We arrived in Montreal and stayed at De'Escale Marina in the old part of downtown Montreal. We couldn't believe beauty of the buildings, the narrow brick paved streets and the French speaking people,who switch to English with such ease. There are abundant open air cafes and shops. We loved it! Montreal was one of Jan's anticipated highlights but it exceeded her expectations!
Notre Dame Basilica was built in 1829 and is considered one of the crown jewels in Quebec's rich religious history.Tours are offered several times daily. St Joseph Oratory is built high on a hill. It began as a small chapel in 1904, the plan of Brother Andre, a humble man. By 1967 it was completed as it is today. The photos are below.
After touring the local area on our own we took the city bus tour. While on the tour we came upon a parade celebrating Canada Day. We learned that Canada Day is not celebrated as much in Quebec as the rest of Canada. Quebec's big celebration, St. Jean Baptiste Day, is a couple of weeks earlier and not celebrated much in the rest of Canada. There are absolutely some differences between the English and French speaking parts of Canada.
One day we enjoyed a long bicycle ride and another day we biked to Target with our friends on Average Looper. The bicycles have proved to be very useful as exercise and transportation.
We thoroughly enjoyed Montreal and must continue on to Ottawa.
Below are several street scenes of old Montreal.
The pink balloons in the gay village of Montreal,
Beautiful flowers everywhere!
I did not want this couple to know I was taking their picture.
They were probably at the courthouse to be married - note her flowers and rolled hose.
It was very hot! They were so cute.
Pay parking for bicycles?
Montreal Art Institute.
Inside Notre Dame Cathedral.
This chandelier was HUGE!
The pipe organ in the Cathedral.
On Canada Day there were many activities for all ages of people.
Here some youths were playing hockey just outside the marina.
Fireworks from the boat on Canada Day.
More fireworks.
Several marina views, mostly for my benefit.
Photos of the end of the Canada Day Parade we just happened upon.
St. Joseph Oratory. It is seen for miles and miles on the water as you leave Montreal.
The four pictures below are a panoramic view of Montreal from the Church.
Inside of St. Joseph Oratory.
Brother Andrea's original chapel.
Mowing this steep hill at the oratory required some ingenuity.
They used ropes to pull these mowers up and down the hill.
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