I'm a New Yorker who went to Montreal for the first time, and 5 things surprised me

The reporter spent 24 hours in Montreal and encountered multiple surprises.Joey Hadden/Business InsiderI spent 24 hours in Montreal in August 2022.It was my first time visiting the French-Canadian city, and I was surprised by the architecture.I didn't expect my trip to Canada to feel like a European adventure.After a 10-hour train ride, two hours on a bus, and another five hours on the rails, I finally made it from my home in NYC to Montreal, the largest city in Canada's eastern province of Quebec.The journey was long, but the trip was short. Although I only spent 24 hours in the city, my single day in Montreal was packed with surprises. The first thing that shocked me about Montreal was how much green space I saw, even in the most urban areas.Joey Hadden/Business InsiderMontreal is home to more than 1,495 parks, according to the Government of Canada.Throughout Downtown Montreal, I spotted greenery in every direction, from unique landscaping on buildings to lines of trees. In between blocks of skyscrapers, I also found shaded squares to cool off.West of downtown, I also enjoyed visiting the lush Mount Royal, a small mountain in the middle of the city with 400 stairs leading to a viewpoint overlooking Montreal.The entrance to the park was a 30-minute uphill walk from my hotel. Climbing the stairs along the mountain took me another half hour.The walk was tiring, but when I got to the top of Mount Royal, I thought it was totally worth it for the all-encompassing views.I didn't expect to see such a wide variety of architecture.Joey Hadden/Business InsiderWhile wandering through the downtown area and Old Montreal, I noticed another cool thing about this city: the contrasting modern and historical architectural styles, from Art Deco to Gothic Revival.Downtown, I also spotted historic structures that stood out next to modern skyscrapers, like Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral and the Sun Life Building.I didn't expect to feel like I was in Europe.Joey Hadden/Business InsiderHeading east from downtown, I could tell I had reached Old Montreal when the streets turned cobblestone, which made me feel like I was in Europe. The stone streets date back to the 1800s, according to the Montreal Gazette. Historical architecture added to the European vibe.I had never heard of the Underground City before my visit.Joey Hadden/Business InsiderAnother area I found fascinating was the Underground City, which is a horizontal building full of shops and passageways that connect to underground metro stations over a 20-mile radius, according to Montreal Tourism.The Underground City is meant to save pedestrians from the outdoors during harsh winter months when temperatures drop to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Since I visited on a beautiful day, I found it mostly empty.I didn't expect poutine to taste like Thanksgiving dinner.Joey Hadden/Business InsiderMy last stop before leaving Montreal was La Banquise, a poutine restaurant where I tried the Canadian delicacy of fries, cheese, and gravy for the first time.The fries were crispy and greasy — just like I like them. I thought the gravy was reminiscent of Thanksgiving dinner, and the curds added a unique texture without adding too much flavor.In one bite, I could see why this dish was so popular and comforting. It was warm, filling, and nostalgic, transporting me back to November.When I left Montreal, I thought my trip was too short.Joey Hadden/Business InsiderOn my way to my next destination, I decided I'd be back soon for the architecture, the greenery, and of course, the poutine.Read the original article on Business Insider

Comments

Business News

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Extends Unbeaten 100 Meter Streak With U.S. Title

Forbes

American Eagle responds to the controversy around its ad campaign with Sydney Sweeney: 'Great jeans look good on everyone'

about 9 hours ago

The economist who coined the acronym BRICS talks about how his original vision evolved

NPR

Comments

Similar News

The 37 taxes you pay and why it now takes £3.1m to feel 'wealthy' - This is Money podcast

I'm an American living in Mexico. I love it, but that doesn't mean every day is perfect.

I'm a military spouse. My husband's job will always come first, but I've refused to lose myself and give up on my own career.

Labour MPs urge Thames Water to recover £2.5m paid to executives in April

I'm a dietitian on the Mediterranean diet. Here are 10 things I get at Costco when I'm trying to eat more fiber.

I'm a CEO who's led teams in the US, Latin America, and Europe. One country's business culture stood out as the most sophisticated.

I'm a 29-year-old pipe fitter who makes over $100,000 a year. Here are my 3 tips for anyone interested in entering the trades.

I run an NYC security business. I'm getting calls for more protection after the Midtown shooting.

Female-founded semiconductor AI startup SixSense raises $8.5M

Next cashes in on M&S cyber chaos: Wolfson delivers third profit upgrade in just five months

'I'm an estate agent — don't miss 5 warnings signs when buying a house'

Donatella Versace-designed flat in London's Nine Elms goes on the market for £10.7m

I enjoyed my first organized tour of a country, but I wouldn't book another until I'm much older

I'm a software engineer and I've lost my job 4 times in the last 18 years. I don't think AI is the problem.

