Category Archives: Montreal

Group of Seven, stone Cellar, Perth, Ontario

Every summer we try to make a few local trips to explore our province and  one of the regions we love to visit is Lanark County, which offers perfect combination of small towns, cottages on the beach and wild life. And after spending couple days in the cottage (“The Dancing Bass” Lodge cottage) we went to Perth for some shopping and lunch.

That lunch was a very special treat for us! Based on the art of Famous Canadian Group of Seven Chef Jamie Troutman from “The Stone Cellar” created the menu that interprets various elements present in paintings in “edible art”. Hours of research made it possible to reflect the famous Canadian art in the fine Canadian cuisine. In his creations Jamie is using the true Canadian ingredients coming from local farms. Chef Troutman, as per his own words, using the “deconstruction of the elements” from art into cuisine.

Lawren Harris, Icebergs by Chef Jamie Troutman

The shot glasses made of clear ice represent the art of Lawren Stewart Harris, who was criticized as being cold, but in fact deeply spiritual and one of the skilled abstract painters.

From ice and cold we suddenly surrounded by flowers and greenery of “Tangled Garden” by J. E. H. MacDonald –  Jamie Troutman’s sunflower salad full of summer colours and fresh herbs… MacDonald’s art is distinguished by dark palette, tough, rich and at the same time elegant design. And Jamie is using the dark of the stone slab as background for the splash of colours…

Group of Seven MacDonald Tangled Garden
“Tangled Garden” in sunflower salad by Chef Jamie Troutman

From flowers and greenery of the garden we travel to Nova Scotia with help of another Jamie’s culinary creation based on “Nova Scotia Cove” again by J. E.H. MacDonald.  Scallops and wild rice combined in a beautiful setting with shells to represent seashore…

Group of Seven, edible art
Chef Jamie Troutman, Scallops  served with Wild Rice – “Nova Scotia Cove” by J. MacDonald

We keep our taste buds tuned as next we get served Canadian beef – so tender! …accompanied by some root vegetables… chef’s creation based on the painting by Arthur Lismer “Habitant Farm”…

"Habitant Farm" Lismer and Chef Troutman
“Habitant Farm” by Arthur Lismer and Chef Troutman

Lanark County is well known for Maple Syrup producers and it would be logical to find this unique Canadian product in local cuisine and famous art.

J. Troutman "Maple Glazed Pork" based on "The red Maple" by A. JacksonJ. Troutman “Maple Glazed Cheese” based on “The Red Maple” by A. Jackson.

Our experience would not be complete without the dessert!Apple dessert based on "Asters and Apples" by J. MacDonaldApple dessert based on “Asters and Apples” by J. MacDonald

If you decide to indulge in creativity and fine cuisine make sure to make a 48 hours reservation, and if so, you may need to find a fine place to stay. Luckily the area offers a good variety of hotels – one of our favourites is “Perth Manor” which offers classic architecture, cozy rooms, beautiful garden and friendly atmosphere.

The Stone Cellar Restaurant                                                                                   Address: 71 Gore St E, Perth, ON K7H 1H Menu: thestonecellar.com                                                                                       Reservations: opentable.com                                                                                 Phone: (613) 267-0200

Perth Manor Hotel                                                                                                 Address: 23 Drummond St. West, Perth, ON                                       Phone: (613) 264-0050 and if this one is not available –

Best Western Plus Perth Parkside Inn & Spa                                                   Address: 82 Peter St, Perth, ON                                                                 Phone: (613) 326-0082.

Yamaska National Park, Quebec

To have a complete travel experience in Montreal area we decided to visit the Yamaska National Park, well known as a wonderful family escape whether you are camping, just came to enjoy the beach, like to hike or bike.
That morning weather outlook promised some rain and cloudy, so the beach option was not on the list, so we opted for a bike ride.

We did not bring our bikes, so had to rent – you know that feeling when you take someone’s else bike – I hope it’s good… – well, the bikes were not just good, they were great – all in perfect condition, had all the proper gear installed and ready to roll!

Parc National de la Yamaska,Granby, Quebec

The Yamaska National Park is located on the Choiniere Reservoir, is represented by great variety of trees, small animals and birds. The park was created in 1983 and is a perfect for all kinds of activities combined in one great location – boating, paddling, fishing for those who prefers to be on the water and hiking, biking, camping as an addition and for those staying on land. The water is very clear, we saw a lot of small fishes close to the shore.

