The Traveller's Magazine
If you ask Lonely Planet writer Robert Reid, he’d say “yes.” He’s travelled coast to coast across Canada and after seeing what this immense country has to offer, concluded that out of everything this great country has to offer, it was Montreal that stole his heart.
Robert Reid has launched a huge campaign for Canadian travellers on Lonely Planet, with posts like “Explore Canada like a local” and Canada, like an Aboriginal.” In the end though, it all comes down to Montreal. Don’t say this with any pro-Torontoists around though! As far as Reid is concerned, it’s the best Canadian city to live.
“Montreal is ridiculous. It’s one of the top 5 cities in the world if you ask me. I love a place that taking cycling seriously and a city that gives New York a run for its bread-baking money, “bagels” are king here. Not to mention the architecture…”
Ridiculous obviously means brilliant here.
What makes Robert Reid’s opinion so important? Not only is he the US Travel Editor for Lonely Planet but he’s written a dozen or so travel guides, from North America to South as well as Central Europe. He also writes features for both the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.
What to do in Montreal (according to Robert Reid)?
- For something to eat, check out the Hebrew deli “Chez Schwartz” where you can get the most delicious smoked meat sandwiches in town.
- When the weather is fine, take to the streets and hit up the parks. Mont-Royal is the favourite, right downtown.
- Do all your shopping in Old Montreal. There are droves of quaint little shops selling everything from traditional handicrafts to the latest in fashion and design.
- Dinner? Check out the restaurant “Au Pied de Cochon,” one of the best in the entire city. If there’s one thing you have to try on the menu it’s Poutine (Canada’s unofficial national dish) au foie gras.
- Of course, no trip to Montreal is complete without taking in a little jazz music. The “House of Jazz” is the best haunt for that.
Montreal, I love you
Don’t take our word or the word of any travel guide that Montreal is a great city. Get a hint from the locals. If you’re planning a trip to Montreal, the best advice is to check out the city website for local events or the web-based community project, “Montreal, I love you.” This is a website set up for Montrealers to declare their love for their city, and why! The testimonies will be online soon.
From London, it’s a short skip across the pond. Fly London to Montreal for £467 with Air Canada for travel June 6th until June 19th, 2012.
Want to know more about Canada? Check out It doesn’t get any better than Tofino and Make it a Royal road trip through Canada.
