Old town of Montreal

Mount Royal Park

We took a public bus— affordable and senior-friendly— to Mount Royal Park. A short walk brought us to a lookout with a breathtaking view of the city. Later, we caught the 747 airport bus at 4 p. m. and spent more than one-and-a-half hours in traffic.

Advice: Avoid airport trips during rush hour. The stress isn’ t worth it.

A Culinary Heaven

Montreal is a paradise for food lovers: bagels, poutine, Chinese, Vietnamese— you name it.

The Best Pho We’ ve Ever Tasted! Near Chinatown, we used the same“ follow the locals” technique that led us to the Portuguese poutine. This time, it brought us to a Vietnamese restaurant with the best pho ever. The broth was rich and aromatic, the herbs fresh, and the noodles perfect. Simple, honest, comforting.

A Strong Ending: What Montreal Taught Us

Montreal reminded us that travel isn’ t measured only in miles or major destinations. Sometimes the most meaningful moments happen in the quiet spaces between— a misty midnight walk, a stranger’ s kindness, a bowl of pho in a small restaurant.

This city welcomed us gently, surprised us constantly, and left us with memories far richer than we expected from a simple stopover.

Montreal didn’ t just connect us to our next flight. It reconnected us to the joy of discovery— at any age.

John Hui, ever the traveller, reports that he and Julia are off to China and Japan soon, followed by a trip to eastern and southern Africa, including Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River. John’ s retirement in 2014 took him from medical toxicologist to adventurer!

The Ring on Ste-Catherine Street

Downtown traffic can be busy— take your time crossing.

Watch for bicycle lanes; cyclists move quickly.

Public transit is clean, safe, and affordable.

A hotel near Ste-Catherine Street offers easy access to food and transit.

Mark attractions and washrooms on your digital map.

Carry extended health coverage documents; provincial plans are limited outside your home province.

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