Montréal, Canada

In the ways Los Angeles is better than New York City, Montréal is better than Paris. But don't take my word for it. No, really, don't. 'Cause I've never been to Paris. It's just what I tell myself to feel better. I don't think any New Yorker is going to tell you outright that Los Angeles is better, and I'm not entirely sure if it is. Yet, when you visit L.A. and see how they live: patios, good Mexican, colour -- you begin to question some things. Coming across the same (two) in Montréal and learning of an architect who designed apartments with a "garden for everyone", I'll continue to holler for the westside. Hey, it is west of Paris. 

On this continent, however, Montréal is on the east. So then back to our analogy, in the ways Los Angeles is better than New York City, Vancouver is better than Montréal. Hmm, not exactly. Thanks to those emblems of L.A. (bagels > tacos?), Montréal felt more west coast than its west coast counterpart. Plus, it has everything that makes east side the best side: more history, more art, and more, well, depth*. I mean, can you honestly imagine Leonard Cohen getting his start in shiny Vancouver?

"On our lady..."

"... of the harbour" -- Suzanne by Leonard Cohen

It seems Montréal is that that rare North American city which has the best of both coasts -- oh, yeah, and it feels like you're in Paris (don't listen to me!) Definitely all that... and a bag of chips. (Had to go there :D) Comparison is pointless.

* I know this statement is going to cause some beef. Said another way, the west coast has soul; the east depth. There's a slight difference, and you do have to live on both coasts to get it.


Length of Stay

Four days

Docking Index

       

Eight anchors because at this point I feel like you guys know why -- underground mall and pedestrian network. Quebec City is north of Montréal and doesn't have either. Winters must be brutal here, and I'm not ready to live like a gopher. Then again, we're both brown.