Family Fun: Be a Tourist In Your Own City

My husband and I are big travellers and have always taken our daughter, Ava everywhere since she was born. During the summer months, we enjoy a two week family vacation, but this year was not easy on us financially. So, we’ve put off of any plans to have a family vacation till things get sorted out.

We may not be able to go away, but we can still act like tourists! Being a tourist in your own city can be fun and a LOT cheaper than going on a actual vacation. We live in Montreal, QC (Canada) which is a city full of history. So, we acted as tourists by going to the Old Port or known as the Vieux-Port in French which is the old town of Montreal.

The streets are paved with cobblestones and the area is full of things to do. Great for families is the pedestrianized Place Jacques Cartier that leads from city hall to the Old Port. There are lots of small trinkets and sweets to enjoy while watching the various street performers. Sometimes there are clowns that blow up balloons for children.

The actual Old Port is great for strolling too. Although, there are lots of other things to do in the area too. Many families rent multi-bycyles to bike around the area or take a peddle boat rides in a designated area of the port. Perfect for parents with young children, is the small train which runs up and down the port.

Parents can opt to eat from the food trucks that sell actually GOOD food to save on restaurant prices. Grass is plentiful and right next to water, making the Port a perfect picnic spot.

Ava had a blast and she passed out as soon as we got back to the car!

Do you ever play tourist in your own city? What are the great sites around your city?