🇨🇦 Eastern Canada 3-Day Trip: Montréal Highlights

Montréal (French: Montréal, English: Montreal), also known as "The City of a Hundred Steeples," is Canada’s second-largest city. Its name derives from the Middle French "Mont Royal" (Royal Mountain), crowned by the iconic Mount Royal Park. ✨ Must-Visit Attraction 1: Saint Joseph’s Oratory ⛪ L'Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal • North America’s largest Catholic church, built between 1924-1965 by Brother André, whose miraculous healing oil drew pilgrims for decades (evidenced by crutches left behind!). • FREE entry (donation suggested: $5). • Best spots: 6th-floor terrace for breathtaking architecture. 4th-floor lookout for the perfect photo op. ✨ Must-Visit Attraction 2: Notre-Dame Basilica 🏛️ Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal • Gothic Revival masterpiece in Old Montréal, distinct from Paris’ Notre-Dame. • Highlights: Vivid blue-gold interiors, rose windows, and spiral staircases. Place d’Armes Square: Statue of Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve, founder of Montréal (1612-1676). ☕ Nearby Gem: Dépanneur Café • A quirky coffee/grocery hybrid selling local ice cream, pastries, and artsy postcards. • 5-min walk north of the basilica – the whole street oozes Parisian charm! ✨ Optional but Worth It: Montréal Biodôme 🐾 Biodôme de Montréal • A mini-ecosystem zoo near the Olympic Park. • Kid-friendly: Meet capybaras (the internet’s chillest rodents 😌). Interactive animal/plant exhibits. • Cute souvenir shop with plushies and eco-friendly trinkets. #Montreal #ExploreQuebec #CityOfSaints #TravelCanada