Old Port Montréal was a very lively place located just right across Montréal City Hall and Place Vauquelin. All we had to do was cross Rue Notre Dame, walk through Place Jacques Cartier, and head southeast through the equally lively streets. There were a lot of activities in these places. People were walking in all directions. Buskers were having a good time with audience participation. The cafes and restaurants were opening up for the evening and seating diners at their outdoor balconies.

Our self-guided walking tour continued to take us farther along Rue Notre Dame. After Place Vauquelin, we turned in a southeasterly direction to explore Old Port Montréal.

For the science enthusiasts: Place Vauquelin was named after Louis Nicholas Vauquelin, the discoverer of chromium and beryllium.

We took a leisurely walk down Place Jacques Cartier. Even much slower with the presence of street artists and buskers who were catching our attention with their work and performance. This busker got some help with one from his spectators. She ended up singing so well that the busker was scratching his head. He actually wondered out loud if he needed to pack up and leave. Anyway, he continued to deliver more lovely songs for the spectators to appreciate.

The architectural design of Montréal city hall was also quite interesting. It was said to have been designed according to the Second Empire style. We stood there awhile watching and observing how the Second Empire style was different from other architectural designs we have seen.

Bonsecours Market was farther down the road while still walking in the southeasterly direction. It was a mistake of not doing enough research before embarking on a walking tour. We stood admiring the building’s facade but failed to recognize its important cultural heritage. Inside would have been a delightful discovery of local crafts, fashions, accessories, jewelry, and design items.

The cobbled streets of Old Port Montréal was the most fascinating sight for the day. It was gradually waking up as the day was winding down. There were more people walking the streets and exploring the shops. The cafes were turning on their lights and prepping their outdoor tables. People, like us, tired from the day’s walking and exploring, began occupying the tables. It was time for dinner and, probably, for a glass of a refreshing drink.

We continued walking until we reached St. Lawrence river. The old port itself was a beehive of activity. Boats and people were coming and going. La Grande Roue de Montréal was the biggest structure across the riverbank. The big ferris wheel provides a panoramic view of Montréal. We opted to watch the ferris wheel from the other side of the bank instead of riding it.