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Monday 1 September 2014

Travelling Canada: One Week in Montreal

beachclub montreal

Hello! So if you read my 'something scary but exciting is happening' blog post, you'll know why I'm currently doing lots of blogging from Canada. If you didn't you should go and check that out now so that you can get up to date! I landed in Canada one week ago and it's fair to say that things have been pretty hectic so far, I haven't had a moment to sit and think but I guess that's the fun of travelling - you're always doing something, meeting someone or in my case, eating something. So far, I haven't even touched the base of Montreal, I've probably seen 1% of it (Montreal is pretty big) but I wanted to share my first few days with you because I want you all to come on this journey with me...

In Montreal, everything is French, so let's hope I'm going to come home fluent - when I say everything is French, I mean basically every single person speaks French (99.9999% of people), all the signs are mostly in French, the restaurants, everything - it's pretty daunting so I'm taking some French lessons to pick up my French again. 

musee d'art contemporain
We've had amazing sunshine for the first week. I wouldn't say it's Jamaica tanning weather (apparently the North American sun isn't very strong) so no amazing natural tan for me just yet but I'll keep you updated on that one.

mcgill university campus
The buildings in Montreal are impressive, places tend to look like castles.


mcgill university
Not forgetting how perfect McGill university is.


montreal houses

montreal houses

mcgill sports stadium

It feels like Hogwarts.


tim hortons montreal

I'm currently living on Tim Hortons, I'd say it's Canada's answer to Starbucks/Krispy Kreme but half the price (around £1.00 for a huge doughnut!) 
   

Everyone seems to be celebrating something, at some point in Montreal. There's always something going on.

montreal old port

The port is my favourite part of Montreal so far. Montreal is so big, my feet are is agony from all the walking and I still really haven't seen that much of it yet.

montreal old port

montreal old port

montreal old port

montreal old port clock tower

montreal old port


You can be forgiven for thinking you're in Europe - Montreal feels extremely European. 

Montreal beach

The artificial beach they put up during the Summer months is pretty cool.
   


the port montreal

and naturally I eyed up the boats, reminiscing my yacht trip in Vietnam

montreal city

the port montreal


a random rail track throughout the port makes you think you're in Amsterdam rather than Canada.


and the bikes everywhere bring back memories of London.

canada flags
  

Everywhere you walk, there is something that will catch your eye.

festival des films du monde





misto montreal

You can expect lots of foodie posts from me still, because I stumbled across an area called Le Plateau - Mont Royal which is bustling with the most gorgeous bars and restaurants.

l'entrepot montreal

We ate at L'entrepot, it was $5.00 for anything on the menu. 


'Berr for the chef, a happy ending for the hard working peeps in the kitchen'. Montreal has such a cool vibe to it.

sangria

Feeling like I was in Spain, I sipped a sangria.






The food was so good and cost us the equivalent of around £3.00


Afterwards we headed to a bar...


we bumped into some Irish friends - everyone in Montreal is so friendly, plus most people are also travelling too which really makes it great.
   
montreal

The shopping areas in Montreal are huge, they have underground shopping malls for miles. I've bought lots of things but there's still so much to see. I have a Sephora and a Brandy Melville on my doorstep which is proving pretty dangerous (haul coming very soon!)


I had my first vegan meal too - 


It was very erm, green.
  

In terms of food, I've eaten far too much since arriving. I want to sample everything. My apartment put on a free BBQ for us the other day and the burgers were bigger than my head. 

beavertails

My Canadian friends introduced me to Beavertails... basically deep fat fried,thick pancake type things topped with anything you like. I went for oreo and my friend went for cinnamon. 



