Thanksgiving, eh?

When one of my sons, a few months ago, suggested that we spend Thanksgiving in Montreal, I immediately ran with the idea. This holiday, which had been my favorite for many years, just doesn’t feel like a celebratory occasion when one learns about the atrocities (far beyond the singular Trail of Tears lesson taught in school) committed against the First Peoples, kwim?

Factor in the worst POTUS and administration in this country’s history, and heading north to escape the fascist regime makes a lot of sense.

I booked an AirBandB large enough for myself and two of my sons*, (along with a friend for each of them), and we had ourselves a plan.

This will be the third or fourth Thanksgiving that we’ve avoided celebrated in Canada and we have our own traditions that we will honor. There will be Peking duck in Chinatown for dinner on Thursday and, I imagine, we’ll visit the market and eat bagels and croissant.

Beyond that, we have no plans.

As a group, that is. I’ve reserved a seat for myself at two different venues to listen to live jazz. On our most recent family trip to Montreal in 2021, I stumbled into Diese Onze and fell in love with this basement level jazz club that boasts a vibe that is right up my alley – small, with professional servers and a menu that is well executed, and fantastic live music. I’m so excited to return! I booked a seat at the bar for the early set with the thought that, if I’m so inclined, I can stay for the second show, too.

My other night of music is at a venue that is new to me, Place des Artes. This performing arts space seems to offer work in many genres and I got lucky by landing on a night when there will be a jazz show, with a concert featuring the work of Stan Getz, specifically with Strings. I am stoked.

Other than a couple of shared meals, I expect my sons to go their own ways with their friends, something with which I am perfectly fine. I’m excited for them to explore their own interests without a sense of obligation to accompany me. I’m 100% fine being on my own and look forward to hearing about the places my sons discover and experience.

Traveling together does not mean being together every waking moment. At least, not in my family.

So, now’s the time for your suggestions. What are you favorite things to do late fall in Montreal? Have you ever rented bicycles? Explored Mount Royale Parc? Was there a dining experience or museum that you’d recommend we not miss?

Tell me everything, s’il vous plait!

*My middle son is employed in the hospitality industry as he finishes up his degree and needs to stay in town to work.