Montreal in November: A Drummer's Damp Descent (and a Few Good Beats)
okay, so. montreal. november. let’s just say my sticks weren’t the only things getting a workout. i’m a touring drummer, right? usually, i’m chasing sunshine and packed venues. this? this was…different.
I just checked and it’s spitting a fine, icy rain right now, the kind that clings to your eyelashes and makes everything look vaguely melancholic. the temperature’s hovering around -2, but the windchill? brutal. feels like -8.59. i’m pretty sure my fingers are permanently numb. pressure’s at 1006, humidity’s a delightful 66% - basically, a damp hug from the city itself.
I was here for a gig - a weird corporate thing, actually. think polite clapping and lukewarm Chardonnay. not exactly my usual scene. but hey, a gig’s a gig, and the pay was decent. i spent most of my downtime wandering around, trying to soak up the atmosphere.
Honestly, the vibe is…introspective. like the city’s taking a long, deep breath before winter really hits. i stumbled into this tiny jazz club, Le Balcon, near Saint-Denis. seriously, check it out if you’re ever here - TripAdvisor link. the music was incredible, smoky, and perfect for a rainy night.
Someone told me that the best poutine in the city is at La Banquise. apparently, there’s always a line, but it’s worth it. i haven’t tried it yet, but it’s on the list. i did find a decent spot for a late-night snack - a little diner called Stock Café - Yelp link. the fries were crispy, and the service was…efficient.
I spent a good chunk of time just wandering through *Old Montreal. the cobblestone streets, the historic buildings… it’s beautiful, even in the drizzle. i even found a vintage shop - Maggie’s - local board link. the owner was a sweetheart, and i scored a killer tweed jacket for a steal. seriously, if you’re into that kind of thing, go.
“Heard a guy at the bar complaining about the snow removal. Said they’re always behind. Apparently, it’s a whole political thing.”
I also checked out the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. It’s huge! I only had a couple of hours, but I managed to see a decent chunk of it. Museum website.
If you get bored, Quebec City is just a short drive away. i didn’t make it this time, but i’m adding it to the list for next time.
Honestly, montreal in november isn’t exactly a tropical paradise. but it’s got a certain charm, a quiet intensity that i kind of dig. plus, the coffee is amazing. i found this place, Café Myriade, that makes a mean flat white. seriously, go. you won’t regret it.
I overheard someone saying that the Plateau Mont-Royal is the place to be for nightlife. i didn’t get a chance to explore it properly, but i’ll definitely check it out next time.
Pro-tip: pack layers. seriously. like, a lot of layers. and waterproof shoes. you’ll thank me later.
Gear List:
Warm socks (multiple pairs)
Waterproof jacket
Hat and gloves
Good walking shoes
Camera (for capturing the moody vibes)
* A good book (for those rainy afternoons)
Okay, i’m off to find another coffee. my fingers are freezing. until next time…
You might also be interested in:
- https://votoris.com/post/wandering-through-marrakeshs-unscripted-corners
- https://votoris.com/post/ryazan-and-the-frozen-whispers-seriously-its-cold
- https://votoris.com/post/lahore-vs-islamabad-which-citys-got-your-back-spoiler-alert-its-complicated
- https://votoris.com/post/dordrecht-im-not-sure-why-im-here-but-here-we-are
- https://votoris.com/post/tokyo-drift-and-a-whole-lot-of-confusion-my-week-in-the-concrete-jungle