Give me another week and I'll have tried every flavour.

poutine

Poutine is the dish of Montreal and my golly it's good. I plan on trying every single poutine shop in Montreal - I am hunting for the best poutine. It's like a thick gravy with cheese and chips - even Mcdonalds sells it here. It would fit in perfectly in Yorkshire, in fact, I've definitely eaten it at Leeds Festival before.

montreal river

Montreal certainly knows how to party, in the one week I've been here, I've been on a boat party...

montreal boat party

montreal city

mcgill frosh boat party

montreal sunset

montreal sunset



Ignoring my ugly t-shirt (you had to wear it to get on the boat party). Obviously wearing my new Charlotte Tilbury lipstick too.



and I've also been to a pretty cool beach party. 


It was like american pie in real life.

My bikini is from Triangl and no longer fits me (apologies) and obviously my trusty Ray-bans.

beachclub frosh

It was a great way to meet other young people travelling too though.

  

Now I can't wait to get stuck into some outdoor sports and try my hand at some snow sports..

montreal beach

possibly some more beachy moments too - let's hope the sunshine stays out a little bit longer.

beach club montreal

triangl bikini mint

triangl bikini mint

and I wouldn't mind sampling some more food...

poutine

montreal old port


A little look at the things that didn't make it onto my camera... 1. I tried my first ice cream sandwich, 2. my first Tim Hortons (frozen raspberry tea with a double chocolate strawberry doughnut - worth every calorie), 3. the most amazing Japanese tapas right beside my flat, 4. the view from my bedroom window, 5. Montreal sunset, 6. new friends, 7. I bought the whole of Forever21. 

So how do I feel about Montreal so far? I've met some incredible people, I've sampled some incredible food and there's so much I haven't done yet. Next up, I want to do some more exploring (there is literally so much I haven't shown you yet; Mont Royal, old Montreal which is so gorgeous, St Lawrence and more) - that's just Montreal! My next stop is Toronto and then New York City afterwards! I promise to keep you updated along the way and share all my adventures with you. You can expect lots and lots of hauls from me too, - let's just say the shopping here is pretty cool too and I just need to share Canadian/USA make up with you. 

I'll leave you with one piece of advice: If something terrifies you, do it. I physically couldn't get on the plane by myself, but I faced my biggest fear and set off travelling alone and honestly? I couldn't be happier.

Have you ever visited Canada? Do you like the look of Montreal? Do you want to travel?

Lots of love, Em x

 Don't forget to follow me on bloglovin! 

35 comments:

  1. Wow, i'm so jealous of you, you look like you're having so much fun! And the prices for everything are superb, might have to move there hah! If I ever have the opportunity I will have to try Tim Hortons, it sounds amazing! Great post, and I love the pictures too! :)
    http://sapphiresaysfashion.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much - it's pretty awesome! Eek the prices for everything are so good, apart from Sephora! x

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  2. I told you! So glad you're having a wonderful time. Looks like a lot of fun :) take it all in, it will go so quickly!

    Sam | Tiny Paint Pot xx

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  3. This looks like a serious blast! As I have mentioned before, just got back from Canada a few weeks ago (I was in Edmonton-they have the worlds biggest mall! :O), and it was incredible!

    You have obviously been having the time of your life and I'm happy to hear that you got over your fear of traveling!

    xx

    Shree
    PorcelainShree | A Charming Beauty & Lifestyle Blog

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    Replies
    1. It is such a blast! Oh wowwwww that sounds pretty amazing!!! x

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  4. Wow. It all looks amazing. I did the same last year, I quit my job and headed for the other side of the world. I'm back home now but I've defo got the travel bug.
    Canada is certainly on my list and your pictures have just increased my desire to visit.
    Poutine looks delicious, I gotta try me some of that.
    Keep having fun Babe and enjoy every second
    x tink x
    allabouttink.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eeek as if you quit your job and did that, go you! You go girl. The travel bug never goes away it's so bad! Yes!!! You must come visit! Thank you so much :) x

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  5. Great photos, looks like so much fun:)

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  6. Looks like you're having an amazing time Em :) Glad to see you're settling in so well to your new life, I hope I can transition this easily in to life in aus!!!!


    hannah bee xxxxx

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    Replies
    1. It's really good, better than I imagined and i feel so much better about it! Yay good luck! xxx

