Sandra T. Avendano Speaks!

“Summertime, and the livin' is easy Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high Oh, your daddy's rich and your ma is good-lookin' So hush, little baby, don't you cry”* Summer is indeed the time of year when most of us will let go of the pressures of day to day living, working, raising families or running businesses.  While our long and cold Quebec winters cater to avid skiers and hockey players, our summers cater to tourists, campers, and triathletes. In Montreal in particular, our summers are the envy of world travellers.  Some 130 festivals of all kinds abound throughout the city and surrounding towns with themes that are so Canadian, while some uniquely and authentically Québecois.  From the Jazz Fest and the Just for Laughs Fest to the International Balloon Festival and the Fireworks Festival, and everything in between, there is something for everyone to seduce all of the senses. Visit here for a complete list of the best 2019 Montreal summer ...

Chez Mina, a  45 minute drive from Mont Tremblant, is a beautiful lake front property deep in the woods of Vendee, Quebec.  Built in 1962 on the shores of Lac de la Sucrerie , it has always been a place for the Gualtieri, Piccolo and Toppetta siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends to share quality time together and create lasting memories. Fast forward to 2017, after several renovations and upgrades, Chez Mina has transformed into a quiet and secluded get-away and they want to share it all with you!  Come to enjoy flora and fauna on long hiking trails, swimming and boating in the majestic lake, and star gazing while relaxing on the soft sandy beach. Spectacular views of the lake and mountain region can be spotted from nearly every spot on the property.  Waking to the chirping morning songs while the pure mountain air breezes through your bedroom window is the only way to wake up everyday! Main House (left) and ...

In Quebec , we are lucky to celebrate two national holidays one week apart from each other.     While everyone across Canada celebrates our nation’s birthday on July 1 st , we in Quebec , kick off a week of celebrations with our own Saint-Jean-Baptiste holiday on June 24 th .   How will you be celebrating a week's worth of festivities? Picnicking or Packing? In Montreal , we also call July 1 st Moving Day.  Dating back many years, and considering our long winters and school schedules, this is the day in Montreal when most leases are renewed. Statistics from 2011, show that an average of 130,000 people move residence on July 1 st every year, while the rest of us our enjoying picnics with family and friends.  Learn  30 tips that will help you make moving day easier.  While Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day kicks off packing week, recruiting friends and family to help, arranging truck and pizza deliveries, for many, Canada Day is all about m...