Weather: Started sunny and about 20 degrees and as usual became overcast as soon as we left from breakfast.
For breakfast we had an apple-filled pastry with sliced apples in applesauce. We also had some fresh fruit with yogurt.
We had decided that we would spend the whole day in Old Montreal as there were so many things that we would see and do.
Because I wasn't a big fan of the Bed & Breakfast breakfast, we searched for a restaurant near Old Montreal that was still serving breakfasts - and I got to eat my pancakes!!
We headed down rue Notre Dame as we knew for sure that the Notre Dame Cathedral was there. We headed inside the cathedral and found it absolutely gorgeous.
It turned out that there was a Chapelle de Notre Dame inside the Notre Dame Cathedral - which is where separate services would be held. Will was in complete awe of the detail and all the artwork that was in there.
The store was called "Noel Eternel". He was in heaven. There was Christmas Carols playing in the background and Christmas ornaments everywhere - including giant Santas. We ended up buying a Christmas ornament (to add to our very miniscule collection) - as I don't think Will would have been able to leave the store empty handed.
We finally made our way to the Old Port and walked in and out of the pathways. We made our way to the clock tower and decided to see inside. We knew we were in trouble when the stairs were numbered - backwards. There was 289 steps. I was OK for most of them, until the stairs got narrower and in a spiral form. I looked up and decided that I could go no further. I still made it higher than Will!!
We grabbed some lunch in the pavillion (just like a food court in a mall) - and realized they were all closing up at 4:00pm - not sure why?
We saw these people riding these motorized scooters - and had really wanted to try them. Even our Bed & Breakfast owner told us about these. We found out where the rental location was - and decided to sign up for a 30 minute session (which includes training - which is mandatory). These are all battery-operated machines that you stand on and you just have to move back and forth with your body.
It was super cool - the time went by really fast, but they said the next time we come to rent - we get a faster speed because we'll be officially trained and in their system. I still can't believe that we did that. I really liked riding it on the cobblestone and grass (very amusing, and bumpy), but didn't really like riding on bridges (a little scary coming downhill - especially when they keep warning you that the machine costs $6000 - and will keep going even if you're not on it). Will preferred to stay on the paved road.
Will was getting cold and decided that he wanted to get changed before we headed out for our last dinner in Montreal. We knew that we were coming back to Old Montreal to see everything lit up with the old-fashioned lanterns and just the atmosphere we knew would be nice to be around.
We picked a French restaurant Le Sauvignon (I think that's the name) on rue St. Paul and it was a very rustic French-Canadian restaurant. We each ordered a roast which were served with vegetables and we had some wine.
I finally had some room for dessert - I think I forced myself to, as this was the last opportunity. I had a delicious chocolate mousse cake.
We walked along the streets after dinner and saw everything lit up. Will's favourite night-time sight was this fountain between a City of Montreal building and the Hotel de Montreal. It had these lights coming out of it that just made it glow.
On the way to the metro we found Square Victoria (yet another tourist site) and went inside. It looked like it was originally an outdoor park with surrounding buildings - but now there is a roof that connects the building. It was also lit up, and Will loved it. We seem to find the more interesting things by chance.
We ended up crashing around midnight/1 am and prepared for our final day in Montreal.
Pictures from top to bottom: me in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral before entering; Will inside the Christmas store; Will on his scooter (I was better at hit than he was); I love this picture as Will had no idea I was making that face - near the Clock Tower at the Port of Old Montreal; Inside the Square Victoria - it was pretty much a field of water.
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