The old Montreal is a very good place to appreciate the architecture from back the beginnings of the city and the mixture of it with newer buildings. The contrasts permit a lot of great pictures. The Basilica, rue St-Paul and Old Port are some of the must-see places in the city.

Old Montreal was a safe place to stroll around and poke into different buildings. Don’t rush the process. It was interesting with many historical landmarks and sculptures including Lord Nelson, an admiral in the English navy.

The streets were cobbled and narrow. Cars were allowed to drive through on some of these cobbled streets. Look right and left before you cross. A car zoomed past me because I wrongly assumed that the cobbled streets were meant for pedestrians only.

There was a square in front of the Notre Dame Basilica. Musicians played in the open space. There were places for the audience to sit and soak up the music. Donations were welcomed.

Horse-drawn carriages were available. There were charges. The drivers took people around and explained the history of the buildings, statues, and alleys.

One could easily walk around also. A lot more could be seen from the ground than driving around. Sturdy walking shoes required on uneven grounds.

Parking was tight on weekends. Cars were stacked on top of one another with barely a few inches to pull out!

Many restaurants, eateries, and souvenir shops were available. Maple syrup, maple cookies, and maple candy. The Canadians welcomed the tourist dollars. The shopkeepers were friendly, polite, helpful, and knowledgeable.

Unfortunately, there was a 15% sales tax on everything from a cup of coffee to a souvenir sweatshirt. A shopkeeper explained that the high 15% sales tax paid for the socialized health medicine in Canada. Every Canadian citizen was covered. When one was sick, there were no anxieties or fears of big hospital or doctor bills.

Old Montreal was close to the wharf. It was easy to walk down towards the wharf to stroll on the promenade that paralleled the St. Lawrence River.

Chinatown with great food and take-outs was also in close proximity. Look for the ornate arches or ask someone local who would know. They were friendly and understood both English and French questions.

The best part of Montreal that also included Old Montreal was listening to the French and English being spoken. Eavesdrop as you walk. Almost everyone was bilingual.

I want to think this was because of the weather. Montreal in April is a sad and rainy view. A lot of places were closed, it was hard to find somewhere to eat, the museums have shorter hours and work fewer days a week.