Parc National de la Yamaska,Granby, Quebec

The beach is well equipped with water bikes, kayaks and paddle boards… we would be very happy to try them all, however at that time decided to go for a bike ride to explore the trail which is about 19 km and runs through he forest for some distance along the shore and later through the woods.

As navigation help we also got i-pods with map, detailed information about the location and some interesting facts about where we were in real time!

Parc National de la Yamaska,Granby, Quebec

Yamaska National Park
Address: 1780 boulevard David-Bouchard, Roxton Pond, QC J0E 1Z0
Phone: (450) 776-7182

Bombardier Museum of ingenuity, Valcourt, Quebec

We arrived in Valcourt QC to see the place where the man known as the  pride of Valcourt created his company that would be renowned by the  world. The visit begins with the simple garage where  Joseph Armand  Bombardier decides to overcome the challenges of driving in the deep  snow.

Museum of Ingenuity, Valcourt, Quebec

By adapting the tractor wheels into treads and skis to become parts of  the vehicle he was able to make the first snowmobile- the B7 – that  within a very short period of time became in great demand not just in Quebec but all over Canada. In the garage there is still his officefilled with tools and papers, as if he just stepped out for a moment.
And you can see the first original snowmobile that looks quite bulky, since it was made of wood and various parts from other machines, stands in the middle of the garage.

Museum of Ingenuity, Valcourt, Quebec

The new creation became so popular that the company moved to the new larger building and was supported by the whole community of Valcourt. The larger sized vehicles followed and the business was prospering until… after World War II, the Quebec government passed a law that required cities to  remove the snow from highways and streets and the need for the snowmobile as a transportation quickly faded. The creativity of Joseph Armand Bombardier never stopped and he
brought new ideas into growing the business… a few months later the “Ski-Doo” comes out of his production and quickly gives raise to the new sport and gives all new outlook for winter fun.

Museum of Ingenuity, Valcourt, Quebec
Museum of Ingenuity, Valcourt, Quebec

From section to section we could see the machines created in different times for the variety of purposes – snowmobiles of all sizes, all terrain vehicles, the rail transport – here you can get on the actual streetcar and image being on the streets of the busy downtown.
In the next hall we were impressed by the original subway wheels that are used in Montreal Metro – and these are produced by Bombardier Inc. as well.

Museum of Ingenuity, Valcourt, Quebec

One of the expositions is dedicated to the aircraft industry, here the imagination will take you up to the skies – yes, you can fly! And feel like a pilot of the commercial aircraft, which destination is any place of your choice!

Museum of Ingenuity, Valcourt, Quebec

And not just the destinations you can reach here, you can build the totally new vehicle of your own creation. In the room filled with I-pads there is big screen with the images of all sorts of surrealistic machines moving, floating, flying, zooming… it’s a wonderful world of imagination; and no matter the age – it is a great fun for all!

FabLab, Museum of Ingenuity, Valcourt, Quebec

One more surprise at the end of our tour – so called ‘’ FabLabs’’. Anyone who likes to create, is in need of tools and good technical advice can come here and for a very reasonable fee get it all including materials, software and a helping hand! Really impressive and well done! And so encouraging!

Bombardier Original Garage, Museum of Ingenuity, Valcourt, Quebec

Granby Zoo, Quebec

During the last couple of years the topic of visiting Quebec was coming up several times in our discussions. Kids were asking if there is a zoo there, so we found out that Granby Zoo is not too far… Finally in May 2017 we booked a hotel and planned out the itinerary that would include some of the places that we thought would be interesting for everyone in the family and the zoo was one of those.

The main destination was Quebec City and its beautiful downtown was so well preserved and such a distinct French heritage. We spent most of our time just strolling the streets, window shopping and watching the street performers who  really amazed us with their skills – fire jugglers, drama characters and musicians…

Granby Zoo is about 3 hours drive from the downtown Quebec, and about an hour from Montreal. We were welcomed in the nice reception hall, got our tickets and went to explore the animal world.

Granby Zoo, Quebec
Granby Zoo, Quebec

Right as we entered there was a gigantic size dinosaur’s head and a line up of kids willing to climb inside of it! No matter how big or small – they were very about the opportunity to see the real size dinosaurs! And there 21 of them right in front of you, so be very careful  – but don’t try to feed or pat these creatures! Even in the Zoo!

