flashman181

Big day today with bucket list item of visiting Niagara Falls. Weather was being kind but would the GU be ? Bus pick up was a 15 min walk away so planned to have coffee nearby and of course be early. Bus duly arrive 15 mins early and a crowd milling. All boarded well but of course missing one pair at leaving time of 08:15. 5 mins later they did arrive – a couple of Japanese girls who did apologise – and off we went . Good tour guide and we left outskirts of Toronto

First stop after about an hour was Old Historic Town. Quaint little town and we parked 5 mins out and had to walk back with strict instructions of 1 hour only. On the good news front we always left on time rest of day – good group. Glorious day at present

Then we headed to Niagara Falls with a few quick stops long way with no getting off bus .

Then onto big enchilada. An hour at the top of the falls before our boat ride . Simply stunning views and up nice and close. Crowded but could always get a view

Then it was onto the boat to get soaked . Ponchos provided but they would be useless in the mist. Amazing views and a sense of the power of the falls. Tried taking some photos up close but was soaked by now

Then we had an hour free to look around the tourist town – a bit of a mini Vegas. We had a brew and then a wander

Everyone back on bus on time for trip home. Traffic pretty bad but still home by 430 pm so really a perfect tour. We decided to go out a bit later for a steak dinner and really The Keg franchise chain steak house was superb

And so a simply wonderful day has me too stuffed to do much of a blog today and so many photos to sort through. I will try and upload a couple of videos but did drink at dinner …..

Another rough nights sleep for a few reasons had me wandering the streets aimlessly at 630 am. Even the squirrels were still asleep. I felt like an explorer discovering new worlds. And wouldn’t you know it – don’t trust Google – I found a coffee shop that actually opens at 6 am and serves Cortado. Columbus Cafe . Spooky

Had discovered the Canadian Walk of Fame yesterday in King St but had more time now to explore . Ryan Reynolds is Canadian ? Who knew

A quick breakfast at Daily Ritual then had us heading out to the Distillery District via Hockey Hall of Fame on a mostly sunny day . Too early to go inside but plenty to see around the place

The hall is next to Brookfield Place which is an impressive erection and had the Photo Expo of 2024 on display

Then it was time to venture onto Distillery District although still a little early because I heard it would be hopping by midday. Does seem a bit rude to try and keep us Seniors out. Luckily we can pass for 49 🤓

The shops were eclectic but had one thing in common – boring yuppie crap. We settled in for a coffee while waiting for the hopping to commence. Anytime now

Apart from the boring shops there were plenty of drinking establishments with pogo sticks ready. Luckily Oktoberfest was still a thang here.

We sidled up to the brew pub and settled in for a brew German style. I get confused by ounces as much as the next idiot but think mine was 132 something 🤔 Had I fallen for the old too many ounces shim sham ?

A few trips to loo and was half way through when started to take effect .The bar had a cooling effect on head 👍🏻

Must be time for some food then and had noticed a Tapas bar near the stage where a live act were playing very good music although more for your over 50 crowd mind you 😏 Madrina was Michelin recommended – as opposed to starred but still excellent- and we ordered a diverse array. And some sangrias

Luckily CLP finally agreed to have one of them . Beautiful way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the sun with live music. No hopping detected.

The predicted bad weather had held off for now although quite breezy. Time then to head home for a quiet afternoon then with big day tomorrow . Will duck out for a light dinner later but no more drinkies for this LBD. With age comes …..something. Arthritis I think

For now just a little lie down. Damn our room seems bigger than I remember 🤔

Standard nights sleep in a big hotel in a big city in a small room. Sunrise isn’t until around 715 am so going to be hard to fill in those early hours especially in this area. Will wander down around 630 am and see what is about . At least weather seems to have cleared to a nice day

Felt perfectly safe walking around at 630 am and only saw one homeless varmit .

It’s a lovely stretch from rail station to CN Tower especially at that time of day . Also nice to see hotel lobby empty 😏

Thought would head back towards Toronto sign now the weather had cleared and not even a lost soul around at that time of day

Back home without a coffee but we had a great place for breakfast lined up near CN tower so booked us some tickets for opening time of 0930.

