Several people told us to skip Montreal, but we found that it was an exciting city with a strong French influence and style. French is definitely the dominate language and the signs are in only French which was a challenge, but it was fun to feel like were actually in a foreign county. A few times we were clueless as to the meaning of roadway signs with our meager French, in fact, one morning we used Google translate and discovered that we had spent the night in a tow away zone.
Fortunately, most of the people working in the museums, stores and other businesses were bilingual enough to make transactions. They have an interesting French accent in Canada that seems to take a bit of the music out of the language.
We spent most of our time in Old Montreal and the area around the Museum of Fine Art. The area around the museum was a vibrant area with lots of foot traffic and many outdoor cafes. This area was populated by the locals and not just tourists.
I had a solo show of my artwork in Montreal a few years ago so it was fun to see that location since I missed the opening.
Fortunately, most of the people working in the museums, stores and other businesses were bilingual enough to make transactions. They have an interesting French accent in Canada that seems to take a bit of the music out of the language.
We spent most of our time in Old Montreal and the area around the Museum of Fine Art. The area around the museum was a vibrant area with lots of foot traffic and many outdoor cafes. This area was populated by the locals and not just tourists.
I had a solo show of my artwork in Montreal a few years ago so it was fun to see that location since I missed the opening.
The Galerie d"Art Inuit has a extensive, impressive collection of art from the Inuit people. The gallery claims it has the largest collection in Canada. I estimate the collection to be in the thousands. Unfortunately they do not allow photographs inside their gallery.
We have been fortunate enough to find a parking space in every major city fairly easily. Tom has become adept at driving the busy streets and changing lanes quickly as needed. I do the navigation on multiple devices as he drives. This space was in the middle of the Old Town in Montreal just steps from museums and a lively plaza.
There were numerous sidewalk restaurants on the downtown streets creating a lively inviting atmosphere. We had several great meals outside where we could people watch and enjoy the street life.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts - Montreal
The museum was in three separate buildings with connections underground. We found it a bit confusing and could not find our way out even when the guards gave us directions twice. This was the third museum in which we got lost, but that seems to part of our experience.
The museum was in three separate buildings with connections underground. We found it a bit confusing and could not find our way out even when the guards gave us directions twice. This was the third museum in which we got lost, but that seems to part of our experience.
Yet more fine work by the Canada's famous Group of Seven