Menu
Menu
A French Friendsgiving in Montreal
Heading to Canada Land!
Another year of gratitude, and another Friendsgiving in the books. This year was decided early to be in Montreal and it was a coinflip whether or not snow would be in the forecast for some winter fun. I’m here to report, the snow gods welcomed us with open arms and the timing could not have been better! Life is good, and being able to spend those moments with friends and family, especially over the holidays, makes it that much more memorable. Long may the Friendsgivings live!
Our Airbnb was absolutely sick, per usual. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say it rivals, and perhaps surpasses, those from our first and second Washington Thanksgivings. The homebase was about 1.5 hours from Montreal proper, but with all the amenities at our fingertips (game room, firepits, sauna, hot tub…) there were few reasons to leave…
Well avoiding ices would be one 🙂
The Abode
I’m sure this place would be amazing during summer time, too, but having a good bit of snow brings out the best of winter times. Driving up to the house on the first day, there was probably a good 6″ of fresh snowfall. The Airbnb looked magical. Upon entering, the kitchen counter had 12 ices ready to be planted, so that set the tone REAL QUICK. Plenty of spots with three floors to work with!
This year, we had a lot of people back from the previous times, but also a lot of new faces as well! Game nights were low-key one of my favorite things. The dynamics with everyone were so good and made for some hilarious “meta gaming” with targeted individuals, including myself.
The actual Friendsgiving dinner was hands down the best we’ve had yet. Chef Maude and the sous-chefs locked down some delicious home cooked meals for the entire stay. And of course, Mila came through with her signature borscht – which needs to be a staple every year.
Winter Activities
First things first – when in Montreal, I’m going to pretend I know what I’m talking about and say you go to a Habs game. Whether or not that’s a thing, it was worth the drive into the city to watch the home squad take a 3-0 victory in a packed stadium. The energy was 5-star hype.
Hockey was just the beginning, though! With the glorious snow we received, it was time to strap up the skis – of both the cross country and downhill variety.
This year, 2024, marks the first time I have attempted cross country skiing, along with a few other brave souls. Man, is it different than downhill. I do have to mention, my experience may be slightly influenced by the fact that the first half of our journey we were on a snowshoe trail… Maybe I’ll give it a shot again in the future, but gimme some twin tips and I’m ready to rock. The local mountain, Val St Côme, had one run open and we sent it a million times. If given the opportunity to ski, thou shall shred.
Final Notes
The Airbnb cozy vibes were in full swing. Home-cooked meals are superior. The snow gods favor our Friendsgiving trips. Cross country skiing is hard. Hockey games bring the hype. Canadian maple whiskey (Sortilege) is delicious. So are the mornings after with a Caesar. And coming together to share it all with good company makes all the difference.
-ML
Recap of Places
Check out the MAP for links!
- Val Saint-Come – local ski mountain
- Bell Centre – home arena of the Montreal Canadiens
Michael Lakus
IT professional, athlete, musician, ponderer of many things... Born and raised in Florida, I began traveling internationally after college. I created this site primarily to remind myself of where I've been and to share my experiences on traveling with a quirky, stress-free, travel attitude.
All Posts »
Menu
The Pure Dose - Designed with Elementor
The Pure Dose - Designed with Elementor