New & Noteworthy in Montreal

Montreal is a lesson in contradictions: sometimes French, sometimes English (but mostly Frenglish); highbrow culture and lowbrow costs; traditional and rebellious; and old and new. All that stuff you’ve been hearing about European charm? All true. Just take a walk in Old Montreal and you’ll feel like you’re in France - until you cross paths with a beaver tail stand (no, that’s not as dirty as it sounds; it’s a slab of fried dough lathered with such fare as Nutella, bananas, caramel, marshmallows, or any other sweet thing that might catch your fancy). Wander a couple of blocks north and you’ll find yourself on Saint Catherine Street, in the heart of downtown Montreal - think less quaint Parisian allée and more New York City block.

In the summer, take advantage of the Bixie bike stands that have popped up on almost every street in the last couple of years. It’s $5 for a half hour ride, and you’ll get to experience the city like a local by taking the new and improved bike lanes.