On October 12th, I booked a trip offered in partnership with my school and an agency for international students, called ISX agency. They offered several destinations, such as French Canada, Niagara Falls, and New York. I chose to book a trip to French Canada with my Taiwanese and Korean friends, to explore three Canadian cities: Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City. The cost was 395 CAD, including transportation (by bus), hotel accommodations, and a guide.
Actually, we wanted to explore this part of Canada before the temperatures dropped, and while the fall colors — with their beautiful shades of orange — were still vibrant.
The Way to Quebec
I hopped on the subway at 6:00 AM to meet my school group, greeting the early morning chill. We had a long five-hour bus ride ahead of us to reach Ottawa, the capital of Canada. However, our first stop was the Thousand Islands National Park in Ontario, about three hours northeast of Toronto. Although visiting the park itself wasn’t mandatory, we chose to take an optional boat tour. The boat ride cost 55 CAD, but it promised a front-row seat to the beauty of the St. Lawrence River.
As we cruised the St. Lawrence, our guide pointed out that it forms the natural border between Canada and the USA. The Thousand Islands themselves straddle two countries—some belong to Ontario and others to New York.
The Stop in Ottawa
After a two-hour drive we rolled into Ottawa, Canada’s vibrant capital. The location of the city, ideally situated between Ontario and Quebec, provides her this status as capital. As soon as we arrived, we headed straight to the famous ByWard Market, an open-ai market in downtown. The Market is one of the Canada’s oldest and largest public market where you can discover fresh produce, local and a plenty of differents foods. Just steps from the Market is the Ottawa’s iconic sign, a must-see photo spot.
We made our way to Parliament Hill, the Canada’s federal government. It can be very surprising to see the Neo-Gothic complex for several people. The Peace Tower, in the center of the building, is about 92 meters high. The building is surrounded by many laws monuments and the Centennial Flame.
Since we only had a little time left in Ottawa, we decided to head straight to the National Gallery of Canada,
Just across the street, we found the beautiful Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Ottawa’s oldest and largest church. Its elegant, clean stone exterior but a colorful interior. As we wandered through downtown Ottawa, we enjoyed discovering the city’s historical landmarks, many surrounded by gardens and laid out along wide, straight streets. The architecture here is noticeably different from Toronto’s — less dominated by skyscrapers and with more historic, low-rise buildings.
Discover Montreal
After another two hours on the road, we finally arrived in Montreal, where we were scheduled to stay for one night. We checked into Hotel Faubourg Montreal, which was already included in our tour package. Our room accommodated four people, and the hotel was ideally located in a lively area — close to Chinatown, Le Quartier des Spectacles, and the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM).
Since I was the only one in our group who spoke French, I ended up translating for my Taiwanese and Korean friends — a great exercise for practicing my English while reconnecting with my French after spending a month in an English-speaking environment.
Like many French people, I enjoyed Montreal’s vibe. The city felt young and full of life with a nice nightlife. The weather was still pleasant, so we decided to explore the city by foot. As we walked, we listened to street performers playing music, which gave the streets an energetic, artistic atmosphere.
Architecturally, Montreal felt very different from Toronto. The buildings were generally lower, and many had a beautiful Gothic style, especially around Le Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal), where the streets are narrower and the buildings darker and made of grey stone.
The next morning, before heading to Quebec City, our guide made a special stop at one of Montreal’s most iconic spots: Mount Royal Park. We climbed up to the famous lookout, where we admired a breathtaking view of the city skyline surrounded by the vibrant colors of fall. Mount Royal is a true escape from the busy city life. Many locals come here to walk, jog, or simply relax in nature.
Finish our trip by Quebec City,
As soon as we arrived in Quebec City, I immediately felt at home. The vibe here was unlike any other city I had visited so far — warm, charming, and full of character. Walking through the Old City with breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River at almost every corner.
One of the highlights was seeing the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the city’s most iconic landmark. I was absolutely speechless standing in front of such a majestic building — a true fairytale castle towering over the river. Its grand architecture and historic aura made it feel like a scene straight out of Europe.
Every street we wandered down had its own unique charm. Whether it was colorful facades, cozy cafés, street musicians, or hidden little parks, there was always something beautiful to discover. Quebec City truly offered a magical, intimate atmosphere that made it stand apart from anywhere else I had visited.
During our day in Quebec City, we visited some of its most charming and famous spots. We stopped by La Boutique de Noël, a magical Christmas shop that stays open all year round, filled with beautiful ornaments, decorations, and gifts. It truly felt like stepping into a winter wonderland, even in autumn!
We also enjoyed a delicious meal inspired by traditional French cuisine, a reminder of Quebec’s deep French roots. Afterwards, we explored the stunning Hôtel de Ville and admired the elegant Parliament Building, both rich in history and surrounded by well-kept gardens and fountains.
One of the most memorable places we visited was the Quartier Petit Champlain, known as one of the oldest commercial districts in North America. Its narrow, colorful streets, boutique shops, and cozy cafes made it one of my favorite spots — it felt like walking through a storybook.
Later, we headed to Grande Allée, a lively avenue famous for its restaurants, terraces, and nightlife. We had dinner there and decided to explore the nightlife of Quebec City, which was full of energy yet felt more relaxed and friendly compared to bigger cities.
One important tip when visiting the Quebec region: tipping is mandatory. It’s expected to leave a tip of about 15-20% on any purchase in restaurants, cafes, and even some other services. I personally learned this the hard way — one waitress singled me out (since I was French) to remind me, rather angrily, that the tip was not included in the bill and that it’s considered very rude not to leave one. It was a bit uncomfortable, but it taught me how important tipping culture is here — and how seriously people take it.
What we ate during our journey ?
The first thing we wanted to do was, of course, try authentic poutine, the famous Quebecois dish! We headed to Le Central, a popular food court — food courts are very common in Canada — and found a spot that served traditional poutine. The one we tried there was way better than any version I had tasted before. We enjoyed the lively, bustling atmosphere, filled with locals and tourists grabbing a quick bite. the privilege of meeting local artisans, passionate conservationists, and friendly locals who have shared their stories and welcomed us into their community. Their warmth and hospitality remind us that travel is not just about seeing new places, but about forming genuine connections along the way.
During our stay, I also had the chance to try a plate of local cheeses, which was absolutely delicious — rich, flavorful, and a perfect example of Quebec’s strong culinary traditions. My friends opted for different dishes, like tartare, another French-inspired specialty that is very popular in the region.
Back in Montreal, we also had the opportunity to explore Chinatown, where we tasted an authentic noodle soup packed with a variety of fresh vegetables. In Canada, it’s very common to find excellent Asian food, and trying different cuisines is a big part of the cultural experience.
On our way back home, we made one last stop at The Big Apple, a traditional roadside market located in Ontario. It’s famous for its delicious apple products, and of course, we couldn’t resist trying their iconic apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream. It was the perfect sweet treat to end our journey — warm, comforting, and full of flavor.
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