July 1996
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Intro
While I was growing up, my family and I would travel to the Middle East to visit family about every other year – so on the ‘off years’ in between those huge trips, we would often take shorter family summer vacations within California. But after getting a taste of Europe in 1990, 1993, and 1994, our once-exciting family trips to Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, or Disneyland just weren’t doing it for me anymore. I needed more!!
Knowing I had some limits to the amount of manipulation I could get away with, (strategically not suggesting anywhere across an ocean), I
managed to convince the parents to take us to Canada – eastern Canada! Basically, as far away from California as I could manage to get us without leaving the continent, so I was pleased with the results of my burgeoning negotiation tactics.
I also managed to convince them to let me plan the trip – I packed a lot onto the itinerary, taking in Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, and Québec City in just 10 days. On top of that, we made a stop in Mississauga, a huge city-suburb of Toronto, where we spent a couple days visiting with my mom’s cousin and her family (yes, that was also part of my negotiation tactic!).
While Ontario contains both Canada’s capital and largest city, both really great places — it was Québec that was the major highlight for me. Daydream for a few minutes while sitting at a café in Québec City, enjoying a pain-au-chocolat, and gazing out at the gorgeous Château Frontenac, and it would be easy to forget that you are in fact in Canada, not France. Walk down any ‘rue’ in Montréal’s busy Centre-Ville and you will likely hear more French than English, and the architecture surrounding you simply adds to the illusion. If you’re in need of a little taste of Europe, but can’t quite make it to France – Québec is a great option. And just to make sure you don’t forget where you really are, be sure to indulge in a delicious and very Québécois poutine, in between your croissants and café-au-laits.
Journey Map
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