I’ve been asked to participate in a new travel roulette called “This is My Canada”, initiated by Pamela over at Spunky Girl Monologue. This is my entry.
Because it doesn’t get better than Canadian winter fashion. ;-)
It goes without saying that I am a proud Montrealer and Québécoise – I did start a blog on this sole subject after all. I never miss out on an occasion to enthusiastically mention that I’m Canadian and that Montreal is the best city in the whole wide world, bar none.
But if I’m honest, the fact remains that I have seen very little of my own country.
Two provinces. That’s it. Including one that’s been visiting solely for the purpose of school trips, back in the days where the portable yellow Sony cassette player was THE hip thing to own. I’ve never even gone further east than Quebec City, and further west than Toronto.
I know. I know. I suck as a Canadian.
I could rely on the excuse that Canada is a big country, that’s both expensive and complicated to visit. It wouldn’t be untrue. But the truth is that at age 19, I chose Europe over Canada – 6 years later, I’ve had my share of medieval cathedrals and cobblestone alleys, and I find myself longing for the wide open spaces and the familiarity of my home country.
I’m confident that I will accomplish my dream grand tour of Canada one day – after all, I’ve got a good 50 years ahead of me, and Canada isn’t going anywhere. But for now, this is my Canada. My Quebec. My Montreal. My home.
***
My Canada in winter is just awesome. Period.
Welcome to Canada, eh!
Caution – Snowmobile Crossing. Only in Canada.
Christmas tree in Quebec
My Canadian province of Quebec is home to some of the oldest history in North America.
Marché Bonsecours
My province has some not-so-good-looking-but-actually-incredibly-tasty national dishes.
Poutine, of course.
Timmy Time.
My Montreal IS, without the shadow of a doubt, the coolest place in the world.
Montreal street art
What better way to enjoy a snowstorm than to spend an hour sipping on a delicious vanilla latte in a hip Montreal café?
My Canada is tolerant, open-minded, welcoming and loving towards minorities.
Gay village in Montreal
My Canada has awesome scenery, outdoor activities and wildlife.
Niagara Falls © Anne Gauthier
Omega Park © Denis-Carl Robidoux
Snowshoeing
My Canada has some of the most beautiful villages in North America, and unique architecture.
The church in Saint-Sauveur
***
Every time I travel, I try to remember how lucky I am to be Canadian. For there are few countries in the world that can boast to be as kind and friendly as we are, and that can compete with our completely awesome landscapes and traditions.
This is my Canada. And I love it.
mevallieres
mevallieres
mevallieres
mevallieres
mevallieres
mevallieres
Great photos! I lived in Montreal for a year and I have to agree — It’s the best city in Canada!
Glad you can relate to my love for Montreal :)
This looks amazing – I want to do a road trip across Canada!!
Me too! One day I hope I can do it, but Canada is so big!
I have a comment on Montreal. I recently moved to Montreal with a baby, and unfortunately I have to say that Montreal is the most baby unfriendly city that I have been to. I have lived in many countries prior to Canada, and it is disappointing to find that Montreal is generally a very unkind city to those who have a family. The metro is SHOCKING, no ramps, no lifts to aid a mother with a stroller. Train carriages are narrow and hardly able to fit a stroller in. Malls are not equipped for stroller and breastfeeding mothers. Not many stores specialising on babies stuff. Not many activities especially during winter catered for the little ones. It’s very sad and I would very much like to hear your views on this. Thanks
I think a lot of big cities are not warm to the idea of babies – I guess that since I don’t have a baby I never noticed this. But yes, there is definitely room for improvement. They are slowly installing lifts in a few key metro stations…
Your Canada looks pretty awesome. I’m mostly familiar with BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan. I still haven’t been to Quebec, and I’ve barely touched Ontario (I went to Toronto once). There’s a lot of Canada to see, and I’m looking forward to seeing it one day, hopefully soon.
Thanks Louise! I really do think Montreal is awesome. And Canada as a whole too – but I’ve seen so little of it!
I love those Canada mittens!! I haven’t been to Montreal for so long – you have made me want to go back!
I have not been to Montreal, so thank you for sharing your perspective of what makes it so special! I also have a strong love for my hometown area (Northern California).
I love Montreal, but both of my trips there have been way to short. As always, your gorgeous photos make me want to go there. Great idea for a series, Pam!!
LOVE Canada, especially Quebec. Has a warm place in my heart after I moved to QC for over a year. Hope to get a summer house there – Canada’s winter is CRAZY!
And the poutine looks good to me.
Yes, Canada’s winters ARE crazy. And beautiful. A dangerous mix :)