Toronto & Niagara Falls, July 2013

Toronto was definitely different than quaint little Quebec! We landed extremely early in the morning and noticed right away how HUGE of a city it was! It also was the first time we actually felt like we were in Canada, “aye”! We only had a few days left in Canada so we tried to make the most of it. We dropped off our bags at the hotel and went exploring right away. It was hot, humid, and raining so we weren't really sure what to do. When I say humid, I mean dripping in sweat humid! It was just awful, but we made the most of it by dipping into a Tim Horton’s for a bit, enjoying donuts and coffee. It still just seems so crazy to me how obsessed Canadians are with Tim Horton’s! It is instant coffee out of machine, I don’t see what the obsession is other than it is cheap, but everyone drank it. I personally prefer fresh coffee and not instant, but the place had air conditioning and caffeine while we waited out the rain.   

Once it cleared up we made our way to the boardwalk to walk around and take in the city views. We went to The Power Plant Contemporary Art Museum, which was very interesting! They had a lot of interactive displays, which helped a lot as sometimes I don’t quite get the whole “modern art” thing. We also went the Historical District in The Distillery and had some of the best ice cream at Gregs! We went inside to attempt to cool down and the guy let us taste all the ice cream! He made it all from scratch with unique flavors such as Anises & Oreo; which sounds horrible together but was actually quite awesome! I didn't get anything too adventurous, just coffee & cinnamon. It was such a treat after our hour long, hot, walk from the Museum to the Distillery; our map was unfortunately quite deceiving. 

We ended up seeing  most of the sites in the two full days we had before going to Niagara Falls: The Waterfront, Tim Horton’s, Eaton Mall, Power Plant Contemporary Art Museum, the downtown architecture walking tour, Toronto Island, St. Lawrence Market & the CN Tower. The two full days we had there I thoroughly enjoyed Toronto as it is a very clean, huge city, filled with friendly people. Just like Montreal, it is also a very multi-cultural place. First impression: Toronto was a clean New York City, and like any metropolitan city we had similar experiences.

As it was a very multi-cultural city, we took full advantage of Little India and gorged in Indian curry. We went to this AMAZING little Indian restaurant called, ironically, Little India and had a curry feast. One thing I truly miss about England is all the curry houses we used to eat at. Curry does exist in California, but we have been completely disappointed in the quality. However, in Toronto we didn't let this opportunity pass us by. We ordered all of our favorite things we used to eat in the UK, plus a huge glass of Kingfisher each; you cannot eat curry without a big glass of Indian beer to really wash it down! It was an amazing treat for us and completely delicious! Eating curry at Little India probably was my favorite thing I did in Toronto. I LOVE food and sitting in the restaurant, conversing, eating and drinking until I was about to throw up was one of the most enjoyable experiences I had in the city.

tasting "ice wine"

The second, maybe a tied for first, best thing about our trip was the fact that we made new friends. We booked a trip to Niagara Falls, which was the real gem of Toronto for us. We were picked up in this super tiny, non-air-conditioned van and made the hot 2-ish hour journey to Wine Country for wine tasting; at 10 am! We tried the famous "ice wine" and it actually was pretty good! It was extremely sweet and I recommend only drinking it in small quantities, but it was not bad at all. I heard from my mother in law that it was horrible, but I actually quite enjoyed it. 

I had a nice time at the winery, but I do LOVE wine. The wine connoisseur did a great job getting to know everyone and made the connection that Jayda and I, currently residing in California, were the same age as the Austrian couple on our tour. They were on their honeymoon and were going to make their way to California on a road trip. He didn't really introduce as so much as demand us to meet… “Hey you!!! You California people!!! This couple is going to California. Talk!” Well, I was very thankful for his bluntness as it was nice meeting another young married couple. 

wine tasting

With our forced meet and greet, the four of us decided we would venture Niagara Falls together. As soon as we got there, I have to admit, I honestly thought that the Falls were going to be a lot bigger! Don’t get me wrong, they are HUGE, but as being one of the “wonders of the world”, I thought they were going to be more awe-inspiring. While my first glimpse was slightly disappointing, once we got onto the “Maid of the Mist” I realized what was so unique about Niagara Falls; its sheer force. The flow of the waterfall and its power was amazing. We were getting drenched and could barely look up to see the falls as the power of the water was consuming us everywhere.  

                     on the Maid of the Mist

We didn't get a good look of the falls on the Maid of the Mist, but it was so much fun! You cannot go to Niagara Falls and not go on the Maid of the Mist. Otherwise, you won’t get to experience its overpowering force because even though we couldn't see anything, we felt it.  

      

 It wasn't until we were on top (still misty and wet) walking towards the drop off, where we actually got to see the power. We were looking down below at the tiny little ships that dared to get close to the falls and at the same time watching the “water fall” down; it was something!

