It was cold. I could feel fall’s morning chill seeping through my jacket. It was up to me to scout out a delicious croissant and warm hot chocolate so Grandma and I could start the morning off right. Would I rise to the task or get us lost under the pressure? Descending the twisty stairs from our Airbnb, we made our way onto the sidewalk, where a stray cat took one look at us and ran into the distance. I typed frantically, searching for nearby bakeries (so many to choose from). Aha! I’d found one, not too far away. I started the directions (in French), and led Grandma down the street. After a few minutes, we made it, and enjoyed the fruits of my labor; warm, freshly baked croissants and pain au chocolate avec chocolat chaud et un café. The warmth surged through me and I was energized and ready to explore Montréal.

Last week, I took my third trip abroad (I’ve previously visited Costa Rica and Scotland)—but this time felt entirely different from the last two. It was my first time traveling without my parents. Instead, I was accompanied by my grandma who nags and controls me 80% less than my mom and dad. For example, at home, my mom is in charge of the planning of activities and navigating our travels (I’m just there for the ride), but while I was with my grandma, these tasks were up to me (and I had no brother to contend with). Sometimes I succeeded, sometimes I failed, but I learned so much and it was super fun.

Read on to see some of the things that surprised me about Montréal.

1. Where Old Meets Bold: Architecture

When I moved from New Mexico to Georgia, the change in architecture felt like stepping into a different world. In New Mexico, buildings are low, adobe-colored, and sunbaked, with a unique, earthy style that fits perfectly against the sprawling desert landscapes. Georgia, however, greets you with historic charm—brick homes, wraparound porches, and lots of greenery.

I’d gotten used to this Southern style, so as I planned for Montréal, I figured I’d find something similar to Helen, GA, with quaint Bavarian-inspired houses and Alpine touches. But Montréal was nothing like that. Instead, I was met with a striking mix: old-world European facades brushed up against edgy, modern glass buildings that shot up toward the sky. The blend was jarring and fascinating, like the city couldn’t decide if it wanted to be rooted in the past or reaching for the future.

From across the river, I saw Habitat 67—a maze of stacked concrete boxes that looked like New Mexico’s adobe shapes crossed with something you’d see on Mars. Then there was the Olympic Stadium, with its leaning tower that seemed almost futuristic, like it must hold some deeper purpose or meaning. The old churches were what really made me pause. Their gray stone walls, touched with bits of blue, felt like they held Montréal’s history in every brick. Each of these sights left an impression, showing me the layers of style Montréal had to offer, from bold and modern to deeply historical.

Image of Habitat 67
As we walked through Montréal, my uncle would point out different buildings and share tidbits about their history and purpose. His knowledge gave me a new way of looking at the city—more than just admiring the architecture, the sites were becoming more meaningful to me.

2. Bargaining en Français: Language

I didn’t just enjoy the sights—I also loved hearing people speak French. Even small moments, like a passerby saying "bonjour," were exciting for me, reminding me why I wanted to come here. This year, I’ve been taking a high school French 3 class, and I was eager to put my French skills to the test. For the most part, I could follow along with conversations when people spoke slowly and clearly, though I still found it challenging when they sped up. One of my proudest moments was successfully bartering in French. I managed to drop a price from C$10 to C$5, using only my French abilities—a small victory that made me feel like I was truly connecting with the culture.

Speaking French felt like a manageable challenge—at least, in most parts of the city. But things changed when I visited Chinatown (Le Quartier Chinois).

In Chinatown, conversations flowed seamlessly between French, English, and various dialects of Chinese. As I walked through, the mix of languages made it hard to follow along, and I often had to focus just to identify which language I was hearing. That challenge deepened when I sat down at a restaurant for dim sum. The waiters effortlessly blended languages while offering us dishes, and I struggled to keep up. I barely knew what I was ordering most of the meal, but it added a whole new layer to my experience in Montréal. The city wasn’t just French or English—it was a mix of languages that reflected the complexity and richness of its cultures.

3. Walkable Freedom vs. Parking Woes: Transportation

The amount of languages spoken in Montréal is more diverse than in my neighborhood. The same goes with the transportation options. Back home, I can't just walk out my door to grab a coffee or pick up groceries. My family and I rely on our cars to get to, well, anywhere. But in Montréal, that wasn't the case at all. From the Airbnb where I stayed, I could walk to countless cafes, stores, parks, and even the Metro station. It was a refreshing change to feel so connected and to know that wherever we wanted to go, a Metro or bus stop was likely just a short walk away.

The streets I visited were alive with the scent of fresh bread drifting out of bakeries or Chinese spices—a world away from the shut-off feeling of driving around. I was especially excited to experience riding on the Metro; the thought of speeding down a tunnel on a train felt thrilling, like something straight out of Jujutsu Kaisen. I half-expected one of the characters to appear on the platform beside me, ready for an intense fight scene.

The walkability of Montréal was a glimpse into a different kind of lifestyle—one where people didn't need cars for everything, where the city was built for people rather than vehicles. I realized how much I enjoyed having that freedom.

However, this freedom also comes with a problem; a lack of parking spots for when you choose to take a car. I’m not sure which is better, the ability to take the metro or the ability to park a car, but I do know that the Metro is more fun!

4. Pigeons, Cats, and Missing Lizards: Wildlife

I hadn't expected to see much wildlife in Montréal—especially visiting so late in the year, when most animals had either migrated or were hibernating. The streets were quiet, and the only animals I saw were a lot of pigeons and the occasional stray cat.

As I wandered the streets, I couldn’t help but miss the green anoles that are so common back in Georgia. I began to wonder if they could survive in Canada’s harsh climate. Spoiler: they can’t. But I found a few articles about anoles hitching rides to places like Edmonton, Canada. It was fascinating to think about these little reptiles ending up somewhere so far from home—even if they didn't thrive there, it was a reminder just how far anoles are being transported. (If you’re curious about the article, you can check it out here).

5. Warmth, Pastries, and Family Time: Food

One of my favorite parts of visiting Montréal was the food. I loved the variety—there were so many delicious Vietnamese restaurants near where I stayed, along with bakeries, African restaurants, and all the scrumptious maple syrup products.

Every morning, I started my day with a croissant and hot chocolate, and sometimes a pastry that looked too interesting to pass up. I definitely made my mom jealous with the pictures I sent, and now she’s trying her hand at making croissants at home (it’s still a work in progress). Montréal’s food wasn’t just about the taste—it was about the experience of getting out of the cold and taking shelter in a warm cozy place, where you can savor good food while enjoying quality family time. It was those little moments that made it special, tying together everything I had experienced.

I also enjoyed not having a restraint on the amount of sugar I could consume (unlike when I’m with my parents). In Montréal, I was offered more sugar than I could eat and had to constantly decline getting more drinks or treats (something I never could’ve imagined before visiting).

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on my time in Montréal, I realize how much confidence I gained in traveling without my parents. Being in charge of planning, navigating, and making decisions was a challenge, but one that left me feeling proud and capable—especially when I managed to barter in a new language. Trying so many unique foods that aren’t available at home added a whole new layer to the experience, making every day an adventure for my taste buds too. This trip gave me a big boost in independence, and I’d tell any young traveler not to shy away from challenges. Embrace the unknown, try things outside your comfort zone, and remember that each challenge is an opportunity to grow.

I’d like to thank my grandma, uncle, aunt, and cute baby cousin for making my time in Montréal so memorable and for giving me such a wonderful experience.

I’d love to hear about your travels in the comments section below!

Until next time!