Where's the Vibe?
I’ll say it plainly, Montreal didn’t live up to my expectations. Before visiting, I imagined a vibrant, waterfront city brimming with character. But after three days exploring the city, I found myself asking: where’s the vibe?
It Should Be Better
I’ve spoken with others since returning, and many echo the same sentiment. On paper, Montreal sounds like a must-see destination. In person, it felt a little flat. The architecture in Old Montreal offers a touch of European charm, but much of the city felt indistinct, like any other North American city with a hint of the past.
More surprisingly, the city is grappling with visible homelessness and substance abuse issues, something that caught me off guard. In one instance, I witnessed open drug use and a disturbing confrontation near a funeral. It was jarring and certainly not what’s highlighted in tourist brochures. I didn’t see one police officer over three days, which raises a red flag.
That said, it’s not all doom and gloom. Montreal does have redeeming qualities. You’ll find cozy cafés, historic landmarks, and scenic waterfront paths. It’s also a city built to walk. It’s not flat but it’s not hilly. There are pockets of beauty and culture worth seeing, just temper your expectations. This city might not set your soul on fire, but with the right mindset, you can still find some memorable moments.
Oh and if nothing else ‘floats your boat’ then turn to Poutine for answers. That is one street food I couldn’t get enough of.
Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
Step back in time as you walk cobbled streets lined with 17th-century architecture. The Notre-Dame Basilica, is nice, obviously they were shooting for the stars when they named it after the same in Paris. It’s not that from the outside. Inside is a different story and quite spectacular.
People claim Montreal to be a lively place, but in Spring over three days, I saw no one and the restaurants looked dead.
100–104 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Vieux Montreal, Urban Agglomeration of Montreal, H2Y 2W7
Nelson Monument, Place Jacques-Cartier, Montreal, QC, Canada
362 Rue de la Commune E, Vieux Port, Urban Agglomeration of Montreal, H2Y 0B4
Jean-Talon Market
Located in Little Italy, just north of Old Montreal, this open-air market is a small but interesting market. Plenty of fresh produce to baked goods and cheeses. And maple syrup of course. No dogs permitted, which I find odd given in the real deal of France, you can take a dog practically anywhere. There are some coffee shops that surround the market, which are great for people watching.
150–282 Place du Marché-du-Nord, Little Italy, Urban Agglomeration of Montreal, H2S 1A1
Olympic Park
The 1976 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXI Olympiad, were held in Montreal, Canada from July 17 to August 1, 1976. It was the first time Canada hosted the Summer Games, and while the event showcased athletic excellence and architectural ambition, it’s also remembered for significant challenges and controversies. In short, it was a massive white elephant in terms of cost versus payback. Originally budgeted at around $310 million, the final cost ballooned to over $1.6 billion CAD. The debt wasn’t paid off until 2006, 30 years later.
There are still some significant structures that remain there and design wise, far ahead of their time. It’s an interesting look back at a time when the Olympics meant something and nations to sent their best and brightest. I’m not sure it’s the same today or maybe its jaded with burgeoning costs, ‘performance enhancement’ and the astronomical cost of hosting the event, I feel it’s not what it use to be. But looping back to the park, yes its worth a visit.
, Hochelaga District, Urban Agglomeration of Montreal, H1V 3P1
Final Thoughts
Realistically, you can see most of Montreal in a day, as the main attractions are clustered in the old city. The sights overall are average, but the food scene is exceptional.
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Bio | Brett Williams
Brett Williams, founder of Ylore Travel, has explored over 50 countries and lived in four, embodying his passion for travel and cultural immersion. His love for discovering new places and unique experiences inspired the creation of Ylore, making self-guided travel accessible to adventurers worldwide.
