Canada
Visit to Montreal, exploration of forests and lakes, and immersion in Canadian culture.
This trip dates back to 2015, and some information may no longer be up to date. Additionally, during this trip, I was unable to take photos due to my young age at the time.
Table of Contents
Introduction
My first big trip abroad! In the summer of 2015, I had the chance to participate in a summer camp in Canada, more precisely in the Montreal area. This experience marked the beginning of my passion for travel and discovering new cultures.
Canada, with its wide open spaces, preserved nature, and French-speaking culture in Quebec, is a perfect destination to start an adventure while keeping a foot in the Francophone world.
Montreal
Montreal is a fascinating city, a unique blend of French and North American culture. It is the second largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris.
Old Montreal
Old Montreal is the historic heart of the city, with its cobblestone streets and 18th-century architecture. Here you can find the Notre-Dame Basilica, a masterpiece of neo-Gothic style that impressed me with its grandeur and colorful stained glass windows.
Mount Royal
Mount Royal, which gave the city its name, offers a panoramic view of all of Montreal. It is the perfect place for a light hike and to discover the city from above.
Neighborhoods to Explore
- Plateau Mont-Royal: Bohemian neighborhood with colorful houses and typical exterior staircases
- Mile End: Creative neighborhood with vintage shops and cafes
- Quartier des Spectacles: Cultural center with festivals and events
- Chinatown: To discover another multicultural side of Montreal
Canadian Nature
What struck me the most about Canada is the immensity of nature. The endless conifer forests, crystal-clear lakes, and fresh air are memories I hold dear.
Outdoor Activities
During the camp, we participated in several activities:
- Hiking in the surrounding forests
- Canoeing on peaceful lakes
- Wildlife observation (squirrels, birds, and even beavers!)
- Campfires under the stars
"— Quebec proverbQuebec is as vast as love and as rich as the heart.
Quebec Gastronomy
Quebec cuisine is comforting and generous. Here are the specialties I discovered:
- Poutine: The signature dish! Fries, brown gravy, and squeaky cheese curds
- Smoked meat: Montreal-style smoked meat sandwich
- Tourtiere: Traditional meat pie
- Maple syrup: On pancakes, in desserts, everywhere!
- Beaver tail: Fried pastry shaped like a beaver’s tail
Practical Information
🇨🇦 Canada
Capitale
Ottawa
Population
40 million
Langue(s)
French, English
Monnaie
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Fuseau horaire
UTC-5 (Montreal) to UTC-8 (Vancouver)
Type de prise
Type A and B
Indicatif
+1
Conduite
Droite
🛂 Visa pour Canada
Visa non requisPour les ressortissants de nationalité française
Durée autorisée
6 months
Type de visa
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Coût
7 CAD (~5€)
Note: The eTA is mandatory for French travelers arriving by air. It can be applied for online and is generally approved within minutes. Valid for 5 years.
💵 Canadian Dollar
Taux approximatif: 1 € ≈ 1.50 CAD
💡 Conseils pratiques:
- • Credit cards are accepted everywhere
- • The $1 (Loonie) and $2 (Toonie) coins are common
- • A 15-20% tip is expected in restaurants
- • Displayed prices do not include taxes (add ~15%)
Quebec Expressions
Some typically Quebecois expressions:
"Icitte"
Traduction: Here
Prononciation: [i-sit]
"Pantoute"
Traduction: Not at all
Prononciation: [pan-tout]
"C'est correct"
Traduction: It's fine / OK
Prononciation: [sé ko-rèkt]
"Dépanneur"
Traduction: Corner store
Prononciation: [dé-pa-neur]
Estimated Budget
💰 Daily Budget in Quebec (par jour)
| Catégorie | Estimation |
|---|---|
| Accommodation Hostel / Airbnb | 40 - 80 CAD |
| Meals Restaurants and fast food | 30 - 60 CAD |
| Transport Metro / Bus | 10 - 20 CAD |
| Activities Museums, attractions | 15 - 35 CAD |
| Extras Souvenirs, snacks | 10 - 25 CAD |
| Total estimé | 105 - 220 CAD |
Summer or Winter?
⚖️ Visiting in Summer (June-August)
✓ Avantages
- ✓ Pleasant temperatures (20-25°C)
- ✓ Numerous festivals (Jazz, Just for Laughs)
- ✓ Lively patios
- ✓ Outdoor activities
- ✓ Very long days
✗ Inconvénients
- ✗ Peak tourist season
- ✗ More expensive accommodation
- ✗ Sometimes high humidity
⚖️ Visiting in Winter (December-March)
✓ Avantages
- ✓ Authentic winter experience
- ✓ Winter sports (skiing, skating)
- ✓ Quebec Winter Carnival (in February)
- ✓ Fewer tourists
- ✓ Magical snowy atmosphere
✗ Inconvénients
- ✗ Very cold temperatures (-20°C possible)
- ✗ Requires appropriate gear
- ✗ Some outdoor activities limited