montreal in photos (day one)

We're home...finally.

As promised, here are some photos from our trip to Montreal, Quebec last week. Today's photos are from our first full day in the city. The weather was absolutely amazing, with little to no humidity and nice warm temperatures. Thunderstorms were in the forecast, but we never experienced any dark clouds or rain. Even the evenings were mild and pleasant.

We didn't realize when we booked our trip that Tuesday, July 1 was Canada Day, so most people had the day off and festivities were in full swing, especially in the Vieux Montreal, the historic Old Montreal. So not only did we experience Montreal Frenchness, we also got to experience some good ol' Canadian patriotism. It was impressive.

We started our day with a quick Metro trip from our hotel from Centre Ville (downtown) to the famed La basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal, across from the equally famous Place d' Arms. A fan of architectual marvels, I was amazed. Apparently the basilica is even more awesome at night, but we never made it over there after dark, so our daytime view and pictures will have to do. Visit the link above (after you look at the rest of the photos) to see some nightime photos.

Statue at the Place d' Arms.

Approaching the basilica.

Looking up at the huge structure.

The most extraordinary interior.

Cool stained-glassed windows.

After the visit to the basilica, we headed over to Vieux Montreal for the Canada Day festivities and a horse carriage ride through the streets.

Buildings along Rue de la Commune, fronting the old port.  Apparently the residences above the shops start at about $500k for a small space. I guess I can't afford to live there anytime soon. Although it would be cool.

Entering the Place Jacques-Cartier, the main street in Vieux Montreal.

View of the crowd on the quai, with the Marche Bonsecours in the background.

The Chappelle Notre Dame de Bonsecours.

Taking a break from our walking.

Montreal City Hall, adjacent to Place Jacques-Cartier.

Our carriage pilot takes us down the historic streets, unfortunately with heavy traffic on account of the holiday.

Posing in the carriage.

A street performer. He swallowed a balloon.

Posing in front of the fountains at the top of the Place Jacques-Cartier.

The top had a view of the city.

Later we headed over to the Place des Arts for the world-famous Montreal International Jazz Festival. It was packed. We were able to catch a couple of free live performances before leaving in exhaustion.

Entering the festival at Rue Saint Urbaine.

The crowd in front of the main stage.

Festivities in front of the Musee d' Art Contemporain.

The children's pavilion. We wished Z-Dub was there to enjoy it.

Looking down on the crowd. It was actually much bigger after sundown, although we didn't stay. Too tired.

We listened to the Mike Goudreau Band here.

Here's a video of the band playing.

Mike Goudreau Band at Montreal Jazz Festival from VegasDad on Vimeo.

That basically wraps up photos for day one. I'll post some photos from day two tomorrow, which includes trips to the Biodome and Botanical Gardens.

Day two photos can be found here.