Reign in the booteeful Fairmont Royal York across from Rail Station looks a keeper as also great bars in hotel . Ryan served us

That filled one void in my life so then we headed over to the tower area also near the Blue Jays stadium

Duly got in just before 0930 and only a few people around so great . We opted for both viewing levels although not real confident of second higher one 👀. Simply stunning views of water on a glorious day and the 360 views were amazing

The next level up actually had no real benefit except for maybe feeling a slight wind sway 😳 . Then we headed down a floor below original level for some fun shots

We were then honoured with automatic Canadian Citizenship which was a nice gesture

By the time we got out just after 10 am there were at least 100 clowns lined up to go in. Ya snooze ya lose. On such a booteeful day we were keen to get out on water and look back on city but couldn’t quite get charter we wanted . So on we walked through some gardens . As usual these treats on holidays thrill me no end

Time then for some history stuff. A cannon here a fancy uniform there . That sort of stuff . I present Fort York. Where is another bench 🥱

It was certainly approaching drinking time but in a sketchy part of town so kept walking and turned down a rather dodgy alley full of Graffiti. Hey we had found…..Graffiti Alley

So, somehow I had fallen for the old garden fort alley shim sham and missed my drinking slot . The GFASS and I didn’t see it coming 🤦🏻‍♂️ Home then for a quick lunch before heading out again for some more highlights. Don’t want to get my hopes up but there is the possibility of a shoe museum. Lordy Lordy and I thought Niagara Falls would be the highlight of Toronto. If it isn’t as fascinating as it sounds I will just sit in the corner and pout

Time to try the Metro on the rather interesting underground Path system. Seems to work well and before you knew it we were in Museum Park looking for a bench. The ROM was known for some quirky architecture but at first we missed it until we turned corner . Also in same block was the University and then on other side of park Parliament House.

ROM was the entree but just down the street was the main course .

Lordy Lordy I am a seasoned traveller and been bored by some of the best museums in the world but would have to rank them now as

1. Bata Foot Fest
2. Daylight
3. Louvre
4. Smithsonian

Some quiet interesting displays including some new golf shoes for Scottie Scheffler inside and was good value being free

Then it was definitely time for a drink. At our breakfast this morning noticed a rather fancy bar at the Fairmont called The Library so tried our chances and got in. Crowded but got a seat and had a couple of cocktails

While drinking ours noted a very interesting drink being prepared two tables down with a fire created above the glass. Asked Ryan the waiter and he said it was a Sacred Beast which spookily is my X handle. He had me at bourbon so ordered one. He kinda stuffed up the whole presentation by lighting drink on tray but drink itself was great

One thing did notice about the drinks here was how much ice they used – saves on actual alcohol I guess

We took a slow amble home and continued on down towards the Flatiron building again . Some more things of interest along the way. Ended up having very nice fish and chips for dinner

Once again a very solid first full day in town. With Toronto the two main things of interest were CN Tower and Niagara Falls. Could not have asked for better day today for the tower. Only problem now is what do I do in the morning 🤔

Easy checkout and walk to station . It’s a bigger station than Quebec City and much better business lounge but same poor food available. Saw one lost soul who looked like she needed a friend. I asked the staff if they could find her one . Always thoughtful.

Longer trip today but should be ok if same train model as last time. Of course drink cart won’t be around in first 10 mins but not a bad thing after a rather full couple of days in Montreal 😏. Today’s moron award goes to the clown who arrived at boarding time with over size suitcases. He then stood in the lounge doorway – clue being the automatic doors were constantly open – while he transferred 3 kg from one bag to another. If boarding had not been 10 mins late he would have blocked access anyway. Of course thing that always pisses me off is people do zero research before taking the train ride and ask the most basic questions. Then after showing boarding pass at least 3 times to get onto train they then ask you to check your pass and that you are on correct train. CMS. At this stage seems less issue with luggage as less people on this longer trip although may get on at stops. Am in carriage 1 this time which means wheelchair accessible and we get the big toilet 👍🏻 Could swing a Moose in there . Now where is that drink cart🤔

