Montreal adventure: A fun-filled field trip for French students

By Jessica Keane, CNS French Teacher

Recently, a group of French students from grades 10-12 went on an unforgettable field trip to Montreal, Canada. It was a chance to dive into the city’s culture, history and vibrant energy, all while having a blast with friends. Here’s a peek at what they got up to during this exciting adventure!
 

	Exploring Montreal’s Historic Charm The trip kicked off with a stroll through Vieux Port, Montreal’s historic Old Port. The cobblestone streets, charming old buildings and amazing views of the St. Lawrence River made it the perfect place to start the trip. Students snapped photos, explored the local shops and got a feel for the city’s history. Next, the group visited the Notre-Dame Basilica, one of Montreal’s most famous landmarks. The stunning stained-glass windows and the beautiful interior left everyone in awe. It was a great way to learn about the city’s architectural beauty and its deep roots in both French and Catholic traditions. The day continued with a trip to the Pointe-à-Callière Archaeological Museum, where students got to step back in time and discover Montreal’s history through interactive exhibits. They learned about the city’s origins, from Indigenous peoples to French settlers, in a fun and engaging way.
Amazing Views and Fun City Tours One of the coolest moments of the trip was when the group headed up to Mont Royal to watch the sunset. After a short hike to the top, everyone was treated to breathtaking views of the entire city as the sun dipped behind the skyline. It was a great moment to relax, take in the scenery and appreciate Montreal’s beauty. The group also enjoyed a city tour, exploring different neighborhoods and learning about Montreal’s unique mix of French and English cultures. From the trendy Plateau Mont-Royal to the historic Old Montreal, the tour gave everyone a deeper understanding of what makes the city so special.
	Science, Space, and Some Dance Moves The next day, students visited the Biodome, where they got to explore different ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to chilly polar regions. The Biodome is home to all kinds of cool animals, and students had a great time learning about wildlife and the importance of conservation. Right next door was the Planetarium, where the students got to experience an awesome, immersive show about space. It was a fun and mind-blowing way to learn about the stars and planets, sparking some serious curiosity about the universe. For something totally different, the group joined a hip hop dance class, where they learned some cool moves and got to experience the energetic vibe of Montreal’s hip hop culture. It was a fun way to get active and bond as a group!

	Market Fun and Creative Moments One of the highlights was the scavenger hunt at Marché Jean-Talon, one of Montreal’s largest public markets. The students raced around, solving clues, interacting with vendors and sampling fresh, local foods. It was a fun and interactive way to explore the market and learn more about Montreal’s diverse food culture. To wrap up the trip, the group headed to Café Graffiti, where they got creative and made their own custom hats. It was a fun, hands-on workshop where everyone got to express their artistic side and leave with a unique souvenir to remember the trip.
	A Trip to Remember The Montreal field trip was an amazing experience for everyone involved. From exploring historic sites to trying new activities and enjoying the city’s food and culture, it was a perfect mix of learning and fun. The students came back home with unforgettable memories, new friends and a deeper appreciation for Montreal’s rich culture. Sophomore Evan McGras said, “I think this field trip made me more immersed in the language and now I’m way more confident in my speaking and knowledge of French.” This trip proved once again how important it is to get out of the classroom and experience the world first-hand. When asked to describe the trip in one word, students used words such as amazing, memorable and immersive.  We can’t wait for the next adventure!