Auto Show season is upon us and once again I traveled to Montreal to facilitate some marketing activities for work. Of course, I also had to take advantage of the trip and stay the weekend. I want to mention, recently, I’ve been taking the ViaRail to get to Montreal and I’ve really enjoyed the experience…to a point where I said I didn’t want the trip to end just so I could finish reading my book. It’s just so relaxing and the 4.5 hours fly by.
Anyway, I’ve gone to Montreal numerous of times but there’s always something new to do. I’ve got to thank my friend Dan, from Maps About Nothing, for introducing me to a few new restaurants I’ve never tried, which included an unforgettable breakfast poutine!
Bota Bota & Gibby’s
After walking the show floor on Saturday, the Mister joined me from Toronto and we went to Bota Bota, starting with a 1 hour massage and then lunch at their onsite restaurant. Bota Bota was once a river ferry turned into a “floating spa” equipped with steam rooms, saunas with great views of the city and several outdoor water circuits. We went mid-January and while the temperatures were well below freezing, we kept warm in the heated pools and the saunas. There were also a few areas where you could hang out and enjoy the views. In the beginning, there was a bit of a crowd (I’m not a fan of crowds) so I was a bit hesitant (aka grumpy), but everyone ends up finding their own nooks and the pools clear out once in a while. In total we spent 6 hours at Bota Bota.
After taking much longer than anticipated at the spa, we rushed back to the hotel and got ready for dinner at Gibby’s. Gibby’s was another converted structure, it used to be a barn turned restaurant. Their service was great and so were the appetizers – we had the mushroom tart and a clam chowder. Unfortunately, the filet mignon that was way too overcooked for me. They offered me a new piece but I was so full by then that it would’ve just been a waste. The manager left it at that and ignored us but the server was kind enough to give us extra pickles to go haha. After dinner, we went back to the hotel.
Marriott & La Finca
The next day we wanted to just relax in bed until check out at 12. Unfortunately, the hotel we were in didn’t offer breakfast room service so the hubby braved the Montreal winter and went to get me a chocolate croissant and an amazing latte from La Finca. We later did some shopping and hopped on the train back to Toronto.
Besides the weather, Montreal was a fun weekend getaway. I’d love to go back to Bota Bota or try another similar experience next time!
Life Outside the Inbox 