Bonjour, Montréal! This would be my last day in the city before flying back home, so, it was time to start the day and get some more exploring done – but first, breakfast!
My friend and I found an adorable bakery called Bar à Beurre, which is located in the Old Port area. It’s a charming little place that serves coffee, tea, desserts, and a variety of breakfast and lunch options. We ordered some breakfast sandwiches to enjoy with hot cups of coffee. They were tasty and fresh! For dessert, I decided to try one of their “Lucky Charms” cupcakes, which I found to be VERY sweet. My friend opted to try a red velvet “boule au beurre”, which was also sweet and delicious.
After breakfast, we packed up our belongings and checked out of the Celebrities Hôtel. We asked the staff if we could leave our luggage there for the day (so we could explore without the burden) and they graciously agreed. Schweet!
Whilst my friend and I were waiting for the bus, a backpacker walked by and asked if we had any spare change. Unfortunately, we only had enough change for the bus, but the backpacker wasn’t upset! Instead, he struck an amazing pose for us and smiled wide for a photo. I didn’t catch his name, but I hope he’s still smiling and spreading the love! I wonder where he is now…
The bus ride brought us to the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, located on Sherbrooke Street. It was established in 1860 and is the largest museum in the city. Since the weather was rainy, we decided that exploring a local museum would be a great way to spend the afternoon (and stay dry!). Upon arrival, we were told that admission was free that day, which made the adventure even better. Free stuff!
The Montréal Museum of Fine Arts has a variety of exhibitions and collections. We saw sculptures and paintings, decorative arts, modern and ancient art, as well as contemporary art.
One of my favourite pieces was created by Sarah Anne Johnson, and I believe it’s titled “Fireworks”. It’s this huge, illuminated sculpture that hangs from the ceiling. The sculpture has various colorful lights that pulse and flicker. When I walked into the dimmed room where this was displayed, I was mesmerized. I leaned against the wall in silence and watched the lights for quite some time. It was so soothing!
After exploring the museum, we braced the rain outside and wandered the streets of Montréal. We saw the Notre-Dame Basilica, had a cuppa at Au Pain Doré again (seriously love this place), and made our way to the Montréal Botanical Garden.
The Botanical Garden is obviously best to explore during the Spring/Summer months, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying the walk. We didn’t get to see any of the mosaïculture art, vibrant flower beds, or the koi fish pond… but that was to be expected (curse you, Winter!). However, we did get to see the Lion de la Feuillée statue, as well as other little statues around the garden. Despite my socks and feet being soaked from the rain, and then going numb from the cold, I had a good time during the walk! Haha.
Before heading to the airport, we went back to the mall to find something to eat. Most of the stores were beginning to close, but Villa Madina was open. I was able to try falafel for the first time! It was a satisfying meal after the long walk around the garden. Then we hopped on the bus to the airport.
I’m hoping to visit Montréal again during the Spring or Summer months. Exploring the city during Winter is fun, but it would have been nice to truly admire the Botanical Garden with all of the foliage in bloom. I’ll be back, Montréal!
Whoa Dana 