"A Drunkard's Dream If I Ever Did See One"

A few days with our northern neighbor.  (a much-needed escape into history, beauty, and a hint of Europe without crossing the ocean)

There’s something about crossing a border — even one as friendly and familiar as the one north of us — that instantly makes a short trip feel like a real adventure. We weren’t gone long, but our few days in Canada felt like we’d stepped into a whole different world. One with cobblestone streets, soaring cathedrals, and more French spoken than English.

This was a true getaway; no packed itinerary or high expectations.  Just a hope to rest, explore, and to wander through someplace beautiful. Montreal and Quebec City gave us all of that and more.

We started in Montreal, a city that somehow blends North American edge with old-world charm. There’s a pulse here — street performers in Old Port, local markets humming with life, cyclists weaving along the canal. But our favorite moments were the quiet ones.

We wandered into Notre-Dame Basilica, thinking it would be a quick stop. Instead, we stood in stillness under the glowing blue ceiling for far longer than expected.  The breathtaking church, completed in 1829, is one of the most striking in North America. The blend of architecture and intricate woodwork makes you feel like you’ve stepped inside a place that’s held millions of whispered prayers.

One highlight I MUST include: near the Notre-Dame Basilica, we stumbled upon what might be one of the best pastries I’ve ever had.  Tucked away on a quiet corner was Pâtisserie Bervig, a small but mighty bakery that changed the game. One bite into their custard-filled strawberry croissant — topped with ripe berries and the silkiest custard I’ve ever tasted — and we were officially ruined for all other pastries. The kind of indulgence you don't plan for, but talk about long after.

Later that day, we hiked up to Mount Royal — the hill the city is named after. The walk up was free, scenic, and a gentle workout (a rare triple win). At the top, we were gifted with panoramic views of the city, stretching all the way to the Saint Lawrence River. Montreal is a city that moves, but atop the mount, everything feels still.  Just us, the skyline, and a much-needed pause.

We hopped a train to, Quebec City and quickly discovered this town has the romance. Arriving there feels like opening a door to a different century. The streets are narrower, and buildings older, Quebec is a city that doesn’t try to be anything it’s not — truly delightful.

We spent most of our time walking. Getting lost was kind of the point. Winding our way through Old Quebec, we ended up at the base of Le Château Frontenac, which might be the most photographed hotel in the world — and for good reason. Towering over the river, it looks less like a hotel and more like a castle plucked out of a fairy tale.

Right behind it is Battlefields Park, part of the historic Plains of Abraham — a place that once decided the fate of empires in the 1700s. We stood there imagining what the field once looked like, quiet and still now but forever marked by history.

Then there's La Citadelle, the star-shaped fortress still guarded by troops.  History is everywhere in Quebec City, not tucked away behind museum walls but lived and layered into the cobblestones.

This wasn’t a trip about checking boxes. It was about slowing down. Letting ourselves be surprised. Feeling the wind on the hilltop in Montreal and the warm sun on a bench in Quebec City, watching as the world passed by — slowly, gently, beautifully.

We came home with sore legs, full hearts, and a renewed love for slow travel. Sometimes the best adventures are just a few hours away — and a passport stamp north, but until then...I’m comin’ home, baby!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

Montreal

• Notre-Dame Basilica
• Mount Royal
• Old Port
• Pâtisserie Bervig

Quebec City

• Le Château Frontenac
• Battlefields Park
• Plains of Abraham
• La Citadelle

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Pack comfortable shoes. Both cities are best seen on foot — and both have plenty of cobblestone streets and hills
• Brushing up on some French could help. You don’t need to be fluent, but even a few words go a long way in feeling connected
• Visit Notre-Dame Basilica and Mount Royal both are worth visiting in Montreal
• Stay near Old Quebec. Waking up and walking straight into centuries of history is worth it
• Eat local. Especially pastries. Don’t miss Pâtisserie Bervig in Montreal — the strawberry custard croissant alone is worth the trip