A few more stops in a quiet car and then Carrie and the Girls got on and took up the 4 seats in front. And then the drink cart comes out and they can’t decide 🤦🏻‍♂️ Anyhoo still usual good trip and the lost soul is a drinker . Yay

We have requested and paid for a better room in Toronto so should be very comfortable . Will,be interesting to see how Toronto pans out. Plenty to see of course but first two days are the weekend and then full day trip to Niagara Falls on Monday before last full day on Tuesday . Hotel in good location but once more coffee shops don’t open before 7 am or even 8 am on weekend 😢 First world problems sure but the early morning coffee run was great in Vancouver and QC. Will still get out early and explore .

Usual excellent lunch and plenty to drink if so inclined. As sitting in an incline chair it seemed only fair to obey the rules 🤷🏻‍♂️

Very slow entry to station in end took about 15 mins and then we seemed to stop,short and had to go down 3 steep steps to get to platform and a thronging mass from two trains trying to go down one elevator. Out on the street and eventually made it to One King West . First impressions , not a great area. Second impression, not a great room for an upgrade . Hate to see original room with 150 less square feet .

From the brochure

One of the standout features of this room is the stunning corner location, which offers incredible views of the city and lake.

Ah nope . Just tall buildings. Its on 31 st floor and has a washer dryer etc so minor issues but once again it’s little things you miss

We did get 10 vouchers for free drip coffee and pastry daily at cafe on site. Paid for coffee – and a Cortado – and enjoyed pastry

Went out for a walk to meet the homeless as on most corners . And fucking street construction everywhere again 😡 Drizzly weather but still saw some great sights. Will look again tomorrow when weather supposed to clear .

Finally then time for a beer. Place really too noisy for us and picked up some pizza and headed home .

Think it will take some planning to get most out of Toronto. At present it looks a bit run down , crowded and messy downtown. Not sure what early morning walks will bring apart from imminent danger to personal safety 😏

Weather has cleared so out early for Trifecta of Horror. As not going back to Second Cup and only 630 am left with Tim Hortons, Starbucks and Maccas 😢 . At least didn’t get Tim Horton delivered at 630 am and leave outside door for 30 mins.

Went to Hortons first and asked for Latte. “ Hey Gloria why isn’t Latte available “? Machine is broken. Cappuccino? Same machine. Bye. Decision time and chose poorly methinks. Went with Starbucks and basically smallest size is a litre of milk and 3 coffee beans . Threw out after 2 sips and walked home.

Today then was Mad Montreal Mural March up in the Le Plateau Mont Royal neighbourhood. A few streets of note so will break up murals as there are a lot 😏🥞🏒

First up St Laurent Blvd which is a very long street which kinda connects our area with the Mont Royal area. A couple of street walkers but I kept head down.

We then detoured down Duluth and a bit rougher area but a pedestrian promenade made it easy walk . We turned into Rachel Street and found excellent coffee. It was the cats meow 🐈‍⬛

A few more turns here and there following our mud map. Am sure we missed some but saw plenty of great ones

Final step then was Square Saint-Louis to see some fancy houses

A great walking trip – 30 mins each way – but it was now approaching 10:30 am and I only have one mantra in life

A long walk then in opposite direction had us gasping for a frothy one but had to wait until 1130 for anything to open. Once again asked a clown cleaning tables at one place “ When do you open” He went and asked and came back with “11 or 1130 “. It’s 11:10 now Fucknuckle can we assume it’s 1130 😏 CMS. We settled on and settled in at Les 3 Brasseurs. Thought I had fallen for the old Froggie small beer shim sham but it was only a taster.

Being Oct 3 it seems we missed Oktoberfest by a week 🤦🏻‍♂️ Or did we….

Time then for Poutine Montreal Style which really is no different . We guessed Montreal Poutine may be worth a try and it was great on terrace with great bar and bartender Ryan.