Dinosaurs encounter
Dinosaurs encounter

Enough of the dinosaurs  – the kids forgot about dinosaurs right at the sight of the farm animals. And there were lots of them  – pigs, sheep, and goats – so friendly and ready to make friends!

Farm animals
Farm animals
Granby Zoo, Quebec
Granby Zoo, Quebec

After some hugs exchange with farm inhabitants we decided to go see some of the exotic creatures on display.

Granby Zoo, Quebec
Up close encounter with tropical fish via aquarium glass, Granby Zoo, Quebec
Stingray in Aquarium
Stingray in Aquarium

Oceania seemed to be a good place to start – first the stingrays and the variety of tropical fish and then all way around the Australian continent to see black swans, parrots, emus, and kangaroos.  Stingrays seem to be attracted to the hand emerged in the water –  some of them will come and allow us to gently touch their backs…
The Kangaroos were too busy to discuss any matters of their life, so the visit to the Oceania Garden was quite interesting as it is extremely rare you get to see kangaroos that close and with no fence!.

Granby Zoo, Quebec
Granby Zoo, Quebec
Granby Zoo, Quebec
Australian Pavillion, Granby Zoo, Quebec

We entered the aviary and right away we were surrounded by many colorful parrots! For $1 you can buy a special nectar – just hold the cup tight and they will sit on your hand and drink it!

Granby Zoo Aviary, Quebec

We spend some good time  there – the parrots are so colorful and it is such a great experience to see them so close.

Granby Zoo, Quebec
Granby Zoo, Quebec

But there was a lot see and the time was  limited.
Our next destination was  Africa! Who doesn’t like to observe the grace of big cats, see elephants shower using trunks, slowly moving zebras and giraffes, and the hilarious monkeys?

Meerkat, Granby Zoo, Quebec
Zebras, Granby Zoo, Quebec
Granby Zoo, Quebec
Granby Zoo, Quebec
Granby Zoo, Quebec

One of our major observations was the  design of the areas, nice fences that imitate greenery and well maintained grounds. We later learned that Granby Zoo received an Award for the Energy Consumption Reduction Efforts project that was implemented during the renovation of 2005-2010.

The Zoo is well mapped and organized – it was no problem to find any continent or animal of interest. And yes, the zookeepers definitely speak many languages, no worries if you don’t speak French!
After Africa we had just a bit of time to make a short tour of South America. We stopped by llamas who stretched out their necks asking for treat… Sure!

Granby Zoo, Quebec

it was a lot of fun to feed them some green leaves that we found on the trees  around; we were impressed by the spread of the wings of the Andean Condor and spent some time waiting for the alligators to wake up from the afternoon nap; finally one of them yawned and slowly moved towards the water… at the end of the South American trail we saw a powerful jaguar,  at the moment it was quite relaxed and not interested in any aggression.

Granby Zoo, Quebec
Taking an afternoon nap....
Taking an afternoon nap….

On our way to South American continent we made a snack stop at “Le Marcher”. The restaurant offers a variety of foods and drinks and nice dining area;  there is also a large area outside with tables under umbrellas.
Next to the Restaurant there is an Amusement Park – where kids found some free rides while we were resting our feet; there is also an Amazoo Water park that offers quite the  variety of water rides, not now however… we may visit it some other time when the day will be hot enough for water fun…so long for now, the Zoo is closing and we are tired enough to get to our hotel and have some dinner.

For more information about the zoo and their hours: https://zoodegranby.com/en/

If you wish to spend a great overnight time in Granby here is the hotel that we really loved:  https://www.hotelstchristophe.com/

‘Green light’ for St Patrick’s celebrations around the world!

16 March 2017:  Over 250 iconic landmarks and sites around the world will be illuminated green over the coming days – as part of Tourism Ireland’s 2017 Global Greening initiative to celebrate the island of Ireland and St Patrick.

The annual initiative, now in its eighth year, which sees a host of major landmarks around the world turn green for St Patrick’s Day, has grown from strength to strength, with many new landmarks signing up to take part this year.

