First Impressions of Montreal

First Time Visiting Montreal

We took the VIA train from Toronto to Montreal. I talked about the train journey here: . The Central Train station is located right in downtown Montreal; it felt like Toronto’s Union Station. However, it looked too old and feels like it needs a renovation.

We were hungry and McDonald’s was the only restaurant we found enticing. The menus were very similar to Toronto’s, but we felt the prices were slightly more expensive. We had no issues ordering, despite my concern that they may only speak French.

We had to go to the Courtyard Marriot, which we knew was in very close proximity. We asked someone for directions and there were no issues with English there either. Once we were out on the street and started walking, we felt right away that Montreal looked cleaner than Toronto.

The lower level of traffic was noticeable, although it was a Friday afternoon. Also, there weren’t many people on the street like Toronto. We started to like Montreal right away. It must have something to do with our vacation vibes, but we liked every aspect of Montreal compared to Toronto.

We thought we were going to have language difficulties, as we spoke no French, but we never had any issues. Everyone we interacted with spoke English and were very friendly.

We visited China Town and the Waterfront aka Old Port of Montréal, which is nestled between the downtown district and the St. Lawrence River. We liked this area a lot. It was much better and bigger compared to Toronto’s waterfront.

We especially liked the old charm feeling, like the cobblestoned streets. Montreal feels like a European city and there are many spots that can kind of reflect somewhere in Europe.

Overall, we liked Montreal a lot more than we were hoping for. We definitely won’t mind visiting Montreal many times again in the future.

VIA Rail Economy Class Trip Report: Toronto to Montreal

VIA Rail Economy Class First Impressions: Toronto to Montreal

This is my first VIA Train ride, so I have been waiting for this day for some time. We went to the Union Station in downtown Toronto a lot earlier, as we also do for our plane travels.

The boarding and efficiency of VIA Rail’s check-in process was smooth and efficient. We had assigned seats, so once aboard we settled down in our seats. This was pre-assigned – VIA Rail charges extra to change or modify seats.

I found the Economy Class seating to be spacious, clean, and equipped with ample legroom and tray tables, making it ideal for both work and relaxation. I had a peek in the business class and found nothing there to spend more money on. I was glad I chose economy.

As the train glided out of Toronto, we were treated to sweeping views of Ontario’s countryside. Rolling fields, quaint towns, and stretches of forest flashed by the window, offering a peaceful backdrop to the journey. I captured the essence of train travel in my video—unhurried, scenic, and serene.

I took a tour to the washrooms; there were 2 – one spacious for all genders and family and another a single washroom. I was shocked to see them so clean and nice; they were far better than aircraft washrooms.

We had the newer VIA Rail's Siemens Venture Train. The coach was really noise-proof; we didn’t feel like we were on a train. Due to track limitation, the speed limit was capped at below 160 km/h, but it felt like very good speed.

Unlike the VIA Rail/Amtrak train that goes to the US, the Montreal corridor trains do not have dining cars. But the train attendants came with food carts serving snacks, light meals, and drinks often. I found the prices were reasonable and not overpriced at all.

Overall, my first VIA Rail journey from Toronto to Montreal exceeded expectations. The comfort of Economy Class, the quiet ride on the new Siemens Venture train, and the scenic views made for a relaxing and enjoyable experience. With clean facilities and reasonably priced onboard service, it’s a great alternative to flying. I’d definitely recommend this route to anyone looking to travel between these two cities in comfort and style.

Koz Bingol Canada – The Best Turkish Restaurant In Toronto?

Best Kebab In Toronto? – Koz Bingol Turkish Restaurant

Koz Bingol is a new Turkish restaurant located at 655 Queen St W in Toronto. The first time we went there was when the restaurant just opened. We went back there for the 2nd time again because we liked it so much the first time, we couldn’t wait to try it again.

We noticed they changed their setup a little. The first time it was like a fast-food restaurant. But this time they had switched to full service - which was not bad. Those who wanted take-out only, could still grab-and-go without full service.

The waitress was friendly. We ordered one beef doner wrap combo and one chicken doner wrap. The combo was $17.00 and came with a fries and coke. The sandwich only was $15.00. The prices were not bad and the quantity was a lot. We were only able to eat half of it and took the rest home.