We then had a quick crepe for a sugar hit and poor service at La Craperie nearby

We have dinner booked at downstairs restaurant on site for 6 pm and it was now approaching 2 pm so thought we may head home as almost had wobbly boot on and maybe a quick drink around 530 nearby before dinner. We had heard there was a great roof top bar at Place D’Armes on way home so thought well couldn’t hurt. Ah, it opens at 3 pm. One thing we have found this holiday is although service in bars and restaurants can be ordinary hotel staff have been great and this one directed us to Nelligans behind Notre Dame. Great views, lousy service

Ok better go home now and will skip the pre dinner drink as full as a state school hat rack. Another great morning in Montreal. Again though we found sit down at 1130 because my midday it is packed .

Did some packing and then headed down to Le Carre restaurant for dinner. Very nice meal but once again it’s little aspects you notice like no cutlery change – 1 knife and fork for bread and butter , shared Arancini and then lamb steaks 🤷🏻‍♂️ Of course expensive again

Quick breakfast tomorrow before heading to train station . It’s a 5:30 hr trip but from last experience won’t be a chore at all. Then it’s a final 5 nights in Toronto . I fear early morning coffee is a long distant memory until I return to Maryhole 😢

And on the 17th day he rested. From early morning strolls. Today we are having breakfast out as a treat so will get a coffee on the way as know already B&F ain’t for coffee. It’s just me and my occasional friend

Tommy has a few outlets around town so a safe choice just up the road for a good coffee in comfortable surroundings .

Then onto Ben & Florentine around 730 and already quite busy. We were shown to the ugly section upstairs where there was one sad loner and a table of cackling crones making a bloody racket. The food was great and service ok considering the place really started to fill up. One waitress was amazing, the rest useless as a French Guide to Courtesy. By time we got back downstairs it was wall to wall noise. Does seem like Montrawlers like to eat out and have not even got to the weekend. Not in a “ tourist” area as such but people everywhere

Time to walk some of that off while no rain around. Saw The Fairmont on travels yesterday and that is where the Nacarat bar is we would like to try out today after 4 pm. There was a line up of rowdy protesters at main entrance ( like yesterday) so we snuck in a side door for some info. Beautiful decor inside including great usual displays on rotation. While randomly aware in some corner of mind it was great to discover this is where Lennon and Yoko did their bed in for peace in 1969.

We asked about Nacarat and were told not sure if open today . Que? “ Well that is the bar staff outside protesting about conditions “ ! Ya can’t write this stuff 😂 Back home then for a shill and check the 17 weather apps at my disposal.

Weather held off so Time to get Out again. Wandered down to Montreal Convention Centre not sure what to expect but certainly not enthralled. Then time to check out Time Out Market Montreal. Wow, what an amazing place with so many different food and drink options. We got there just after 1130 so were able to look around a bit but by midday it was packed. Had a mixed assortment

Then by chance discovered it was Canuckistan Cocktail Couplet day so hooked in🕺🏻

Stopped for a basic crepe on way home just for a sugar hit. Having learnt my lesson yesterday I then went up and did a little washing on an over cast day but also wanted to check out gym and pool. Had both to myself so did some exercise while wash was on . It was great and reaffirms this hotel was a great choice

Just leaves our crack at Nacarat later today and then some dinner.

Duly arrived at 4 pm and it was closed. Concierge checked and said it’s 5 pm today but the restaurant bar around corner is open. Sweet. Ah no it isn’t. Back to new mate Ryan and drew a mud map of a few bars nearby with Dominion being a cocktail bar. Did I mention it was now raining . Off we trekked and it was fine Praise the Lord

We knew of a Leonard Cohen mural nearby so checked that out and it was impressive indeed. He was a Montrawler . Who knew 🤔

Then sloshed back to Nacarat and…….Hallelujah…..it was open 🤓. Now it doesn’t take reservations ok. Fronted up to Ryanette at door and asked for two at the bar please. May not be available let me check. Ok sweetheart if no reservations and 23 free seats I see at bar what is the issue . CMS. She sat us at the bar. Of course with all things you try so hard to get to, ultimately a tad ordinary. Booteeful bar but very expensive for ordinary cocktails and this lad is becoming an expert trust me .

