Have you ever fallen in love in a city? Montreal, with its cobblestone streets and historic charm, became the backdrop for a love story—my love story with myself. For four blissful days, I wandered this city, letting it embrace me in its timeless elegance. This trip wasn’t just a getaway—it was an intentional pause, a chance to rest and reconnect with myself after a chaotic first half of 2024. I chose a theme for this trip: self-romance. And Montreal, often dubbed the Europe of North America, did not disappoint.
Solo travel can sometimes feel isolating, but not in this city. It struck the perfect balance between solitude and connection, making it an ideal destination whether you’re flying solo or traveling with a small group. Here’s what made my self-romance in Montreal so memorable:
Public Green Spaces
In a city as vibrant as Montreal, I was pleasantly surprised to find green spaces around nearly every corner. Whether I was sitting on a park bench in Old Montreal’s Place D’Youville (right across from my hotel), strolling through Parc La Fontaine, hiking Mont-Royal, or losing myself in the lush beauty of the Montreal Botanical Garden, I always felt at ease. These green oases offered the perfect backdrop for reflection, reminding me that sometimes, the most meaningful travel experiences aren’t about rushing from one landmark to another—they’re about simply being.
A Taste of the World
Montreal is a multicultural city whose diversity is woven into the fabric of its cuisine, and I made it a point to savor some of it. Sure, I ticked off the local favorites—Montreal bagels, poutine, and a smoked meat sandwich—but the real magic was found in its globally-inspired offerings. Some of my most memorable meals were at Hayat, a Syrian-Lebanese restaurant, and Porto Mar, which serves up delicious Portuguese chicken. Every bite felt like a celebration of the city’s diversity.
Another incredible culinary experience came when I joined a small group of strangers at Edible Other, a dining pop-up hosted by Michelin-star-trained Chef Rob. Through Edible Other, Chef Rob explores the global food community in Montreal through a five-course tasting menu inspired by the city’s immigrant cultures. We paired each course with local wine, cider, and tea, and I loved every moment. It was the perfect blend of culinary wonder and authentic human connection with the other dinner guests.
A Minor Inconvenience
I wish I could say everything was perfect, but one minor annoyance was the seemingly never-ending construction in Old Montreal. It took away from some of the aesthetic charm I had hoped to capture in photos. Still, it didn’t detract from the overall experience—just a small reminder that no trip is without its quirks.
Final Thoughts
I left Montreal feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to face the world again (even though I would have preferred to stay a little longer). Whether you’re looking for a quick solo retreat, a small-group getaway, or simply a destination where you can enjoy good food and serene spaces, I can’t recommend Montreal enough. Have you been? What did you love about the city?
Is Montreal next on your list? You can start your own love story with the city HERE.
Until next time,
Thelma