While exploring the falls with our new friends, one thing led to another and it was discovered that the husband’s are both OBSESSED with airplanes. Needless to say they hit it off instantly (and the wives hit it off making fun of their geeky-ness)! We made plans to hang out that night in a part of Toronto we actually hadn't been to yet; The Annex. We took the subway there and the few small hours we were in The Annex, it became my favorite neighborhood of Toronto. It was so cute and filled with local shops, boutiques, bars, and restaurants. We went to a pub and enjoyed beers on the rooftop talking about our crazy tour driver of the day and exchanging stories of all the different experiences we had travelling abroad as couples. At the end of the night we exchanged numbers and email addresses making plans to reunite when they visited San Diego. A few weeks later we all made good to that promise.

What I love about travelling is that you meet people you never would have met while staying at home. You make incredible friends while becoming even more inspired to travel in order to go visit them in a different part of the world. Our new friends came to visit us in San Diego and we plan on visiting them in Beijing; where they will be living for the next few years. While travelling I have met my husband, two of my best friends, and now plan on going to a different country to visit new friends next year. When we went to Toronto we didn't plan on making new friends, but we did. Friendship is just one of the many beautiful and fun parts of the adventure! 

Quebec City, Quebec Canada... July 2 - July 4, 2013

Quebec City! We got to Quebec in the early morning after a 3 hour train ride from Montreal. We decided to take the 2 mile walk from the train station to our hotel. Well.... the map did not show the tremendous amount of hills! It was hot, humid, and we were STARVING by the time we got to the hotel. Fortunately for us, Lonely Planet had a great recommendation for food in Quebec. For anyone who has read any of my other blogs, specifically my Paris post, its pretty obvious I am obsessed with crepes. Of course, we went to a creperie! It was called Casse-Crepe Breton and it was delicious. We parked up in a small table by the window to people watch and enjoy cappuccinos and crepes. I got a delicious asparagus, spinach, and cheese crepe and was practically in heaven at this point!

Walking through the ramparts!

walking OVER the ramparts!

We noticed right away how different Quebec was to Montreal. Yes, both places were in the Quebec province and both places language was French, but other than that it was quite different. Quebec city had all cobblestone streets and was actually quite small. It had a very European feel to it, so much so we kept forgetting we were in Canada! We would even catch ourselves saying, "what a cute french town... wait, er I mean Canadian.. no Quebec!"

the first skyscraper built in Quebec

As we got to Quebec early, we started to site see after we ate. We walked along the old original ramparts that engulf the entire city. We also walked along the boardwalk of the famous, Chateau Frontenac; which is the worlds most photographed hotel.  As the city was so small, we knew we could do all the sights in one day, but we had two full days. So, we took it easy after our small tour. We heard rumors that Cirque du Soleil did a free performance on Tuesday nights at 10pm, so after dinner we walked down to the Old Port to see. Well, it was no rumor, it was true! We were mesmerized. Cirque du Solei is truly an amazing and incredible experience! I was so shocked and entertained by their humor, beauty, and performances. We felt so lucky to be a part of this experience... and better yet, for free!!

waiting for Cirque to start

part of the show!

The next day, just so happened to be Quebec Day. We seriously had THE BEST luck while on our trip. In Montreal for Canada Day and in Quebec for Quebec Day! We did the entire city walking tour in about 4 hours. Old Town of Quebec is actually an UNESCO World Heritage Site. We got to see many fun things we normally wouldn't see if it were not Quebec Day, such as a parade of the old militia, displays of the old weaponry, and a lot of street performers. It was very exciting! We really fell in love with Quebec as it was so small and quaint compared to the big city of Montreal. We felt like we got to relax and just take everything. We didn't feel rushed in the two and a half days we had there, as there was time to see everything. 

Again, with our amazing luck, there was a fireworks display for Quebec Day. Fortunately, our hotel was the Hilton (thanks to my husband being a travel agent we got "hooked up") and they gave us the best room in the hotel. It happened to look down upon the entire city and the entire wall on one side was a window. We had a perfect view of the fireworks over downtown while relaxing in bed. 

fireworks for Quebec Day

Montreal was fantastic and another must while visiting Canada. It can be done in one day, but take two full days to really take in the beautiful city. It is romantic, comforting, and where else can you go to see a free Cirque du Solei performance? We were sad to leave the relaxing city of Quebec early the next morning, but we were so happy that we were able to fit it in. Also, it ended up being my husband's favorite city out of the three we visited... who would have thought?!

some Canadian humor for ya, eh!

just one of many images of the "most photographed hotel in the world"

Montreal, Canada June 29 - July 2, 2013

My trip to Canada started with lots of excitement! Thanks to my husband's blog, I got to sit in the cockpit on my Air Canada flight!! The pilots were so impressed with my husbands "questionnaire" that they invited us to the cockpit post flight. I got to wear the pilots hat and move the engines left and right. It was super fun (terrifying!) and a great way to start my vacation.

in the cockpit of my Air Canada flight!