When we left there were 25 free seats at the bar. Trudged home , picked up some excellent wraps from Tim Hortons and settled in for night. Weather should clear for tomorrow even if my head doesn’t . It was a 4 cocktail day after all….

Today is public transport day. Buy a day pass and flog the crap out of it (Maul Montreal)🕺🏻. First up though check out some more coffee places. Ben and Florentine name rings a bell🤓

And it opens at 630 am. Sweet.

“Can I get a coffee for here “ ?

Sure, sit anywhere. 48 tables and no barista or counter maybe should have been clue . Bought out water. Great. 4 couples in by now. Then I see here at cash register get out 4 cups and pull of a jug of black coffee and start pouring.

“ ah no I wanted a speciality coffee please . Do you have Flat White” Wouldn’t dare risk Cortado. Blank look

No soup for you. Thanked her and walked out . Will go back for breakfast though one day, just have coffee first 😏 Back to Second Cup but for last time. The search continues

Usual adequate breakfast at Le Square Phillips had us ready to do 3 circuits of Montreal by Midday. Not quite but we did a lot as we bought one day pass. I have named thee the Rainbow Route 🌈 as we used all 4 coloured lines in a Venn diagram that would impress.

First up then is the Biodome, hereafter referred to as Boring Meccano Island. It looks less impressive up close but there were Lime scooters to explore the wonders of the island . A broken Pogo Stick would have sufficed . Casino not accessible, Fun park closed for the century etc. it was fun scooting from one temporary fence to the next but on 14 th lap became tiresome. Of course weather was cloudy so no great shots back to Montreal. I needed a sit down

Then it was time to head up to the Jean Talon markets up in St Hubert on another metro. Plenty of fresh produce and a so so Cortado was on offer but nothing special . Seen one massive market , seen them all. Supposed to be Little Italy but certainly a French twat in the “cafe” – a loose term for 6 tables and 12 chairs almost arranged in a pattern.

Next up was another colour out to the Olympic Village. Now this was impressive especially as clouds started to pass. My energy was flagging but carried on in the breeze 🤓

As we walked around there were many impressive buildings but perhaps the saddest was Dolly Parton’s Gravesite 😢

The sun was shining brightly now and as we came around the other side the true impressive nature of the site was on full display

As our intersecting station – Stuie McGill – was close to home we stopped off at our go to fancy bar Henri for a quick sherbert . We will attack the wine another day . Great place crawling distance from home. In case.

By now was on first name basis with train driver – Ryan naturally – as we boarded one last train to Mount Royal Park. And yes fans we have a new definition of boring. Now to be fair this was mostly my fault as did zero research but assumed it would be mostly ….you know…bloody parkland. What it was for the first 2 k of 10 k I made was a walk through trees with nothing else to see. Another 2 k would have seen some Chateau but may have needed resuscitation by then. How boring ?? Do you see any photos here 😏 A long slow walk home then for a shill. Bit of a hit and miss day but still great fun seeing more of Montreal and have to say the Metro is great. CLP said it was one of the best days she has had this holiday and I said it will only get better sweetheart as I handed her the laundry bag and told her it’s on the 11 th floor.

The doctor said I should only be in over night .

I discharged myself as knew CLP couldn’t really bear to be without me. The look on her face when I popped back in was ….well…indescribable really.

Anyhoo time to plan a late afternoon bordering on early evening drink and eat caper nearby. Each day the ankle and legs get a little stiffer although really have walked so much not surprised. It’s the downhill that kills the knees.

Once more we have seen what we had planned early and two relaxing days left one of which may involve rain. We shall cope .

Chose Bar Pamplemoose tonight for something a bit different but in end were very good but simple meals. Chicken and Lamb Shank. Once again service is not what you would call stellar

15 min walk to and from through a new part of town in early evening was tres pleasant. Plenty of pedestrian malls in streets in Montreal – well at least the ones without construction going on 24/7

And so another great day comes to an end which leaves us a couple of relaxed days ahead .

