Montreal surprised me completely on this trip to Canada

I went to Canada with modest expectations and left completely won over, largely thanks to time spent in Montreal. The city has a pace and character that travel guides undersell. Found a great spot for fresh maple syrup on day two and went back every day after that.

Niagara Falls was the big planned experience and delivered as expected. But it was multicultural cities that became the unexpected highlight — something I stumbled across rather than planned. 13 days was just right for getting below the surface without rushing.