Our Canadian adventure started in Montreal.  Montreal is a very interesting city filled with many different types of cultures and people; from the corporate downtown to the very laid back Mont Royal. Montreal may be one of the most international cities I have been to. Normally, when you go to a new city or country, its residents are from that country of origin; not in Montreal. It was so refreshing to be in such a culturally diverse and accepting place. We arrived slightly after the Pride Parade, but in the middle of the International Jazz festival; such a great mix!

view from our hotel, thousands at the International Jazz Festival

We were very fortunate that our hotel was within the jazz festival's grounds, so at night we were able to relax with a cocktail and enjoy some world renown jazz. I didn't think of jazz as a very popular genre of music, but I was proved wrong as the festival was attended by thousands of people each and every day! That evening we arrived, we relaxed and enjoyed some of the jazz festival from our hotel patio.   The next morning was a full day! We adventured up to Mont Royal, Montreal's huge outdoor park. Within the park there is a large hill/small mountain that many locals use to mountain bike ride or work out. We accepted the challenge of climbing this "mountain" in order to see the great views of the city. Mont Royal was probably one of my favorite things we did as it was different than anything we've done in a city trip. Normally, when you visit a city you don't think of hiking up a mountain! It also was so "hippy" and down to earth with local shops and eateries. At the base of our walk there were about a hundred people banging drums and enjoying some folk dancing in the middle of the park; it was extremely entertaining! We were especially pleased that after the long hike up, the view was well worth it!

the drums and dancing at Mont Royal

on the hike to the top!

view from the top of Mont Royal

As we got up early, we had plenty of time to wonder the streets of Montreal after our climb. We got to see the Notre Dame Basilica, the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, and the Old Port. We ended the day walking down Rue St. Denis in the Latin Quarter, sipping on strong cider at a microbrewery. We had a great spot outside, perfect for people watching. The Latin Quarter is a very hipster area filled with college students. There was a live band playing in the street which was quite nice after the long day we've had. Summer in Montreal is so relaxing. We enjoyed the nice summer's evening so much, we lost track of time. The sun stays out so late, we were surprised to find that we were walking back to the hotel in complete day light at 9 pm in the evening!

Notre Dame Basilica in Old Montreal

Old Port

The next day in Montreal happened to be Canada Day, July 1st! We went down to Old Montreal to rent two bikes to explore the rest of the city on two wheels. We hopped on and followed a massive bike trail over a GINORMOUS bridge to the islands on the St. Lawrence River and the Parc Jean-Drapeau. It was so peaceful leaving the bustling city behind to bike through the park. Not only was it peaceful, but it also had great views of the city skyline.

Park Jean-Drapeau also is where the Canadian Grand Prix is held. Well, of course we had to go see it! Not only did we get to go see it, we were able to ride our bikes around the entire track! We were zipping along (unfortunately I zipped through a pack of bugs, forgetting I did not have a windscreen, gross!) racing each other along this world renown Grand Prix Track. That definitely was one of the highlights for my husband as he grew up watching the Grand Prix.

Jayda on the Grand Prix circuit

near the end of our bike path through the industrial part of Montreal

 Our Canada Day celebrations ended in the evening at the Old Port. We grabbed two crepes and parked a seat on the grass for the 20 minute firework display to celebrate Canada Day! It was so much fun! We picked the perfect time to go to Montreal. We actually didn't even realize it would be the Jazz Festival or Canada Day when we booked our trip, it was a nice surprise.

waiting for the fireworks, Happy Canada Day!

 One thing I did find quite surprising and still don't understand about the people of Montreal, is there love of poutine! Montreal was very french (obviously as it is French Canada), very modern, and a very "foodie" city. However, poutine is only french fries, gravy, and cheese curds. I tried two different kinds (I really tried to like it as I LOVE FOOD) and it was just "meh". Nothing special, but poutine was literally everywhere. I thought it was very ironic that there were so many different types of different great food available, but poutine was advertised and ate everywhere I saw! Maybe it was because of Canada and the festival? I will never figure it out, but it is something you must try while in Montreal!

street are in Mont Royal

view of downtown from the Old Port

Montreal is such a fun and exciting city. Not only was it a beautiful place, it was so clean and safe! Not once, in the entire city, did I feel unsafe. It was so clean, no homeless, no trash, I was shocked. Living in a city myself, trash and homelessness are just a daily part of life. I don't understand how such a huge city manages to keep itself so safe and clean. I truly had a blast! Montreal has history, was modern, and so culturally diverse. I still am blown away by all the different kinds of people all in one place at once, it truly was a magical experience. Montreal is a MUST on any trip to Canada! Early the next morning, we walked to the train station for the next leg of our trip, it was bye bye Montreal and hello Quebec!

bye Montreal, you will be missed!