As expected room appears quiet . Never a great nights sleep first night but should improve. Certainly plenty of space , just a very open plan so nowhere for us early risers to hide in the morning. You know, before the sun gets up and enhancing local lives can begin 🕺🏻Certainly a more big city feel here and should get better feel of area after a day of good weather today. Plenty of walking tipped but first up check out the only coffee shop nearby that opens before midday apparently 😏 Went into about 5 yesterday afternoon and no one I asked behind counter knew when they open in morning without going and asking someone else 🤦🏻‍♂️ Then , it seemed to be “730 or 8” . Hopefully they work it out in the morning.

First went up to roof to check out view. Still a bit dark at 6 am. Then down for a stroll around so as to be at Second Cup at opening time of 0630. Asked for Cortado, got blank look from first guy but second guy said sure. Ok if not listed on board don’t order as they only think they know what it is🤦🏻‍♂️

We checked out breakfast on site and certainly acceptable for being free. Am sure we will have one or two breakfasts out this week. Time then to start our trek on a truly glorious day. First up is the Notre Dame Basilica and it was stunning

General plan this morning was check out Old Port and not the drinking variety . It’s a good walk but mostly flat. We were a bit early for most activity but plenty to see long the way

Ferris Wheel looked like fun if it ever moved. Ah it’s not 10 am yet. Time for coffee then at Tommy. Excellent Cortado and what I assume was 3 day old yoghurt

The Wheel of Fortune was rolling so up we went. Will save looking for any observation decks I observed to Honeybuns. Smart eh and only twice the price 😏 Seems our weather dome has relocated

Now we had to wait for pubs to open . It’s hard being a tourist I tell ya. Anything else to see you ask ?

Ok it’s official. I am stuffed. Wake me when the pubs open

The pubs did open which also means it must be lunch time. Spooky. Jacapo fit bill perfectly. Then added taxes and tip….

And so once again so much done first day. You wouldn’t be inside on a day like this for quids. Now it was time to go home and rest for a while inside 🤓

Headed out opposite direction this afternoon to look at Cathedral May Rain on Monday . Another stunner but clearly knows nothing about weather. Seems they all stand on roof and if get wet it is raining.🤷🏻‍♂️

Then we detoured via another peaceful park. In our area the tall buildings almost block out the sun and make for a dull walk mostly but there are a few parks around. And the squirrels love them

Weather mostly good this week except probably Wednesday so time for a Brains Trust meeting to plan tomorrow and then head out later for a drink and maybe dinner . Sign off for day now.

Just assume I had a couple of sherberts ok …..

Well …. Then I put my hand up and said enough

Then back to The Love Shack

Time is starting to fly by as we bid farewell to QC AKA Quaint Canuckistan. Has been a wonderful 4 days as expected although the number of tourists continue to surprise. Me and my now apparent constant morning companion headed off for last morning stroll 🤓. Certainly no rain abut a bit of fog and cloud did not offer up any more red mornings. Thought “ that would be right” when cruise terminal was empty but then in the distance we saw the QE 2 approaching. Some folk would bar up to watch that for 30 mins and it was interesting enough. Living life on the edge went back to usual cafe but this time got take away baby. Yep, the barista fainted too but then did Flash her my morning smile so that may have done it. Very quiet as usual at that time of day

Back for our last superb breakfast which really does set one up for the morning. Back to the room then for a couple of hours as we plan the dreaded last task. Getting the bags down the stairway of doom 👀

As Via Virgins will get to train station in plenty of time. We have business class so should be a comfortable 3.5 hr trip. Bid farewell to Hilda, pulled a pigtail ( it’s a French thing ) and ordered our Uber

Short trip to a fancy station. Good check in allowing for usual morons who clearly do no research before hand. Plenty of time to check out Business Lounge. Sweet. What a joke 😡 12 seats in the sun all full 90 mins before next train? I smell a shim sham but not sure how to describe it. One self help coffee machine ( no fresh milk) and some cold water bottles in small fridge.