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  7. I really want - and need - to go travelling !! Did you go through a programme or something?
    Lauren x
    Britton Loves | Fashion Lifestyle + Photography - www.brittonloves.blogspot.co.uk

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    Replies
    1. Haha do it! Nope!!! Just me, lots and lots of organising and stress! xxx

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  8. Wow wow wow wow WOW! I am uber jealous, so excited to see your travelling posts because it makes me more determined to give it a try myself. Beautiful photographs as per, the food looks incredibly delicious. Pretty sure I'd gain a stone in a week there haha! Hope you're well xxxxx

    Hannah xo | hannatalks

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    Replies
    1. Hehe, I have sooo many coming up! Honestly, the world is your oyster, just do it do it do it! Thank you - already must have gained so much weight haha xxx

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  9. Amazing photographs. I am so jealous it looks like you are having the best time! x

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much - I am having the best time! x

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  10. I have been to Canada once and it is so amazing! My dad was born there and is heading back there to work next year so will definitely be visiting.. it is the most amazing country!! Loving your posts so far EM, I'm so excited to hear all about your year abroad! xx

    Jessie @ All Things Beautiful

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    Replies
    1. Ahh it's so gorgeous and I've not even scratched the surface yet! Wow that's amazing, sooo jealous! Eek thank you xxx

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  11. Looks like you're having the best time already!! Enjoy every minute xxx

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  12. I'm so jealous Em! I'm from Canada and last year I was living in Ontario and my boyfriend was in Montreal. I would go there every weekend and stay at his apartment and take in that gorgeous city. You HAVE to try Le Pois Penche on Maisonneuve, they have the best Croque Madame I've ever had! Also find the bus stop with the swings. Ahh I miss it there! <3 I'm set to move there next fall and I just can't wait. You made me miss it so so much!
    emiliashea.blogspot.com

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    1. Aw wowwweeee this made me smile So much - gonna go stalk your blog now and find out all about Canada!!!! xxx

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  13. This looks like you're having such an amazing time. Canada looks beautiful, it's a place I've never been but definitely want to go at some point. Those parties look absolutely mental but a LOT of fun. That food looks super yummy x

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    1. I truly am, thank you so much. It's just gorgeous. Haha TOO much food and so many parties! xxx

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  14. Looks like you had a great time!! :)

    www.ensembledeux.blogspot.com

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  15. We used to go to Montreal once in a while as I went to University just over the border in America to a place called Plattsburgh. If you get a chance to go to Vermont, do it! It's so pretty, and you can take a ferry across to Burlington which is really cute. The reason they have so many underground shopping places in Montreal is because winter is literally deathly cold! You walk outside for two minutes and your legs freeze over haha.

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    1. Eeek I'll most definitely make sure I go to Vermont!!! Haha I know I've heard, SO scared and it's a 5 minute walk to the mall so doubt I'lll ever make that! xxx

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  16. It looks so beautiful. I'd love to travel, I'm still young but got two kids so it's impossible at the moment. I think it'll be something I do when I'm middle-aged unfortunately. This looks beautiful though and very European, an almost home away from home. xx

    Kate | A British Sparkle

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    Replies
    1. It is so beautiful. Ah wow wait until they're older then just take them with you!!! Hey, middle aged travelling is fine - I met a woman in Vietnam who was like 60 and she decided to travel, so awesome - doesn't matter what age you are :) the world is so beautiful x

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  17. You should come to Quebec city !!! 2,5 hours away from montreal... Really beautiful city

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  18. try ketchup chips and smarties
    And if you come to Quebec city go to Ashton they serve THE BEST POUTINE

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  19. Your post looks awesome to travel. And I love your post. The picture you shared are just tremendous and thanks for sharing such a nice post with us. And there are many great places to travel which are really amazing to make visit with some one who you want to be with you. I have visited their last year by having lowest airfare to Montreal and enjoyed their a lot.

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