We wanted to go to France this summer. We wanted to go on an adventure to a place different than our own. But because of multiple factors, it became apparent that it was not meant to happen this year. There was a bit of initial disappointment, but we thought about the next best spot that we could go that would have quite a bit of French influence, also right within our own country… Quebec! While we didn’t have to go far, it was an adventure just the same. We flew to Toronto, hopped on the train the next day and found our way to the first stop of our journey, Montreal.

I was immediately struck by the sense of history as we wandered the streets of Old Montreal. There was so much to see around every corner. However, it was also HOT, so we were taking many breaks in cafes, such as Le Petit Dep.

Always hunting for the green spaces, this little walkway was a nice reprieve from the noise of the city. We observed that Montreal had quite a few green reprieves in and around.

A food highlight included a meal at Perles et Paddock, but one of the best food moments was also one of the simpler ones- after a very long & hot walk in the sun in Jardin des Floralies, we stumbled upon some mango sorbet popsicles at a little canteen and it was exactly what was needed in the moment.

Even fire halls are beautiful in Montreal. After what felt like a very short stint in the city (we really only scratched the surface!), we found our way back to the train station to ride the rails to a destination that I was excited to see. I had been once before a very long time ago, so my memories were very vague, but Quebec City was an absolute treasure upon first sight. It immediately brought back memories of our time in Montmartre years ago.

So much beauty down every street in Old Quebec- all the small details were capturing me. For a very small moment, you could trick yourself into believing you were transported to Europe.

Our hotel was perfect. Just a step away from the busyness of the tourism and held an old-world charm as a renovated home to boutique hotel. (Hotel Nomad for those wondering). The only disadvantage being that we were at the very top of a steep hill which meant a lot of climbing every time we went anywhere, which was a lot!

I know a lot of this city is catered to tourism, but I couldn’t help but be a little enamoured by the historical feel of everything- the cobblestone streets, wooden shutters, ceramic address plaques, it was all quite beautiful.

On our last day, we descended this incredibly long staircase (photo shows about half of it) to relax in the pools of a spa on the water. I wasn’t able to take pictures, but you will have to take my word for it that it was stunning and a welcome respite for our sore muscles from the amount of hill walking we endured to take in the city!

My favourite day was the day we took to drive to Ile d’Orleans, an island just outside of Quebec City. It was perfectly relaxing. There were parts of it that reminded me of the east coast but with a bit more french countryside. Of course, I had to pop into the botanical gardens on the island, La Seigneurie de l'Île d'Orléans, which were breathtaking. Also, hot. And it was definitely nice to enjoy the shaded areas of the garden!

Pictures can tell a curated version of a trip. And truthfully, this trip felt like a challenge for a variety of reasons, one being some health issues that popped up that made it difficult to stay present in the moment. A vacation doesn’t always provide an escape from reality. But there were also beautiful moments that I know I will hold in my memory for a long time. We had said we were taking this trip to celebrate 10 years together, but I’m not yet sure if this was our 10 year trip. It felt like a little bit of a consolation prize to the trip we wanted to take for our 10 year anniversary and I think there may be another trip that will feel more celebratory. But this was a trip to practice traveling again. After a long period of not being able to travel, it felt like a step toward something bigger and there’s importance in that too.

We got a taste of, a survey really, of Quebec and especially Montreal. We both hope that it won’t be long before we can go back and get to know it better!

Chamomile-Infused Lemonade

1 cup honey or sugar
1 cup water
1 cup fresh chamomile blossoms (or other herbs)
1 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
2 1/2 - 3 cups water

Bring honey/sugar and 1 cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring every few minutes. Allow syrup to boil for 5 minutes. Then remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes.

Place blossoms in a jar. Pour syrup over the blossoms and stir to make sure they are covered. Let infuse for 2 - 3 hours.

Strain into pitcher. Add lemon juice and water. Pour over ice and serve!

“And what is so rare as a day in June?
Then, if ever, come perfect days”

-James Russell Lowell

I picked up a new iris plant recently from a gardener in the area. I wasn’t expecting it to bloom this year, but it gave me the most beautiful (and fleeting) surprise. I’m not sure of the variety, but it has an old-world fading pink hue to it that makes me think of a Victorian garden. Here’s hoping it becomes a flourishing patch of fluttering petals in years to come.

Elsewhere in the garden, my thyme is in full bloom, all my pots have been planted and are so-far thriving, and strawberries are trying to grow strawberries (however, the critters keep munching at them before they can get anywhere!).

Both peas and sweet peas are growing steadily, despite the heat. I’ve had to shade them a little so they don’t burn to a crisp in the hot sun. This early sweet pea bloomer is a variety called Azurius- I love that it’s a tiny pop of blue in the background of the garden before much of anything else has opened up. They don’t make for great cutting flowers nor do they have much scent, but the tiny flowers of saturated colour always make me stop to admire them as I make my watering rounds.

June is the month of the rose and my single rosebush is in full bud. I’ve had it for 4 years and it hasn’t grown too much in that time, but it does continue to provide me with white, sweet smelling blooms and is always a treat to behold in late spring.

The rhubarb never fails to flourish and adds a sense of lushness to the smaller starts in the potager. I’m always hesitant to pick too much simply because I like the fullness framing the corner. But it does need to picked soon to make jam, chutney, and slushy summer drinks.

Rows of carrots are hopefully starting to put down deep roots. Creeping thyme is also in flower and tomato plants have blossoms, soon to turn into juicy little fruits. The garden is changing every day and each morning holds a new gift!