Another astonishing day! Not a cloud in the sky. We head down to the Atwater market to rent bikes for a ride around the canal and the St. Lawrence river. We take the subway, then walk past the market as they are beginning to open. Ah…fall…
We are early – of course – but then the rental guys are late! We have a few moments of worry because it is a holiday weekend. But eventually, they all show up, we gear up and off we go.
The bike paths are fantastic – there are miles and miles of them from which to choose. We had decided to bike down the canals and then loop around on the St. Lawrence past the rapids and back into Atwater. All told, it will be a 20 mile bike hike through spectacular trees and parks. Fabulous!
Our first stop is the Parc Rene-Levesque, which is a narrow island at the end of the bike route, perched like a finger pointing out in the St. Lawrence. It’s stunningly green, with interesting but slightly odd sculptures placed about.
After a quick stop here, we wanted to find a café for cappuccino, but the area the bike guy told us about doesn’t really look promising. So, we head out around the loop that will take us through neighborhoods and parkland by the St. Lawrence. We actually stumble upon a little corner store and café where we sit in the sun, warming ourselves with the rays – and the caffeine!
Back on the paths, we loop down and around some beautiful river scenery, old stone buildings…
…and a windmill of all things!
More stone houses, and more gorgeous parks with fall colors aflame in the trees.
We finally make the last turn out of the park, and immediately get lost trying to find our way back to the market and the rental kiosk. There is some construction going on, and while all we have to do is follow the bike path, it mysteriously disappears right when we need it most! After a couple of wrong turns, we finally make it back and turn our trusty rides back into the bike guys.
Then, it’s off to the market for lunch. It’s a nice little market, with incredible produce at really good prices – none of which we can use since we’re at the end of our accommodations with cooking facilities. Darn! But it is fun to walk around, and lunch at an Italian type deli is great – hot Panini – chicken with pesto and cheese for me, an Italian hoagie for Ed. We’re satisfied!
We head back to the hotel to rest for a bit, but it is such a beautiful day we don’t want to stay inside for long. So, we decided to walk up to Parc du Mont Royal. And wow what a walk…UP for sure! But when we get to the main entrance, we’re surprised with a huge drum circle!!!
Too wild – they are here every Sunday afternoon – just like our Friday nights in Asheville. Very fun to stand and watch all the gyrations and thumping going on in the afternoon sun. Cool!
Back at hotel we relax and watch some football. Then we troop off to St. Laurent street (where all the bars and restaurants are in this area) for a Portuguese dinner! We found a great little, local restaurant called Jano that reputedly has the best roasted chicken. We’re game! And Jano lived up to its reputation – definitely. A cozy little place where everyone was friendly, smiling, happy and helpful. The food was excellent and in vast supply. Yes, the chicken was the best! I had a chicken breast, Ed had a combo – all incredibly good. A couple of beers and wines, and we were ready for our invigorating walk back home.
Football for dessert (LOL) then bed!
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