Stadiums, statues, castles and towers will go green to celebrate our national day (17 March) with exciting additions for 2017 including the One World Trade Center in New York – the main building of the re-built World Trade Center in New York and the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

Canadian landmarks going green this year include the Toronto Sign, Casa Loma, Whistler Ski Resort, Calgary Tower, Cabot Tower, The Big Fiddle, the Museum of Nature, the Big Nickel, the Distillery District, the Sails of Lights, the Futalognkosaurus (dinosaur) in the Royal Ontario Museum, Montreal City Hall, Complexe Desjardins, and La Tour McGill.
Click Tourism Ireland’s Global Greenings for footage of the world turning green.

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “This is the eighth year of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening initiative and each year I am delighted to see even more well-known attractions and landmark sites wishing to get involved. The eagerness of cities and countries everywhere to take part underlines the strength of the deep connection that people all over the world feel to Ireland. More than 70 million people around the world claim links to the island of Ireland and St Patrick’s Day is a truly unique opportunity to reconnect them with their heritage.”

Of course, the ‘greenings’ are just one part of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations. The place to be on 17th March is Ireland where there are two festivals which shouldn’t be missed.

In Dublin, Ireland’s capital city, the ‘St Patrick’s Festival’ will last for four great days, taking in the weekend and running from 16-19 March.  The city will be alive with music, film, arts, dance, culture, fun and even international rugby.

Each year the festival has a different theme with this year’s ‘Ireland We Are’ giving the city a chance to showcase all that Ireland stands for today.  Festival favourites include the world’s largest outdoor céilí, world-class museums hosting free workshops and guided historic walks including famous sites such as the Guinness Storehouse. The main event, the St Patrick’s Festival parade, is held on Friday 17 March in Dublin’s city centre.

In Northern Ireland, the newly curated ‘Home of St Patrick Festival’ celebrates St Patrick, the man and the saint, as one of the world’s most inspiring and loved saints of all time. Taking place in the beautiful landscape of Counties Armagh and Down, which was once Patrick’s home, the festival will culminate on Sunday 19 March with ‘The Voice of the Irish’ closing concert in spectacular Newry Cathedral.

Road Trip Itineraries in Maritime Quebec. Summer 2016 news

Road Trip Itineraries

The Gaspésie Tour is a legendary seaside drive that loops around the huge Gaspé Peninsula. Begin your journey in the region of Bas-Saint-Laurent. From the Kamouraska area, Route 132 will take you all the way to Gaspé, at the tip of the peninsula, via famous Percé Rock. Read more about this road trip itinerary.

This itinerary follows Route 138 from Tadoussac to Kegaska. From there, you can continue your journey aboard an authentic supply ship that will take you from village to village all the way to Blanc-Sablon. Out at sea and from the shore, you can observe up to 13 species of whales in this region, including blue whales, the largest animals on earth. Read more about this road trip itinerary.

In the maritime regions of Québec, ferries serve as an extension of the road network. In addition to allowing you to visit both shores of the St. Lawrence without retracing your steps, they are a novel way to travel and offer unique perspectives on the surrounding scenery and marine mammals. Read more about these road trip itineraries.

For a complete change of pace and scenery, nothing beats the Îles de la Madeleine. Whether you visit to enjoy the water and wind or to explore the rich culture of an island people surrounded by the sea, you will leave with wonderful memories and only one thought in mind: to come back for another visit! Read more about this road trip itinerary.

News from Montreal Tourism, Fall 2015 issue

Le 19 août 2015

Fall is an awesome time to be in Montréal. Things get cooking city-wide with three major food fests, a major photo exhibition and the best and brightest in new cinema. Plus, culture vultures can take in oodles of contemporary dance, a major indie music fest and a glittering line-up in symphony, ballet and the opera. Be here!

Visit the blog and see what’s happening in Montréal

Montréal indulges

Montréal’s got a crave-worthy calendar of events cooking for foodies. From August 20 to 24, Omnivore  features the freshest new talents in the SAT’s Foodlab kitchens. Celebrated Montréal chefs dazzle taste buds at the YUL EAT Festival in the Old Port, September 5 to 7. And MTL à TABLE  invites everyone to explore the city’s ebullient restaurant scene, October 29 to November 8. New food trends, up-and-coming chefs, cranked-up culinary classics, demos, dinners, parties: all this and more on the Montréal menu!

Montréal shows off

Montréal’s cultural calendar shines big and bright this autumn. Sensory Stories  at the Phi Centre invites visitors to rediscover narrative through virtual, interactive and immersive experiences until September 27. The World Press Photo  exhibition at Marché Bonsecours captures hearts and minds with prizewinning images until September 27, while the Festival du nouveau cinéma  provides a one-of-kind film fix by reeling in the planet’s newest and hottest works and talents from October 8 to 19.

