Side Catches the Setting Sun

Attached Convent

Beautifully Ornate

Elevated Pulpit

Rick, Margi and I visited the marketplace. Boutiques and art galleries fill this multilevel building. Of course the structure itself is a treasure to behold.

Bonsecours Market (Marché Bonsecours)

Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel (Our Lady of Good Help)

aka The Sailors' Church Seemed an Appropriate Stop

Close Up Details

Inside the 'Sailors' Church'

Typical Architecture Meet Cobblestones Along  Rue Saint Paul

Centre d'histoire de Montréal Was Once Montreal's First Fire Dept.

I Claimed the 1st Moose Siting, Albeit Hanging on a Shop Wall!

Wednesday Harmony and Irish Attitude departed Old Montreal shortly ahead of Journey Cat because we needed fuel. Two sailboat pulled in along side us. It's Aurora and Carina! Mike, off of the 22 ft.Aurora, approached holding an umbrella over his head to shade him! A minimalist style of sailing. He had the last laugh of course as he and Cindy requested 11 liters of fuel to top off their portable tanks.(Less than 3 gallons!!) I caught the lines for Jane on Carina as Kent pulled into the fuel dock. It's always good to see Looper friends.

Sailboats Aurora, Carina (masts down) and Journey
Await Lock Opening and Say Au Revior to Montreal