We awoke to another heavy frost in Quebec, and after breakfast we packed our bags and loaded them all into the car. As the trip wears on, loading the car becomes more difficult as our bags are heavier / bulkier and we have extra "stuff" on board also. The joys of travelling!
The drive to Montreal is quite straightforward, our Hotel is right near the main highway so within 5 minutes we were across the bridge and on our way. Then it was 2 1/2 hours of driving on a divided highway, which got progressively busier the closer we got to Montreal, especially with lots of large trucks.
Our first destination in Montreal was Mount Royal. We approached Montreal on the other side of the river, and there are a few bridges available to use. The GPS directed us to take a highway exit onto the bridge, except a sign said buses only, so we had to abort. The GPS then directed us up river to the next bridge, adding about 10 minutes to our journey. We drove through the city and made our way up some steep streets to Mount Royal.
Mount Royal Park is a large public park on a hill overlooking the city. There are various paths throughout the park. Once parked, we followed the crowd to Mount Royal Chalet from where there is a large lookout over the city. From there we followed our noses to the Mount Royal Cross, which required more uphill walking and due to some confusion on my part about the cross, a point of frustration from other members of our party! Up there we saw runners, walkers, roller skiers, and of course many squirrels. This is a popular exercise spot for locals. We returned to the car about an hour later, better for the exercise and cool fresh air.
Next we headed to Saint Joseph's Oratory which is Canada's largest church. We took the long way down the hill and then had to double back across town. Once the GPS had us on the correct road, Helen asked "is it on the left, or right?" and then we looked left and realised that's indeed it. The building is huge and could not be missed. Once we paid to get into the car park, we parked up and headed up the many steps. It was only once we were at the entrance, it was apparent we could have driven to the top. More complaints directed at me. Fair enough the steps were steep and plentiful. Once inside, the place could easily be mistaken for an underground railway station, or commercial building, with lots of long escalators, and marble walls everywhere. The building is quite modern compared to those we've seen in Europe. The actual nave is amazing, both modern and ornate. We sat for a while to soak it in. The building is impressively large and as we were leaving, we found another smaller chapel downstairs as well as tombs in behind.
It was now about 2:30pm so we dialled up the hotel on the GPS, based near the airport, and headed there to empty the car and checkin. We got our first dose of how busy Montreal roads are, and also how impressive their roading systems are. The traffic was quite challenging and slow in parts.
After checkin, we relaxed for only a little while before heading out again. I'd noticed Montreal has a casino and for us, casino means buffet! The buffet opens for dinner service at 4:30pm and given we'd not had any lunch (apart from some chippies in the car) we could go for an early dinner. Dialling up the casino on the GPS, arrival time was 4:05pm. Not bad. Except the traffic was bedlam and we crawled along various highways. It was not all bad, some of the roads are elevated very high and afforded great views around the city while we crawled along. Meanwhile the arrival time slowly ticked up. Suddenly we reached the turnoff the casino, and we were the only car! The roads to the casino are long and we had them all to ourselves. It was gone 5pm before we arrived.
The casino is on Notre Dame Island, a man made island, which has also in the past hosted Olympic events, and also has the Formula One track on it. Most of the year, the racetrack is open to the public as a road. I was keen to have a drive around. Following the signs to the casino, it took us right to the parking entry and try as we might, we could not find a way onto the track even though we could see it. Oh well never mind, dinner awaits! The casino was actually nice and clean inside, and no smoking, and we found our way to the buffet easily enough. The food was nice quality, good selection, especially the beef which Helen enjoyed immensely.
Following dinner, and driving off the island, we had the most amazing view of the Montreal skyline with the late dusk in the background. I wish I could stop to take photos but the road did not allow. I did a U-Turn to head back again and try to take another road before hitting the casino. Success! We found the racetrack. By now it was dark. It is possible to drive around the entire track (except one hairpin) although it is strictly signposted as 30km/h and enforced by radar. Approximately 1/3 of the track is coned off and shared with runners/cyclists, and the rest is cars only. The track is complete, lined with armco, passes by the pit lane, has the run-off areas, everything. Very exciting to have the opportunity to drive around, even if only doing 1/10 the speed (or less) the speed of actual Formula One.
After that, we crossed over to Saint Helen's Island for a nosy. This island is home to The Biosphere and also an amusement park with roller coasters etc. We drove around here for a while, taking in the city at night just across the river.
Eventually it was getting late and it was time to return the rental car. So we dialled up the airport and off we went. Just nearby we remembered we needed to fill the car with petrol, so dialled up the nearest petrol. Unfortunately I took a wrong turn which meant we spent the next ten minutes navigating our way through the airport labyrinth. Never mind, we eventually found the petrol station, filled up, then returned the car. Luckily the hotel shuttle was waiting when we arrived, so we jumped in and within a few minutes were back ready for bed. A very exciting day around Montreal by car, and glad we made the casino trip because it enabled us to see a great deal in those last few hours.
Sorry I don't have too many photos from the later part of today, we just didn't have the opportunities when required.
And finally - we covered 6038km in the rental car, a fine effort, if I may say so myself.
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