Happy Monday traveler!

Are you looking for the perfect winter escape?

If so, then you will love Montréal, Canada. Bundle up and prepare for an incredible time in this winter wonderland.

🌍️ What’s Going on In the Travel World?

• Best and Worst US Cities for Foodies - thought this was interesting considering today’s city is great for food

• Europe’s New Border System Officially Launches: What Travelers Need to Know - this began the day before this edition published

• What the federal government shutdown might mean for flights and travel in the US - got a few questions about this…

• Overtourism is leading to more car crashes in Scotland. T-plates might be the answer - we might be headed here next year, need to be careful 🚙 

• October Quiz2Win- Rail Europe - Check this out!

A message from Passport Inspiration

Looking to plan an inspiring adventure right now?

Planning an international trip can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be.

How?

You just need a plan for your plan.

It’s important to prepare with enough time for things like:

• Visas

• Dining

• Lodging

• Passports

• Excursions

• Travel Arrangements

  If you want a head start planning, we can help you prepare for an amazing trip.

🙌🏼This Week’s Inspiration

Montréal is a vibrant, bilingual (French and English) city that offers an irresistible mix of old-world charm, exciting outdoor adventures, and world-class cuisine.

Start your adventure in Old Montréal, where cobblestone streets lead you to the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica and quaint local shops and cafés. Ride the La Grande Roue de Montréal, which is Canada’s largest Ferris wheel, for breathtaking views of the skyline and the St. Lawrence River, especially magical at sunset or when the city is covered in snow.

Art lovers should visit the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, while foodies will enjoy exploring the bustling Jean-Talon Market for local produce and gourmet treats.

Take a walk, or a winter sled ride up Mount Royal, the hill that gave the city its name, for panoramic views and outdoor fun.

Notre-Dame Basilica is a beautiful place to visit.

Bonsecours Market is one of Canada’s ten finest Heritage buildings and is where you can go to purchase items made in Quebec.

Don’t forget to explore the Underground City, a vast network of shops and tunnels that keep you warm while exploring downtown in colder months.

Whether you're into culture, adventure, or cuisine, Montréal has something for everyone.

Winter Activities to Embrace the Chill ❄️
Looking for a true Canadian experience?

Try dogsledding just outside the city. Head to Aventures Plein Air in the Laurentians or Expédition Wolf near Mont-Tremblant for an unforgettable ride through snow-covered forests.

You can also go ice skating at Old Port, snowshoeing on Mount Royal, or relax in one of the city’s Nordic spas like Bota Bota, a spa on a boat.

Montréal at Christmas Time 🎄
Montréal transforms into a winter wonderland come December.

The streets of Old Montréal are decked out in twinkling lights, and the air is filled with the scent of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts.

We spent several days here between Christmas and New Years. It was so beautiful.

How to Get to Montréal:

Getting to Montréal is easy, whether you’re arriving by plane, train, or car.

Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) welcomes direct flights from major cities worldwide and is just a 20-minute drive from downtown.

You can also take VIA Rail from other Canadian cities or Amtrak’s Adirondack line from New York City. '

Once in the city, getting around is simple thanks to Montréal’s efficient metro system, walkable neighborhoods, and plentiful bike paths.

Taxis, ride-shares, and BIXI bike rentals are also convenient ways to explore the city.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Place d’Armes - located in old Montréal

Le Square Phillips Hotel and Suites - breakfast included

Intercontintental Montreal - known for its location near popular sites

Airbnb - entire home located in the Old Port

Airbnb - entire apartment in Old Montréal

What to Eat:

Montréal is known as one of North America’s top culinary destinations.

From cozy cafés to Michelin-worthy meals, this city takes food seriously. Be sure to try poutine (fries, cheese curds, and gravy), a Montréal-style bagel from St-Viateur or Fairmount, and smoked meat sandwiches from Schwartz’s Deli.

Maple syrup is king here, and you must try some maple syrup taffy. Hot maple syrup is poured onto fresh snow, then rolled onto a stick as it cools into a chewy, delicious treat. You can find it at winter festivals, Christmas markets, and sugar shacks around the city.

What to Pack:

Winter in Montréal can be cold and snowy, so packing the right gear is essential.

Bring a heavy, insulated coat, preferably waterproof, along with thermal layers, sweaters, and warm pants.

Don’t forget winter accessories like a hat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof boots with good traction for icy sidewalks.

Moisturizer and lip balm are must-haves to protect against the dry, cold air. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, hand warmers and thermal socks will help keep you comfortable.

👋🏼 Have an Inspiring Week

Here are a few of our affiliate links to help you when in Montréal. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. 😀

• These winter boots are the exact ones Trisha wore to stay warm and dry.

• This men’s jacket kept Bob incredibly warm.

• A Nordic Spa Thermal Experience is a must to warm up a bit.

• A Guided Helicopter Tour is an incredible way to see the sites from above.

• A Canadian Forest Tour by Snowmobile to get out of the city for a bit

• A Day Trip to Quebec City and Montmorency Falls -we loved Quebec City and highly recommend visiting this city too.

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob