On Friday, March 22, 16 students, 3 chaperones, and their fearless leader, Madame Presotto, boarded a flight from Dulles to Montreal, Quebec, Canada. On this trip, the students spent 5 days exploring all Montreal and Quebec City had to offer under the guidance of their tour guide, Jean Yvre.
Day 1: Intro to Montreal
On the first day, students were welcomed to Canada with snow and 20 degree weather. However, it didn’t stop them as they started the day learning about the history of the underground networks in Montreal or le réseau souterrain. From a mall build under a church to subway stations with stained glass walls, the different modes of transportation in Montreal were fascinating to learn about and see. Students also visited St. Joseph’s Oratory and learned about some of the history behind one of Montreal’s most beautiful religious buildings.
Day 2: Montreal to Quebec City
On day 2 of their journey, students began the day by visiting Mont Royal and later visiting the Olympic stadium of Montreal from the 1976 Summer Olympics. On the way to Quebec City, they stopped for lunch at a Sugar Shack or more specifically Cabane à Sucre Chez Danny. Here they had a hearty meal where every course was accompanied by an unhealthy amount of maple syrup. After eating, they learned about how to make maple syrup and got to eat some maple syrup taffy (maple syrup frozen on snow). The rest of the day was spend driving to Quebec City and beginning to explore.
Day 3: Quebec City
On day 3, student got their first chance to fully see Quebec City. They began the day with a tour guide who showed them several significant churches and religious locations in Quebec including the Holy Door in the Note Dame of Quebec which is rarely open but will be through 2025. This walking tour lasted for a large part of the morning and ended at the Citadelle of Quebec. This is an active military installation in Quebec. This location has a rich history involving goats, cannons, and military jail. However, it is also the second home to the governor of Quebec. Most memorably it also has the windiest point in Quebec.
Day 4: Quebec City Part 2
On day 4, students continued learning about some of the unique things Canada has to offer including learning about coppersmith Albert Gilles. Students spent some time in his museum learning about the process of shaping copper and were later able to see some of his most famous works and do a bit of their own metalwork. Students also went to see a traditional bread bakery where they enjoyed slices of bread with maple butter and were able to buy some for themselves. They later visited the Montmorency Fall and the island of Orleans. This was students last night in Canada and they were able to spend it exploring the shops and restaurants in Quebec City.
Day 5: Return Home
On day 5, students left Quebec City bright and early to drive back to Montreal. The had breakfast at Cora’s and ate an assortment of either pancakes, waffles, french toast, or a full breakfast with eggs, toast, fruit, and more. Once students arrived at YUL airport, they ate lunch at there before depart to return home.
Students great enjoyed this trip and would love to express gratitude to Madame Presotto for taking them and the OPHS administration for sign so supportive of the trip. It was a great way to be immersed in francophone culture and student were able to apply their French knowledge in a French speaking area.
