Montreal; Autumn Bike and Hike

We stayed an hour north of Montreal at a beautiful time-share studio on Lac Morency. It was an easy drive to visit the sites in Montreal which most attracted our attention from a library book; the Olympic Stadium area Biosphere and Botanical Gardens, the World Expo '67 Parklands, the Lachine Rapids wildlife area, the best bagel and smoked meat shops, the quaint towns and villages to the north, and the historical highlights. We also hiked and drove in the hilly areas where our timeshare was nestled.

Quick Tips:

A library book published by Lonely Planet had the most useful onsite information; free parking, transit and rates, maps, attractions and fees, practical tips.

Bring a roadmap. The rivers and islands make the urban routes more complicated. It helps to have it clearly in your head before you set out, like any big city. The driving is competitive sometimes, and the law enforcement is strict. Drive cautiously. And enjoy the landscape.

Best Way To Get Around:

There is free parking at the museum on Isle de Ste. Helene southwest of the city (check in the guidebooks), but that's only useful in the summer when you can take a free boat shuttle across the river to the Old Port. From there you could walk or take the subway or cab anywhere downtown.

Best Things Nearby:
There were delightful water activities available on the placid lake just outside the resort dining room and recreation building, and for hikers there is a map of the local trail to the lookout on the cliff above. For the more adventurous hikers, the trail goes on to a beaver dam in the beautiful forest. The local towns are charming serve everyday needs. Some cater to the sports lovers and art lovers.

Best Things About the Resort:
I loved the view down the hill to the lake with the autumn leaves turning, and the nearby town church spire rising up through the trees. But the hospitality was very fine, the service people were extremely attentive, and the facilities were quite enjoyable. An indoor pool and exercise room and a fine dining area as well as the traditional outdoor and indoor fun activities gave this place the feel of an old fashioned country lodge.

Resort Experience:
The Geo Group at Lac Morency is just far enough off the main routes to really be away from it all, but it's close enough to be convenient. On our drive in from the world class city of Montreal (about an hour), we zoomed along major highways past the airport and several cities on the outskirts, turning off to progressively quieter routes until we were winding our way slowly down the well-heeled country road with the luxurious gold-framed sign proclaiming the resort.

After booking in we drove up the hill to our unit and climbed the stairs up the back to find our well-layed out studio ready to host us for the week. It had a comfortable bed, a well-equipped mini kitchen, a television and video machine, and a whirlpool bathtub. Outside the balcony was the stunning view over the lake.

• Unit Type: Studio
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

There is a line-up at lunchtime for all the local Montreal smoked meat lovers . . . We parked a block south and walked up for a sit-down lunch at the counter. There are tables also. There was a separate line-up for takeout and a local person was telling people which line was which . . . and collecting change for his lunch . . . very politely . . .

We came inside from the busy street on a cool fall night in the city, and descended an attractive stairway to this warmly-lit delicatessen. Seating was comfortable and despite being full, the service was prompt. The serving staff and the decor both looked sharp.

My companion and I enjoyed a hearty and tasty serving of smoked meat on rye with pickles and sauerkraut. Then we ascended refreshed to the street to continue with our evening exploration of Montreal.

The area is just above the riverside. We began our walking tour at a large hall, which is now a shopping concourse. Parking was immediately across the street. We passed many tourist souvenir shops on our way from one historical building or famous site to another. In the photo is pictured one of many huge topiary designs in the figure of a whale. The hedge is formed cleverly into a tail at one corner of the lawn, and a head at the other corner. In another picture, a secret garden nurtures the soul at the south side of a museum.

Beautiful old arches and high vaulted ceilings show the architecture of previous times. It makes a pleasant stroll full of interesting subjects for the photographer, and memories for all travelers.