Montréal is seriously festival

Fall’s bona fide festival time in Montréal too. Proving it is Festival Quartiers Danses  , which kicks it up with a fresh program of contemporary dance from September 9 to 20. On its heels is POP Montréal  , where seasoned and emerging musicians and plenty more happenings rock the city from September 16 to 20. The three-year-old Phénomena Festival  brings more boundary-pushing performances from October 16 to 23, while M for Montréal breaks out a huge new line-up of genre-spanning music, November 18 to 21.

Montréal keeps it classy

Montréal rolls out the red carpet to the classics this fall, with Maestro Kent Nagano conducting emBolero at the Maison symphonique de Montréal from October 20 and 21. The Opéra de Montréal thrills audiences with the emotion and intensity of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly  and Strauss’s Elektra  in September and November, respectively. And dance lovers can watch and wonder as the Grands Ballets steps it up with Kaguyahime  by choreographer Jiří Kylián, October 15 to 30.

New guided tour of the Olympic Park

As the Olympic Park’s 40th Anniversary fast approaches, we are offering guided tours that will teach you all about the highlights and proud moments of this mythic place  —located right in the city. The one-hour visit will take you on an informative tour of the Stadium and its brand new installations, showcasing the architectural masterpiece and its stunning history.

Race4Food

Three all-out food races around the Eaton Centre Food Court, with $1500 in prizes to be won! Place an order with a competitor, and they race around the food court at top speed to deliver the meal as fast as they can, without making any mistakes. Information at montrealeatoncentre.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel – The Exhibition
Until October 12
The chance to fully engage in the artwork in a way never before possible.

Gardens of Light
September 4 to November 1
This fall, the Chinese and Japanese Gardens will be offering two brilliant experiences you’re sure to enjoy.

Events schedule in Montreal for Spring 2015

FIFA [ http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/What-To-Do/Events/international-festival-of-films-on-art-fifa ]
March 19 to 29, 2015
The International Festival of Films on Art embraces multiple forms of creativity.

Festival TransAmériques [ http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/What-To-Do/Events/festival-transameriques ]
May 21 to June 4
Dance and theatre festival that builds bridges between local and international talent.

The Aztecs, People of the Sun [ http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/What-To-Do/Events/the-aztecs-people-of-the-sun-montreal ]
May 29 to October 25
Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History
A foray into the great Aztec civilization through hundreds of artifacts.

Rodin — [ http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/What-To-Do/Events/rodin-metamorphoses-in-rodins-studio-mbam-montreal ] Metamorphoses [ http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/What-To-Do/Events/rodin-metamorphoses-in-rodins-studio-mbam-montreal ]
May 30 to October 18
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Exhibition presenting 200 masterpieces created by legendary French sculptor Rodin.

Fall 2013 events in Montreal

Le Mois de la Photo à Montréal
September 5 to October 5, 2013
More than 25 exhibitions deployed in different sites will transform the city into a vast yet coherent photography exhibition. This event will chart the changing relationship between the camera and the human body.

Gardens of Light at the Botanical Garden

September 6 to November 3, 2013
The two star features of the Botanical Garden, the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, will be illuminated at dusk to reveal two distinct atmospheres, each showcasing in its own way the outstanding beauty of nature.

International Freeski Film Festival

September 11 to 15, 2013
The IF3 stems from the need to group together in one event all the elements that constitute Freeski culture, in film, music, and photography.

POP Montreal International Music Festival

September 25 to 29, 2013
This festival brings a delectable menu of independent music in several venues around the city.

Canada Day celebration with Parks Canada

Free admission to Parks Canada sites to celebrate Canada Day

OTTAWA, June 13, 2013 /CNW/ – Parks Canada reminds that admission will be free in all 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas on Canada Day.

To celebrate Canada Day, Canadians are invited to participate in an array of activities offered across the country.

For details on celebrations across the country including activities involving Parks Canada in Canada’s Capital, please visit: www.pc.gc.ca/eng/voyage-travel/celebrations2013.aspx#Canada.

You can also follow us on these social media networks:
www.facebook.com/ParksCanada
www.twitter.com/ParksCanada