Visiting Montreal: A Blend of History and Modern Charm

 Montreal, one of Canada’s most iconic cities, offers tourists a captivating mix of European charm and North American vibrancy. Nestled in the province of Quebec, this bilingual metropolis is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and thriving arts scene. Whether you’re an avid explorer or a culture enthusiast, Montreal’s many attractions ensure there’s something for everyone to discover.

A visit to Old Montreal is a must for any newcomer. Its cobblestone streets and historic buildings transport visitors back in time, with highlights like the Notre-Dame Basilica, a breathtakingly ornate masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. For those who appreciate panoramic views, ascending Mont Royal gives you a stunning overlook of the city, especially during the fall months when the surrounding foliage bursts into color. If you're a foodie, the city’s culinary scene is unparalleled, with staples like poutine or Montreal-style bagels, alongside a multitude of world-class restaurants and trendy eateries.

Art and culture thrive in Montreal, evident in institutions like the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the city's vibrant festival scene. The annual Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs comedy festival draw international crowds, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Additionally, the Mile End neighborhood is a treasure trove for anyone looking to explore local art, indie bookshops, and boutique cafes.

However, no city is without its quirks, and Montreal is no exception. One aspect that can occasionally detract from the experience is the attitude of some locals. While many Montrealers are welcoming and willing to assist, visitors have noted that interactions can sometimes feel chilly or curt. It’s easy to misinterpret this as coldness, but it often stems from the fast-paced urban lifestyle or cultural differences. Keeping this in mind, maintaining politeness and patience can often go a long way in making your interactions more pleasant.

Overall, Montreal is a vibrant, multifaceted destination that leaves a lasting impression. Its combination of historic charm, modern attractions, and cultural richness make it a city worth exploring. While occasional moments of aloofness from locals may dampen the experience slightly, Montreal's captivating beauty and lively energy are more than enough to make your visit truly unforgettable.

2025 Acura MDX: Stylish and Functional SUV

 

The 2026 Acura MDX remains popular among midsize SUV drivers, thanks to its amenities and comfortable interior. 

The MDX is a three-row SUV more premium than luxury, and has been Acura's best seller for a few years. 

The MDX drives nicely, is well appointed, attractive and even offers an enthusiast-oriented Type S performance trim level that’s unusual in the category.

The MDX got rid of the awful touchpad-based infotainment interface in favor of a traditional touchscreen.

Fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg city, 21 highway. 

Pricing starts at around $52,000 and goes to around $76,000.

For a midsize SUV with style and solid driving dynamics, the MDX is worth a look. 

Worn Treads Can Lead to Unsafe Braking

 

Automotive equipment retailer Tire Rack released a new test video revealing how significantly tire tread depths, especially on severely worn or at-the-legal-limit tread tires, affect wet braking performance. Braking distances soared, in one example doubling the wet braking distance of new tires.   In the new  “How Tire Tread Depth Affects Wet Stopping Distance” test video Tire Rack’s TJ Campbell, tire information and testing manager, and Brent Rollins, assistant tire information and testing manager, set out to update a popular and helpful test first done by Tire Rack in 2007.    Like the original, they used a sedan with standard touring all-season tires and a pickup truck with highway all-season tires. Tests were on a straight road with 1 mm of water, simulating surface water conditions during a heavy downpour, and they recorded the stopping distances of brand new, severely worn, and at the legal limit tires. The tread depths were 11/32 to 12/32, 4/32, and 2/32 of an inch, respectively.

Using a sedan and pickup Tire Rack tested the wet braking performance of brand new, severely worn, and at the legal limit tread depth tires. The sedan's (above) the braking distance nearly doubled on at the legal limit tires.

Most alarming were the speeds each vehicle with at the legal limit tires (2/32 of an inch tread depth) recorded as they passed the point where the brand-new tires came to a halt. The sedan blew by the new tire stopping point at 50 mph, while the pickup passed at 36 mph. In any panic stop situation this likely would result in significant rear end collision damage and potential occupant injuries.   New tires have deep grooves that channel water through the tire’s footprint to provide traction. With severely worn and at the legal limit tires the test paints a clear picture. “Simply put, if the ground is wet and you’re hoping to come to a stop, the more tread you have on your tires, the better,” said Rollins.   Obviously, no one can drive on brand-new tires all the time because tires wear. But drivers should get years of safe use providing they follow routine maintenance like tire rotations and proper inflation levels, and while obvious it is helpful to remember wet braking distances increase as tires wear out.   So when is the right time to replace your tires? “We recommend replacing tires when you reach 4/32 of an inch of remaining tread depth, the distance between the edge of an inverted quarter and the top of President Washington’s head,” said Campbell. “This is like the traditional penny test, except the penny test measures the absolute legal limit, or 2/32 of an inch. Best to go with the quarter test because as our test shows the bare minimum tread depth in a panic stop means the driver and occupants are along for the ride, and a scary ride at that.”

While tread wear is noticeable among brand new, severely worn, and at the legal limit tires, always measure the tread depth. Tire Rack recommends replacing at 4/32 of an inch of remaining tread, the distance between the edge of an inverted quarter and the top of President Washington’s head. The traditional penny test measures the absolute minimum legal limit tread depth.