Over Labor Day weekend we flew to Montreal to visit family and squeeze in a little adventuring and exploring. We kicked off the trip with something simple: berry and fruit picking at Ferme Denis. The farm was quiet, peaceful, and full of color — rows of raspberries, blueberries, and late‑summer fruit stretching out under a warm Quebec sun.

S enjoyed feeding the chickens the most. Apparently, chickens love raspberries and dandelion leaves above all else.

With our bags full of apples, pears, and plums, we headed back toward Montreal for a seafood lunch. Oysters, a lobster roll, ribs, and a cold drink hit the right spot after a few hours outdoors.   

Before visiting family, we stopped at René‑Lévesque Park for a few minutes — just long enough for the meter fairy to leave us a parking ticket. The signs and the pay station were tucked all the way at the entrance, which we missed, and it wasn’t clear that the area where we parked required payment. A little frustrating, but part of the travel experience.

The evening was reserved for family. S finally met his cousins in person. He and L had a blast playing together while the adults caught up over a full table of food — the Moldovan way. 

Our second day was packed. We started in Old Montreal, wandering cobblestone streets that look like they were lifted straight out of Europe. We enjoyed the architecture, the cafés, and the river breeze before the crowds arrived — it was wonderful. Montreal’s streets are made with pedestrians in mind, and there were so many free activities for kids. They even had a bungee trampoline, which quickly became S’s favorite.

We rode the Grande Roue de Montréal, the giant ferris wheel offering sweeping views of the city and the St. Lawrence River.

Lunch was at a classic Jewish deli, where smoked meat sandwiches are practically a rite of passage — tender, salty, stacked high, and perfect before an afternoon of exploring.

Then came the highlight: The Lion King Broadway show. The costumes, the music, the energy — an amazing production overall. It was an especially meaningful treat for S, who participated in a school production of The Lion King last year and still sings the songs.

After the show, we took a boat tour along the river. The skyline glowed in the evening light, and the breeze felt perfect after a full day on foot.

Our final morning was all about adventure. We headed to Voiles en Voiles, the pirate‑themed adventure park in the Old Port. Ziplining, climbing courses, obstacle challenges — it’s the kind of place where kids and adults both get to feel brave. S and E tackled several routes, and I think S finally discovered his adventuring limits. The last course they attempted really tested their courage — high up, with moving platforms. I wouldn’t have tried it, but they conquered it.

The zipline over the port was a standout moment: quick, exhilarating, and offering a fun view of the waterfront.

Lunch was at Modavie, a Montreal favorite known for French comfort food. A great meal, a good vibe, and a perfect way to wind down before heading to the airport.

With full stomachs and tired legs, we made our way to the airport and caught our flight home — ending a trip that felt both refreshing and memorable.