The Hills Vacation Trip through Canada

September 17, 1961: The Hills departed from their cozy home before the sun had a chance to rise above the horizon, setting off on an exciting journey toward the stunning Niagara Falls in New York. Once they arrived at the renowned destination, they eagerly crossed the bridge into Canada, heading into the most popular and bustling area of the falls, which is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, lively energy, and breathtaking views that capture the essence of this natural wonder. That day, the Hills fully embraced the local Canadian culture and hospitality, indulging in delicious cuisine and experiencing the warm friendliness of the locals, all of which contributed to a delightful adventure. After spending the evening marveling at the illuminated falls and exploring the nearby attractions, they settled down for the night in a charming hotel in Niagara Falls, replete with serene views and comforting amenities. The next morning, invigorated and ready for more exploration, they set out toward the vibrant city of Toronto, filled with anticipation for the adventures that awaited them there.

September 18, 1961: Betty and Barney were enjoying their 319 mile drive through Ontario toward Montreal, taking in the sights, and sampling a variety of culinary delights, when late in the afternoon their car's wheel emitted a squealing sound. They pulled into a garage, where the service station attendant quickly resolved the issue by applying grease to a squeaky wheel at a minimal cost.

Soon the Hills resumed their journey toward Montreal but soon felt fatigued and chose to pause for the night one hundred and twelve miles west of the bustling city. Barney stopped at a "friendly looking" motel, and they proceeded to check in for night. The term "friendly looking" originates from Barney's initial hypnosis Consultation with Dr. Benjamin Simon, M.D.

The Map illustrates the location in the Thousand Islands where the Hills paused to have the wheel of their 1957 Chevy Bel Air serviced.

 September 19, 1961:  Feeling well rested and rejuvenated from the peaceful night they had experienced, the Hills eagerly consumed a large and hearty breakfast at a charming restaurant conveniently located just a short walk across the street from their cozy motel. The delightful aromas wafting through the air from the kitchen added to their anticipation as they enjoyed their meal. They were not just hungry for food; they were excitedly looking forward to taking in the diverse sights of Montreal and fully immersing themselves in the rich cultural events and lively activities that it had to offer. With high spirits, they departed along a spacious four-lane highway, embarking on the adventurous 112-mile journey toward the vibrant city. This trip was not just another drive; it was the beginning of a memorable exploration of a city filled with history and cultural treasures.

Along their journey, they spotted an enticing advertisement for Sainte Catherine Street, the main commercial artery of Montreal stretching nine miles throughout the metropolitan area. This vibrant street is celebrated for its array of department stores, unique specialty shops, delightful restaurants, bustling commercial buildings, and captivating theaters. After spending an afternoon soaking up the local sights and savoring delicious French cuisine, the couple eagerly anticipated attending a performance at one of the city's splendid theaters.

But first, they made plans to find accommodations. The hotels situated in downtown Montreal were far too expensive for a couple on a tight budget, and Barney felt a wave of disappointment wash over him at the thought of driving to the outskirts of the bustling city only to turn around and navigate the tangled roads back to Sainte Catherine Street in downtown Montreal under the cover of darkness. The city map was a challenge to decipher, which prolonged his journey towards the city's edge. Frustrated by the city traffic, Barney opted to forgo his plans for an evening filled with Montreal nightlife and instead steered onto the highway heading toward New Hampshire.

Barney found little joy in the frenetic pace of large cities. He much preferred the serene ambiance and stunning landscapes of lakes, mountains, and rural farms. His fondest childhood memories revolved around the delightful times spent at his aunt's and uncle's farm in Virginia. In a similar vein, Betty's early years were steeped in the calmness of a poultry and dairy farm in Southern New Hampshire. As an adult, she made her home in the quaint port city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a mere twenty miles from her cherished family. Barney adored Portsmouth, yet his heart ached for his beloved sons in Philadelphia, whom he visited as often as he could. 

Barney traveled 172 miles along the highway connecting Montreal to Canaan, Vermont. The journey would have taken around three and a half hours had they not paused for a quick snack at a restaurant in Coaticook. Upon entering the eatery, they noticed a few young men sporting haircuts that Barney instinctively linked to unruly behavior. He immediately remained on high alert but felt a wave of relief when he realized they were not troublemakers. Both he and Betty received kind treatment. The restaurant was abuzz with French-speaking patrons, and the Hills struggled with the menu entirely in French. Their order of French fried potatoes was served as potato chips, hardly a fulfilling meal. Frustrated by the language barrier, they decided to leave the restaurant without placing a second order.

Image of downtown Coaticook, Quebec, Canada