Montreal...Part 2

Although we are huge fans of public transportation, sometimes we really miss having a car.  A car is able to take you to some places that you simply can't get to on a city bus, train, or plane.  So, we were very excited when we accidentally stumbled across a site on the Internet that offered rides on a school bus to Mont-Tremblant National Park.  For $50.00 per person this organization will transport you to and from the park.  The cost also covered the fees required to enter the park.  Lance and I signed up to go on Labor Day. 

Unfortunately for us, the day began with a heavy downpour of rain.  However, we were assured by the trip organizer that the park, which was a two and a half hour drive away, was expected to be dry...and it was.  We had a mostly cloudy day...with a few peaks of sunshine in the afternoon, but the temperatures were pleasant for hiking, and we enjoyed a nice day.   Our bus departed at 8:00 A.M. sharp...we arrived at around ten thirty...and loaded the bus to return at 4:30 P.M., which gave us about 6 full hours to explore the area.

The ride there was interesting.  Once again we got to see another part of the city of Montreal that we had not seen before.  This time it was an upscale part of town with very nice homes and several museums that we would like to go back and check out if time permits.  Once we hit the freeway, it didn't take long before we felt like we were in the wilderness with huge expanses of trees and small mountains (or large hills) as far as the eye could see.  

We were dropped off at the visitor center, where you could talk to a park ranger about the different hiking trails in the park, and kayak and canoe rentals.  Lance and I decided to take the trail up to the top of one of the hills that had an observation deck which offered a birds eye view of the area.  It was about a two and a half hour hike there and back.          

This bear display was inside the visitor center

Looks like fall is on the way...

The creek was almost dry...with just a trickle of water flowing down it

If you look closely, you can see small beach areas along the river 
where you can go swimming in the summer time.

When we returned, we took a stroll around the visitor center which was situated near a river.  We also walked through a nearby campground, which was already looking empty, as people busily prepared for their journey back home.  

Lance and I had a great day, and feel fortunate that we got to see one more part of Canada during our stay here.

Along with our trip to the National Park, we took some time to explore more of the downtown area.  One evening we attended the Upstairs Jazz Bar to see a jazz band and singer.  The concert was terrific and well worth the money we paid to see the event.   Below are just a few more pictures of the buildings you will see if you happen to visit Montreal.    

Although we don't always do a lot of touristy things...we decided to take a trip down to Old Montreal to tour Le Chateau Ramezay.  It was the home built for Governor Ramezay in the late 1700's.  Our ticket included a guided tour which was very informative and taught us a little more about the history of Montreal.    

Gardens located behind the Chateau 

Below are some of the other buildings you might see if you tour Old Montreal.  Along with historic buildings, you will find a wide variety of trendy restaurants, shops, and cafes.  We enjoyed a terrific lunch there and had a nice time touring the area.  

Lance always manages to find a unique coffee cafe where we can enjoy something to drink.

Soon the weather is expected to change here.  We see the forecast for the upcoming days is cooler with more clouds and rain.  The days are getting shorter and you can feel the nip of fall in the air.  Next week, we head for Vermont where we are looking forward to colored leaves, pumpkins, and fall festivals!