Montreal
In 2012, I ventured across the border towards Montreal for a Canadian Thanksgiving (it’s in October), stopping at the staple Tim Hortons, which is basically their Starbucks. Paying by the liter for gas was interesting. However, none of it was a culture shock in the slightest. That is, until the next morning when the most Canadian thing ever happened.
Staying in a house, the doorbell rang in the morning. I opened the door and there are two adorable 10-year-old kids standing there. They’re swimming in their oversized hockey jerseys, and I thought to myself, “Whatever you’re selling, I’m buying!” But instead of selling candy like we do here in the States, they were selling regular old brown paper bags to raise money for their hockey team. Apparently, this is quite normal. They’re used to bag up your leaves and put out on the street. Hey, at least its practical.
The Parliamentary Cats of Parliamentary Hill are sadly no longer there, which seems counterintuitive to even bring up now, but the Parliament buildings in Montreal are amazing. In 2013, they closed the cat sanctuary where about a hundred cats would just hang out and roam the grounds. Don’t worry, all the cats were adopted into good homes!
Then there are beaver tails. Just ask a local where you can find a beaver tail. You’ll thank me later.
Mont Tremblant is a short 90-minute drive away, which is like a gorgeous little Swiss village tucked away in the mountains. If foliage is your thing, this is unlike anything you’ll ever see and puts Virginia to shame.
Poutine is another Canadian treat, and has become popular in America too. If you’re not familiar, it’s a plate of french fries, smothered in cheese curds and brown gravy. It’s delicious, but the best I ever had was up in Montreal.