Gratitude – Canada #4

Our time at the marvelous Algonquian cottage has come to an end. I enjoy a final magical moment by the lake with a mystical flair of fog and sunshine before we leave for Picton where we enjoy once more the family‘s warm hospitality. As ist happens, we are here for Thanksgiving, and are invited to the family‘s traditional turkey dinner. We didn’t know that when we planned out trip, but it seems to be the perfect moment to spend together. I am profoundly grateful for all these heartwarming encounters on our journey and for all the little Canadian experiences they share with us. It‘s been priceless!

My last view of the Bark Lake at the cottage

In Picton, we get to stay in our cousin‘s charming AirBnB, a beautiful house with an aristocratic touch – and a historical background: it was built by Letitia Youmans and her husband. Letitia was a key figure in the Canadian prohibition movement in the late 18 hundreds. Our cousins placed a portrait of her right in front of a liquor cabinet – I love that kind of humor!

Sightseeing in Picton / Prince Edward County: Sandbanks and the Lake on the Mountain

After spending some relaxing days in Picton, we have to say goodbye to the family and travel on to Montréal. I must admit that I struggle to adapt to the urban surroundings after falling in love with Bark Lake during our stay at the cottage. But there are more true Canadian experiences that await us.

First, we leave Ontario and enter the French-speaking province of Québec. We have been warned that people in Montréal can manage well in English (even if they prefer not to), but elsewhere we had to rely on my French – with which I fail already the first evening: the French-speaking waiter in the restaurant unkindly leaves us to her colleague because I couldn’t follow her explanations of the menu. But with some time to adapt, we manage well.

Second, we need to try the Canadian delicacy of Poutine – a dish made of french fries, gravy and cheese curds. The recommendation La Banquise turns out to be a Poutine heaven. They serve a multitude of different Poutine dishes, including a vegan and many vegetarian options.