1 Month Down.....
- Leanne Haughian
- Oct 3, 2017
- 4 min read
Ottawa to Montreal, heading to the Maritimes
After we finally left North Bay we landed in Ottawa. We had a lot of mixed emotions leaving North Bay. The security and convenience of North Bay had us pretty comfortable. I mean flush toilets, a good Wi-Fi signal and the beauty of the bay and lake Nipissing to play in all day. However the name of the game isn’t comfortable so on we go. I think we were both feeling well rested and good about exploring Ottawa. Driving to Ottawa took us through the warm Ontario countryside. Describing it as very European. Large silos and very well kept historic type homes placed along side a windy country road. We also noticed the large amount of solar power used here.
Our first day in Ottawa was a little tricky we are under an intense heat wave. Temperatures reaching high twenties and a high humidity index making it feel like mid-high thirties…..now I’m not complaining. I realize many our family and friends have already had snow. It becomes a little challenging when we don’t have air conditioning and a cat that feels safest in the van. Even when the van temp reaches upwards of 35 celcius. So we keep the door open look for a park with trees and hang out in hammocks or cooling down in nearby lakes or rivers. So we haven’t been able to explore Ottawa the way we expected. We try to do some trekking at night or early morning for short periods of time. Of course always being very careful of Benny’s safety. In fact we spend most time not too far from the van so Benny can come in and out as he wants. One morning we were able to sneak away on the bike to attempt a view of the Parliament building. Man is downtown Ottawa busy on a weekday morning!! Didn’t really plan that too well, all we got was a drive by picture.
Again I can’t talk enough about how nice people have been. I’m not sure if its just peoples way here or if it’s the fact that we are driving a bright white top van with a bike on the back and Alberta license plate. Most people go out of their way to talk with us offer suggestions on what to see, ask about where we are going, or just simple daily pleasantries. We even met this wonderful lady that gave us advice on where we could stay for a few nights for free. These engagements definitely brighten your spirits when they are low or add to an already bright day.
We crossed over into Quebec for a night. Stayed in Gatineau, a little village 10minutes from downtown Ottawa. We camped in a parking lot for Lac Leamy. We found some shade for Benny. Spent most of the day hanging around the van as it was still too hot. Swam in Lac Leamy and did some running and a little yoga. Yes….I have started running a little with Paul! In the evening once it cooled we biked into downtown Ottawa to see the sights. We walked Wellington street to see the Parliament building, the Supreme Court, walked around the Canadian History Museum, Byward Market and creeped 24 Sussex Drive…. But didn’t see anything exciting.
This picture is a camp spot we found inbetween Ottawa and Montreal. We have been so lucky with all the great spots we have found so far.
Lac Leamy camp spot in Gatineau, just outside Ottawa
Montreal
Paul is part of a Facebook KLR motorcycle group and mentioned on this page that we are doing this trip and a few people offered for us to stay with them, shower, laundry or work on the vehicles if we need. I know! How kind….total strangers opening their homes! We Have been noticing a spongy feeling in our brakes and the brake light would often come on. Paul narrowed it down to the master cylinder in the brake mechanism. We took up a gentleman’s offer in Montreal to change out this part. Oh and I also forgot to mention we changed out the alternator in North Bay before we left. Did I mention how happy I am that Paul is a mechanic,
We spent the evening
We spent the evening touring around Longueil in Montreal, then back to our new friends place for conversation and a few beers. They graciously offered to make us some breakfast and offered their hot shower. I was in!! Imagine being in Montreal having a French gentleman make you homemade crepes with bacon, fresh cheese and maple syrup. Plus I’m not exactly sure how long it had been since I had an actual hot shower. We took pictures and exchanged information to stay in contact and off we were. Merci beaucoup Glen and Marie-Claude
Mont Royal.
The traffic in Montreal is out of control! We spent a lot of time getting lost and getting lost on top of our getting lost. However we are handling it very well if I do say so, only a few marital spats. Mont Royal has an amazing view point of the city. A 335 step stair case, that we went up and down twice, ugh!!
Poutine is a must in Quebec and where else to eat it than Old Montreal.
A beautiful free camp spot above the St. Lawrence, in a lot beside the marina.
Driving the last section of Quebec. We decided to stay away from Quebec City to save some time and be able to spend a bit more time in the Maritimes. We can’t help but feel that we may have an early snow and want to be able to see as much of the Maritimes as possible before the white stuff hits.
One night in Magog Quebec, this is such a lovely little lake city. We are really starting to see the change in the maple trees. Fall is on our heels, but here there is still so much greenery and flowers. We are on our way to New Brunswich and will try and post again in a week. Lots of love Paul Leanne and a van
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