The food was really delicious – we found nothing to complain about. I found the beef doner was slightly crispier, but still juicy. We liked both so much that we ordered a cold baklava later. The baklava was made of milk, pistachio, and a hint of chocolate and of course phyllo dough. Being moist made this baklava more delicious than traditional Turkish baklava, which are a little dry.

Last time we tried their Sutlac – which was a Turkish version of rice pudding and that was incredibly delicious as well.

Overall, our experience was positive. I noticed they have a lot of items that I never heard of and I’m looking forward to trying those in the future. We definitely will go back there for more someday soon.

How to Go to Niagara Falls from Toronto by Train

VIA Rail from Toronto to Niagara Falls

If you would a like train journey experience from Toronto to Niagara Falls, you have 2 options: Via GO Train or VIA Rail. I chose VIA Rail as I never experienced it before. This is the same Amtrak train that goes to New York. The train itself is an Amtrak train, but it changes names after crossing the border.

Boarding the train at Union Station was no problem. I was easily able to find the gate following the posted signs. I was impressed by the comfortable and spacious seating. As the train departed, the urban landscape quickly gave way to picturesque farms, small towns, and glimpses of Lake Ontario. The journey itself became a highlight, with the changing scenery providing a constant source of entertainment.

The train had a dining car and offered a variety of snacks and drinks, allowing me to indulge in some delectable treats and coffee while admiring the ever-changing scenery.  The onboard service was excellent, with friendly staff. We struck up a conversation with a friendly employee and she gave lot of insights about the train.

We spent slightly more time and money than taking a bus, but I felt the 2 hours went fast. With VIA Rail, traveling from Toronto to Niagara Falls became more than just a means of getting from one destination to another – it was an adventure in itself. It's a highly-recommended option for anyone traveling from Toronto to Niagara Falls, offering a comfortable, scenic, and environmentally-friendly way to reach this iconic destination.

I have a video comparing traveling to Niagara Falls from Toronto via train or bus. I provided more info in that video. You can check it out here:

Toronto to Niagara Falls: Bus vs Train - Which is Best?

Dragon Pearl Buffet Review | Best Buffet in Toronto?

Dragon Pearl All-You-Can-Eat Buffet in Toronto

We have tried Mandarin a few times (probably the most popular buffet around) and wanted a change. So, we tried Dragon Pearl Buffet for the first time.

First impressions? We felt the beautifully-decorated elegant atmosphere right away. It had a modern and sophisticated ambience that felt like a step above the typical Chinese buffet.

Let’s talk about food. The selection was impressive, but we felt their focus was on quality rather than quantity. I felt like they have less items to choose from, but better quality. Right away, we spotted the Peking duck, a must-try at Dragon Pearl. And let me tell you, it was crispy, flavorful, and simply divine.

The sushi section was surprisingly extensive, with fresh fish and more creative rolls when compared to other Chinese buffets. We sampled the spicy tuna, the dragon roll, and a few other unique creations. Everything was fresh and delicious.

And of course, no dim sum feast is complete without the classics. The dim sum section looked extensive also. We tried the har gow, siu mai, and shrimp dumplings, all of which were expertly crafted and bursting with flavor.

They also offered a good selection of international dishes, including some delicious pad Thai and stir-fries.

I found the dessert section had less items than Mandarin’s, but couldn’t complain about the deliciousness and quality. I saw Mango Pomelo Sago and tried that several times.

However, there were downsides. With a 1.5-hour time limit, we felt a bit rushed. We would have loved to savor the experience a little more and maybe try a few more dishes. And of course, the price was significantly higher than Mandarin, coming in at around $32 or more per person.

Overall, Dragon Pearl offers a refined all-you-can-eat experience with a focus on quality. The ambiance is elegant, and the food is generally excellent. The Peking duck and sushi were definite highlights. However, the time limit and higher price point might be a factor for some.

I'd recommend Dragon Pearl to those seeking a more upscale and leisurely dining experience compared to the typical buffet. It's a great option for a special occasion or when you're looking to indulge in some truly delicious Chinese cuisine.