So glad that Roey arrived safe and sound this morning! Quite a daunting experience for him after leaving Jared and the boys in Los Angeles and connecting with Air Canada via Vancouver on his own, plus getting the airport shuttle into the city! Great to see him. Gave him time to have a shower and breakfast before we headed out for the day.
We walked for about an hour to the tourist information centre were we booked on a 2 hour fully narrated city tour on an open air double decker bus for 11am. Although brisk at times was quite warm and sunny so was very pleasant. The sights included Notre Dame Basilica; the old town of Montreal and port area; across the pont de la Concorde over the Saint Lawrence River to the Parc Jean Drapeau on Ile Sainte Helene which is popular with cyclists on its formula one track; then on to the man made island, Ile Notre Dame which is home to Montreal's casino. Other areas included Chinatown (every city has one); the impressive gardens and parkland of Mount Royal and the nearby St Joseph's Oratory - a magnificent cathedral. A really comprehensive tour with tremendous views (could see the Olympic stadium) and insights into the city. We decided to catch a city bus back down to the port area to further explore the old town. Fabulous cobble stone streets and brilliant old buildings housing shops and restaurants. Had beers and lunch at a top outdoor eatery - by this stage the weather was even warmer and the city was really bustling with Sunday revellers. Wandered back up to Sainte Catherine via various street entertainment and artists as we wanted to explore Montreal's famous underground pedestrian network. There are 33kms of connecting passageways beneath downtown that link the metro, shops, restaurants, hotels, museums, theatres, universities and even an arena - all underground. Quite a unique city! This plus the diverse architecture, gorgeous terraced housing with long external front stairways and the abundance of cyclists really creates the appeal.
Was good to have a rest before wandering down to nearby rue Sainte Denis which was dotted with an array of restaurants, for an Italian meal. We shall all sleep well tonight!