I was only in Montreal for a day and a half. Maybe since I had just left my bubble in Banff, or had been traveling for 12 hours, or had 3 hours of sleep when I arrived, I didn't give it the chance it deserved. Or maybe Montreal and I were just not right for each other at this time. I was followed down the street by panhandlers, my friend and I were completely ignored at two restaurants and ended up walking out, and at the third the waiter only talked to us when we were about to leave to point out that my friend did not leave him a tip after he had served everyone around us and ignored us throughout our dinner.
Although there were a few unfortunate events, there were a few things that I did enjoy while I was there. I stayed at the M-Montreal. The area it is located in wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but the hostel itself is amazing. It looks more like a hotel than hostel, the rooms are clean and airy, the shower in the ensuite had a multi-stream fixture, you're provided fresh towels everyday, and they also provide breakfast in the bar downstairs from 7-10 every morning.
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| Bar in the basement of the M |
Yesterday after having my breakfast I made my way to ensō yoga for the 10am community hot flow which is only $10 for the class, but because I rented a mat, towel and also got a bottle of water, my total came to $17. When you walk in everything is clean and beautiful. Shoes are left in a coat room in the front so the floor is spotless and you don't have any fear about walking around barefoot. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the locker room was immaculate with large wooden lockers that have a keypad on it so you don't need to bring a lock. For those of you who have done hot yoga before you may be aware of some places have the problem of the stench of sweat being permanently embedded into the room. Here though, that is not a problem at all. You would think the room was being used for the first time. The instructor gives the lesson in both French and English, and even though I haven't done hot yoga in 2 years, it was easy to follow, but I'm still sore in a good way today. There were plenty of showers for everyone and they provide soap, shampoo and blow dryers. I only wish I would have time to go more than once.
Afterwards yoga I made my way to Old Montreal. It was a 20 minute walk from the hostel but when I got there I wished I would have gone the night before when I arrived, because it would have made me appreciate Montreal a lot more.
I visited the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal. Even if you're not Catholic or not religious it is an amazing church to visit and you have to have respect for the amount of work and detail put into building it.
My friend and I had a late lunch of sangria and duck and rabbit crepes then went down to BotaBota for a day at the spa which is also an old boat. Now I know this makes me sound like the worst backpacker ever, but it is my birthday week, and on Tuesdays you can do the water circuit and get a 60 minute massage for $110. There are a few rules on the boat that you must be aware of though. Starting on the 2nd floor you must remain silent, which is hard if you come in a group, but as a former spa employee I understand why this rule is in place, as it's not a party boat, but a place that people come to relax, and you don't want to hear 50 people chatting at once. You're also not allowed to take photos without asking an employees permission first because they don't want you to bother the other guest. You're given a bracelet with a key fob on it for you locker, and also a robe and towel, which you have to bring back at the end of your time there.
There were quite a few people when we arrived, but not all of them were having treatments. You can just come and pay an access fee for the water circuit, and it's understandable why people would chose this option, because it was a beautiful warm day for sunbathing, and the water circuit is excellent for detoxing. You have the choice of sitting in the steam room or sauna first as part of the circuit, both which smell like eucalyptus which is excellent for clearing out your sinuses. After you plunge in the cold pool, which is slightly shocking, but you're entirely grateful for it after coming out of the steam room. Then you can relax outside on one of the chairs or bean bags they provide on the decks. On the decks there are also hot pools for you to relax in while viewing horse drawn carriages passing through Old Montreal.
In regards to Montreal, I just may have not had enough time or done enough research before coming to make the most out of the city. I did have a few good experiences though, but alas here I am headed to my next East Coast journey. Next stop, Quebec City!
