Known as the city of 100 church bells, Montreal’s streets are filled with beautiful religious architecture and sites, such as Saint Joseph’s Oratory  atop Mount Royal (l’Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal), whose 97-meter tall basilica hosts breathtaking choral concerts, guided tours, and exhibitions. It was constructed at the urging of Brother Andre Bessette, who was beatified in 1982.

Just outside of Montreal on the way to Ottawa, there is a unique treat for those interested in experiencing some rustic French-Canadian history outside the city. La Sucrerie de la Montagne is a historic sugar shack offering guided tours, hay rides on horse-drawn carriages and, of course, sugary treats from the hundred-year-old bakery. Taking in a traditional sugar feast here, you will be welcomed to an all-you-can-eat dinner animated by folk singers inviting you to join them in song and dance. The sugar shack experience makes a rustic contrast to the bustle of Montreal’s cosmopolitan atmosphere.

For the nature lover, the Laurentides is only about 45 min north of Montreal and offers wonderful ski hills, plenty of cross country trails.  In the summer Mont. St. Sauveur has a fantastic water park with tube sides, white water slides and a huge wave pool.   There are mountain biking trails, and plenty of routes that offer excellent hiking.