Old Town
We arrived in Montréal on the evening of April 1. We flew from Portland to Vancouver, B.C. (about 90 minutes) and from there to Montreal (about four hours). Air Canada was great and the trip was relatively easy. We checked into the Sonder Apollon hotel in Old Montréal. Built in 1902, the interior has been beautifully remodeled in a modern style.
Entering the Hotel Sonder Apollon
Our room was clean and comfortable. We had a kitchen, but we enjoyed a favorable exchange rate, making restaurants more affordable, so we didn't do much cooking.
Our room at Sonder Apollon
On Tuesday, April 2, we strolled around Old Montréal, bought some groceries, and prepared for a day trip to Québec City the following day. We went into the Palais de congres de Montréal, the Montréal Convention Center, marked by a bold, colorful stained glass facade.
Palais de congres de Montréal
Inside the Palais de congres de Montréal
Stained glass and colorful umbrellas inside Palais de congres de Montréal
We walked along the waterfront and admired the many facets of a huge commercial port. Across the St. Lawrence River, we saw an unusual apartment building called Habitat 67, designed by architect Moshe Safdie in 1967. From a distance, the futuristic cube-like shapes resemble complex lego structures.
Habitat 67 across the St. Lawrence River
At the center of Old Town is the Basilique Notre Dame, dating from 1829. We didn't manage to get inside, but the interior is said to be quite beautiful, with ornate wood pillars and carvings. In the evenings they have a light show in there.
Basilique Notre Dame