I'm struggling to work from home now that my kids are teens. They constantly need me, and I can't get my work done.

Next gets sales lift from sunny weather and M&S disruption

'I'm fussy with face SPF and my new factor 50 daily essential is now 20% off'

Next eyes £1.1bn profit as cyber shutdown at M&S lifts its sales

Next hikes outlook after sales boosted by weather and M&S woes

Next hikes outlook after sales boosted by weather and M&S woes

Business News

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Extends Unbeaten 100 Meter Streak With U.S. Title

Saweetie Feels ‘Hella Pressure’ On New EP

Reneé Rapp Says ‘Bite Me’ On New Album

HMRC sending 1.4 million letters to UK households - see if you're due one

Bag a free room upgrade worth £200 on a 'perfect' 8-day trip to Sri Lanka

What to do if your planned holiday destination is affected by wildfires

Car finance judgement 'a hard pill to swallow'

Tech companies are racing to make their products smaller - and much, much thinner

‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Box Office Taking Steep Dive In 2nd Weekend

Demi Lovato Makes ‘Fast’ Return To Pop Music With New Single

Nationwide will pay £760 into accounts of customers who do one thing

Would you trust an economist with your economy?

Tech manufacturing has powered Asia - now it's a casualty of Trump's tariffs

American Eagle responds to critics over ad with Sydney Sweeney, saying it was always about the jeans

AMA and other medical associations are kicked out of CDC vaccine workgroups

What consumers can expect from import taxes as the US sets new tariff rates

Lesotho's textile factories face closures despite US tariff cut

Who is Erika McEntarfer, the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner fired by Trump?

Columbia Sportswear sues Columbia University over merch in latest legal battle for Ivy

Today’s Wordle #1505 Hints And Answer For Saturday, August 2nd

When Is Body Horror Thriller ‘Together’ Coming To Streaming?

WWE Superstars Becky Lynch Is Set To Introduce New Entrance Music

As Trump hikes tariffs, B.C. jobs minister urges Carney to ‘negotiate hard’

Big Box Store Sam’s Club Joins IndyCar’s Andretti Global Racing

July Jobs Report Casts New Warning On Immigration And Worker Declines

Interview: Superman Wētā VFX Supervisor Guy Williams On DC Worldbuilding

When Is ‘The Bad Guys 2’ Coming To Streaming?

Lyme Disease Nearly Ended Justin Timberlake’s Tour: What You Need To Know

Lina Kahn is taking a victory lap over the Figma IPO

Trump's tariffs are (still) coming

Saskatoon company launches Saskatchewan’s 1st corporate child care program

Canada should ‘stand up’ to U.S. after Trump tariff hike, B.C. forestry exec says

A raging Trump digs in on his trade war after brutal jobs report

Zillow hit with federal copyright lawsuit over 47K allegedly stolen property photos

Meta dishes out $250M to lure 24-year-old AI whiz kid: ‘We have reached the climax of ‘Revenge of the Nerds’

Engineering students build innovative 3D-printed drone that can switch between water and air

UFC Vegas 108 Fight Card: Odds, Predictions, Prop Bets And Picks

6 Exciting New Netflix Movies In August 2025

‘The Naked Gun’: What Happens In End-Credits And Post-Credits Scenes?

New Album ‘Strange Hours’ Brings Eli Young Band Full-Circle

James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ Cracks $300 Million At Domestic Box Office

Trump Fires Senior Labor Official Over Jobs Numbers

Inside The Troubled Road To Micah Parson’s Trade Request

Investment trusts rise up from the ashes

Watch shares plummet as tariffs hurt Switzerland

Donald Trump hits out at Federal Reserve as US jobs fall

Euronext eyes Stock Exchange bid amid deals frenzy

ALEX BRUMMER: Donald Trump's deals are a global blow

RAY MASSEY: Genesis G80 is a swish, smooth sensation

A Federal Reserve governor just said she's resigning early, giving Trump a chance to put even more pressure on Powell

Your chats with Meta's AI might end up on Google &mdash; just like ChatGPT until it turned them off

I'm a New Yorker who went to Montreal for the first time, and 5 things surprised me

American Eagle responds to the controversy around its ad campaign with Sydney Sweeney: 'Great jeans look good on everyone'

The economist who coined the acronym BRICS talks about how his original vision evolved

Could higher tariffs mean more layoffs in Canada? What industry experts say

Calgary home sales fall 12 per cent in July as inventory reaches pre-pandemic highs

Trump says he will fire lead official on economic data as stocks shudder

Your chats with Meta's AI might end up on Google — just like ChatGPT until it turned them off