Trains and planes boarding much the same . People start lining up early of course. Yes you have a designated seat of course but luggage racks are limited . These are newer trains and very comfortable indeed but the compromise is less luggage racks. Will be slow getting off simply getting to your bag 😏 On board though, simply the best train experience have had. We are backward facing so don’t know where we are going but know where we have been 🤓

Within 10 mins of leaving I saw an old friend coming down the aisle . Being a people person I called him over . It was like we were never apart #IBF

We settled in for a comfortable trip on a booteeful day

About an hour into trip the food came out and didn’t disappoint. It is hard when you carry a vegetarian option out of 3 dishes – and fair enough – but if you run out of first two options due to popularity then maybe reconsider the % of each. We didn’t have an issue mind you

Now just sit back for mother 90 mins – imagine another drink run- and wait for Montreal and hopefully the winning US Presidents Cup team have pissed off by then 😏 Imagine getting off will be slow with bags loaded en masse on rack . Beautiful scenery along the way.

Disengorging was fine if not well planned. Able to walk to our Suites from station and very happy with room on top floor. No view to speak of but quiet and there is a roof top terrace

Also a pool up there and only one brat detected. Depending on crowds could be good for afternoon drinkies and random drownings.

Time then to check out neighbourhood and nearby coffee haunts. It’s an eclectic neighbourhood, nice park near by and plenty of souvenir shops. A few coffee candidates but only one open before 7 am so gets first crack. There was a plush hotel nearby so slipped in for the heart starter bowel clogger combo.

I wouldn’t say directions are well signed although every now and again you find a useful one 🤓

Then we just did a few laps of the area as sun was getting ready to rest. Interesting to see there had been an outdoor area for watching the golf. Time for some research as should be nice day tomorrow. I see a few days of walking and maybe one of being far flung on public transport. For now though looking forward to a quiet night in a place with a lift 😏

I will miss those breakfasts though .

After such lovely walks early in the morning convinced CLP to join me today . It was cloudy, windy and very cold 😏 At least the Halloween decorations were up just after the Xmas shop opened its doors last month

We did do some Sufferin on Dufferin but not very pleasant . Went back for our coffee and maybe it is because it is Saturday but place is busy . I may be seeing things but think there are 3 pumpkins now and one is inside 👀

Walk back home then for an early breakfast before last full day in QC. Something did catch my eye as I walked past. Oh no, one of the cocoons hatched 😳 RUN.

Back for an early breakfast and short chill – hereafter known as a shill – before one last long morning walk. There was a plan – visit a Monastery that opens at 10 am. A slightly different route this time through a slightly rougher – but helpful – part of town.

It was a cloudy cool day and saw a less tourist part of town basically full of ex Monks I guess . The monastery was well presented but I may just be museumed out for now. They did go all out for Halloween decorations though so kudos for that

Time then for a morning coffee and by now the town is humming. Never seen a place with so many big buses on little streets . Amazing.

Time then to continue our stroll around lower town. Man the tourists were everywhere. Exhibit A

We did go up the Funicular with the GU. Standard rule here is if you pay with USD it’s straight conversion so Billy Bob not too impressed when he handed over a US $10 for the $10 CAD fare and got no change. I tried with a $10 Aussie note but he didn’t fall for it. CLP then tried to pay with shrapnel and got the old “ no soup for you response”. Back up on Dufferin we looked for a place for a drink and maybe lunch. There were seats available at bar for Alphonse so hooked in and very happy when saw Moscow Mules on menu and different shape copper mugs 👍🏻 . Mine came out in silver one 😢 Nice and quiet so we had lunch as well which was very good and great value apart from the taxes

That will likely do for the day now as sick of the crowds really. We picked up a light dinner for later and already have wine and cheese left over for later. We will go out for a walk at some stage . Tomorrow it’s off to Montreal by train around midday so no rush in morning and another coffee etc. As expected Quebec has been great with its French village feel. Only problem with that is it is filled with French people 😏

So, some thoughts on Canada as we are over half way through

Both towns so far are massive Cruise destinations.

Taxes and tips are a pain and excessive for service level

Public transport is good

Service is efficient but not really overly helpful or friendly . It’s a French thing I guess.

Strong coffee culture but of course think Tim Horton is great. It ain’t

B&Bs are great especially when great breakfast like here. Downside is old building, narrow staircases, creaky floors and Broom Hilda .