quebec

Three years and one trip cancellation (due to Covid-19) later, we finally had the chance to head back to La Belle province. This trip didn’t come without adversity. About three weeks prior to our departure, I did the silly thing of involving myself in a skateboarding accident, resulting in multiple broken bones in my left leg and ankle. We got really close to cancelling again, but a few days before our scheduled departure, my surgeon gave us his blessing and we hopped on the plane. 

So, with a brand new rod and six shiny new screws in my lower limb, a wheelchair, a pair of crutches and a list of specific instructions from the surgeon, nothing would stop us from our goal of getting to Montreal. Not even the Skytrain door in Vancouver I got stuck in, after trying to board in my wheelchair. From there, things mostly went smoothly.

Our Quebec trip consisted of stops in Montreal, Quebec City and also in my hometown of Matane. The main reason for the trip was to attend my grandmother’s 90th birthday. Most of the extended family made it to the party and it was a great moment of celebration. We all enjoyed a nice afternoon of family time, mechoui, songs, beer and wine. It was good to see everybody, especially when it only happens every other year or so. We also spent a lot of time driving around the backroads and visiting friends’ farms and such, which meant eating a lot of fresh cheese and veggies right from the ground – two of the best things you can appreciate in life. There is also a small Italian winery / villa in one of the small villages just outside of Matane. It’s great for imported Italian produce.

We didn’t stay long in Quebec City, and used it mainly as a transition between Matane and Montreal. We took a few days to say a quick hello to some friends and family there, and mostly stuck to the Lac Beauport area. 

We had rented a car for the Matane portion of the trip, but chose the train as our means of transportation between Quebec City and Montreal. It was my first time traveling by train. I really enjoyed how cozy and roomy it was. It also turned out to be the easiest way to travel due to my physical condition at the time. The staff was amazing at handling my special needs and it was some of the best costumer service I ever received.

We were in Montreal twice on our trip: at the very beginning and at the end. We stayed at a hotel on the edge of Old Montreal the first time around. Coming back, my friend Shawn made the lovely gesture of lending us his apartment in Plateau Mont-Royal. I really enjoy Old Montreal. Although a bit of a tourist trap, it’s still fun to see the old buildings and cobblestone streets, especially when you live on the newer side of Canada. Both areas of Montreal have amazing food, cafes and pubs – at decent prices nonetheless. We were spoilt with lots of good coffee, croissants and bagels.

I mostly shot 35mm film during this trip, which I developed and scanned myself. I hope you enjoyed the text and the gallery, feel free to leave a comment and share!