Old Montreal is also deserted by tourists
With borders closed, it shouldn’t be surprising that Old Montreal is pretty empty these days at a time of year when it’s usually heaving with people. I wonder, are the people who live there enjoying the peace and quiet?
DeWolf 22:02 on 2020-07-16 Permalink
I’ve been down there a few times over the past month and it’s quieter than normal but far from deserted. St-Paul Street in particular is quite busy on nice days, as is the Old Port. There was one weekend day in particular when all the terrasses were full, which surprised me. If anything it makes it clear how much of a detriment the tourist traffic is and how much nicer it would be if more of the businesses there were geared towards Montrealers instead of daytrippers or weekenders.
Dominic 22:04 on 2020-07-16 Permalink
I live there, and its definitely a very different vibe. Montrealers make the trek on weekends, but on random weekdays, which normally would be filled with Americans, the streets and restaurants are empty.
Em 09:13 on 2020-07-17 Permalink
I live nearby and go often for walks. It’s not as jam-packed as it usually is in the summer but still busy enough, especially on weekends. Restaurants still seemed to be getting customers, although the tourist-specific shops must be hurting.