Travel advisor Poornika Wijesundara returned from a girls' trip to Montreal and Quebec City with cobblestone memories, hard-earned insider wisdom, and one extraordinary light show she can't stop talking about.
At a Glance
Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica features an immersive after-hours light show that transforms the interior into a living canvas of colour and sound, creating an unforgettable experience. Quebec City's Old Town offers European-inspired charm with cobblestone streets and historic architecture, while summer visitors can enjoy fireworks over the St. Lawrence River and nighttime ferry rides past the illuminated Château Frontenac.
There are trips you enjoy, and then there are trips that stay with you. For travel advisor Poornika Wijesundara, a recent girls' trip to Montreal and Quebec City firmly belongs in the second category. From the moment she stepped inside Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica and was enveloped by cascading light and music, she knew this journey would be different. What followed was a masterclass in why firsthand experience is the most powerful tool any travel advisor can carry.
A Light Show That Stopped Everyone in Their Tracks
The trip's defining moment arrived early and spectacularly. The Notre-Dame Basilica's immersive light show, a stunning after-hours production that transforms the interior of one of Canada's most iconic landmarks into a living canvas of colour, sound, and story, left Wijesundara and her travel companions speechless. "The absolute highlight of our trip was the breathtaking Notre-Dame Basilica light show in Montreal," she recalls. "It was truly surreal, with stunning visuals and music that created a magical atmosphere." It is the kind of experience, she insists, that simply cannot be captured in a brochure description or a client email. You have to be in the room.
That sense of wonder set the tone for everything that followed. Montreal revealed itself as a city of layered pleasures, from its European sensibility to its world-class dining culture. Wijesundara found herself moving between cosy neighbourhood cafés and acclaimed restaurants, each meal adding texture and warmth to the overall experience. "Montreal also impressed us with its incredible food scene," she says. "From cozy cafés to amazing restaurants, every meal was delicious and added to the overall experience." For food-motivated travellers, this alone makes Montreal a compelling destination.
Stepping Into a Different Era in Quebec City
From Montreal, the group made their way to Quebec City, and specifically to its celebrated Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that operates on an entirely different frequency from the rest of North America. Wijesundara describes the experience of walking its streets as genuinely transportive. "Walking through its charming cobblestone streets felt like stepping into a different era," she says. "The European-inspired architecture, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere made it easy to embrace the unique Quebecois vibe. It has a character and charm unlike anywhere else in North America."
That phrase, unlike anywhere else in North America, carries weight coming from someone who travels professionally and frequently. Quebec City's Old Town does not simply evoke Europe. It has cultivated its own distinct Franco-Canadian identity, one rooted in centuries of history, language, and culture. For travellers who dream of European charm without crossing an ocean, Wijesundara suggests this destination deserves serious consideration.
The Insider Tips Only Earned by Walking the Streets
One of the most valuable things Wijesundara brought home from this trip was an understanding of what guidebooks routinely underestimate: the sheer amount of walking involved. Both Montreal and Quebec City reward exploration on foot, but that means preparation matters. Her advice is straightforward and experience-tested. "Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and allow plenty of time to explore," she says. "We also recommend booking a hotel in the city center, as it makes it much easier to walk to the main attractions, saves travel time, and lets you fully enjoy the atmosphere."
That recommendation, staying centrally located, is something Wijesundara will now pass on to every client she sends to this region. It is not a detail found in a destination overview. It is the kind of practical wisdom that comes from having navigated the streets yourself, from knowing how quickly a poorly located hotel can chip away at an otherwise excellent itinerary.
Her insider knowledge extends to timing, too. For summer visitors, she points to one experience that most travellers would never think to research in advance. "If you visit during the summer, be sure to check the schedule for the fireworks over the St. Lawrence River, as they are a spectacular experience," she advises. And for those making the crossing between Quebec City's shores, the timing of the ferry is equally worth planning around. "A nighttime ferry ride is highly recommended, as it offers a beautiful view of the illuminated Château Frontenac and the stunning skyline," Wijesundara says. "It is a magical way to appreciate the beauty and charm of Quebec City from the water." Seeing that iconic castle-like hotel glowing above the river at night is, by any measure, one of those quietly unforgettable travel moments.
Who Should Go, and How to Make the Most of It
When asked who this trip is best suited for, Wijesundara is refreshingly inclusive in her answer. In her view, Montreal and Quebec City are destinations that can work beautifully for almost anyone, provided the itinerary is built with care. She recommends the trip for couples, friend groups, and families alike. Her one caveat is for those travelling with younger children: pace the days generously, build in time for breaks, and resist the temptation to over-schedule. These are cities best absorbed slowly, not sprinted through.
As for what this experience changes in how she works, the answer is both simple and significant. Wijesundara now speaks about Montreal and Quebec City not from a destination file, but from memory. She can tell a client what it feels like to stand inside the Basilica as the light show begins. She can describe the particular quality of the cobblestones underfoot in the Old Town, and what it is like to watch the Château Frontenac shimmer across the dark water of the St. Lawrence at night. That is the difference between a recommendation and a story, and it is precisely the kind of story that helps a traveller decide.
Still Living in the Afterglow
Wijesundara has not yet decided where her next adventure will take her. Perhaps that is fitting. Some trips deserve a little time to settle before the next one begins. For now, she is still processing the textures and tastes and luminous memories of two extraordinary Canadian cities, and channelling all of that firsthand experience into better, smarter, more personal guidance for the clients who trust her with their travel dreams. If Montreal and Quebec City are on your list, she is exactly the advisor you want in your corner.
