Not Keen on Vancouver? Try Montreal for a Change of Pace and No Olympic-Sized Crowds
Photo by Meeralee via Flickr
Getting sick of the Olympics already? The Games have become so corporate-driven that sometimes it’s difficult to wade through the media overkill and the host city hard sell to remember that the Olympics is at its core, a way to bring countries together, sharing culture, friendly competition, and happiness.
That said, if Vancouver is not your cup of tea, our intrepid mindful traveler correspondent Daniel Baylis has some ideas on its neighbor to the east, Montreal:
Olympic madness is sweeping the West Coast of Canada. But not everyone in Canada is rushing off to Zellers to buy their Olympic gear. Some folks, especially British Columbians, are less excited about the games than the media buzz would lead us to believe.
But when we strip away the controversy behind massive endorsement deals and billions of tax dollars spent on stadiums instead of housing and health care, few people could argue against the core of the Olympic spirit – human beings at the peak of physical and mental performance.
If you are an Olympian at heart and couldn’t make it to Vancouver (for economic, ecological or moral reasons), perhaps another Canadian city would be a better option: Montreal.
On the eastern side of the continent, the French-influenced city is an accessible and undiscovered gem for many. Host of the 1976 Summer Olympics, Montreal is a mix of North American and European sensibilities. Equal parts jock and fashionista, the multicultural city could be the best option for your next getaway.
If you are into winter sports, Montreal has an ample amount of snow to support your frosty frolics! From downtown you can easily walk to Mont Royal (editor: that’s Mount Royal to us English-speaking yahoos) to rent cross-country skis and tackle many of the groomed trails in the park. Or, if you consider yourself more of an ice dance expert, you might want to check out the multiple Montreal outdoor ice skating options. For those who prefer the thrill of downhill skiing or snowboarding, day trips can be made to local hills such as Mont Tremblant or Mont Saint-Sauveur. And when your muscles are starting to ache, try the eucalyptus steam baths at Scandinave Les Bains, or the chocolate & orange ‘Therapeutic Body Butter’ at Espace Nomad for a restorative, yet environmentally conscious, spa experience.
Mont Tremblant Village
Heck, maybe you like winter but just don’t want get all moist under your new ethically traded bamboo winter jacket. There are plenty of cultural and artistic options throughout the city. ‘Montreal: City of Glass,’ a multi-collaborative local initiative, has twenty-three Montreal museums uniting with numerous art galleries and libraries to celebrate this fascinating material. It’s a glass lovers’ fantasy! The Montreal Highlights Festival (February 18 – 28) is an epicurean’s wet dream. Blending gastronomy, culture and outdoor events, the festivities will give you an opportunity to taste the best of what the city has to offer.
Finally, for those concerned about their ecological footprints, one of the greenest forms of travel, the railroad, is a great option! Trains run direct from Toronto and New York City. But if you are on a time crunch, and still craving a weekend getaway, using air travel is a clear choice. Direct short-haul direct flights from Boston, Washington, Philadelphia and Chicago are perhaps the most ecological and economical choice.
Have fun saying ‘Bonjour’ to your inner Winter Olympian!
Daniel Baylis is a blogger, jogger and yogger (yogi) who lives and plays in Montreal. He would love to be your friend on Facebook or to have you join his adventures on Twitter @Daniel_Baylis. He also likes what you’ve done with your hair.
