Her honeymoon is in Canada. Here are some tips for dressing for mild summer temperatures. (Also, because it’s chillier than usual in the West, and I can’t dress for summer, yet.)
Belle (Abra) –
I’m going on a honeymoon the first week of September to Montreal and Quebec City. According to Google, the average high is 70 and low is 55 for September (slightly warmer for August). Any fashion packing tips?
Congratulations on your engagement! I know you said no honeymoon for you on Insta so thanks for taking your time to consider mine.
Best wishes! -Meghan
I love Montreal. Go to Bota-Bota Spa. I had such a great time there last winter. Probably my favorite trip I’ve taken. I’d love to go back in the nicer weather, though February definitely had its charms.
As for what to wear, for unpredictable summer weather, my solution is always maxi dresses. Your legs are covered, so you won’t freeze. But if you choose a lighter fabric, you won’t melt either. And you can always layer on a jacket, a cardigan, or change up your footwear if you need extra warmth.
For casual dresses, I like this striped BP. dress (also in plus). I also like this J.Crew knit maxi dress and this Daily Ritual short sleeve jersey dress. Splendid’s tank maxi-dress is just a great basic.
Looking for something that can go from touring to dinner and drinks? This floral Leith dress in black and white is nice. I also like this longer midi-dress from Faithfull.
I would also encourage you to pack a couple of things that you can wash. I usually bring one or two jersey dresses that I can launder so I have something fresh to wear if I run out of clothes. Using the laundry means that I can pack fewer pieces, and travel lighter.
And never be afraid to jazz up the same pieces with bolder earrings, different shoes, or a dressier bag.
Have fun on your honeymoon, and congratulations!
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Montreal is so fun! I loved that city. The food there is amazing. Beware, it can be hot in the summer. In September, it might be cooler, but when we went it was May and 90 degrees! Light layers are the best advice I have as well. Cheers and congrats!
I went to Montreal at about the same time of year and just thought I’d throw in my two cents. We walked – a lot – and also made use of the Bixi bikes and abundance of bike lanes to go all over the city. If you think you’ll do the same, then I’d go for nice pants or jeans with maybe a blouse and sweater or light jacket that you can stuff in a bag when it warms up. The days start off cool, and the temp drops a lot once the sun sets. If you’re still there on Sep. 6, the Gardens of Light event at the Botanical Garden is magical. Enjoy!
I went to the Pacific NW and Alaska late last August and layering was KEY. White jeans make you feel summery and can easily be worn with a tank and then throw a heavy cardigan over it. Scarves are also great bc they can be folded to nothing in a bag, but really can help out if it gets cold.
I also honeymooned in Montreal — an amazing town for it! We went in late September and I felt totally comfortable in jeans & lightweight long-sleeved tops (tees, light sweaters/jackets, etc). It’s such a good walking town — my Fitbit record of 26K steps came from that trip. Bota Bota is exceptional, and also dinner at Le Club Chasse et Peche or Toque! are a must if you’re willing to splurge. The archaeology museum (Pointe-à-Callière) is an excellent way to start off the visit, since it gives a thorough history of the city, and walking underneath the street amidst the ruins is cool as hell. We spent an entire day at the Space for Life at the old Olympic park, too; the Biodome on its own is incredible, and the botanical gardens & planetarium are icing on the cake.
I also love Montreal! I always tell people to go to Maison Christian Faure and olive & gourmando – both are amazing!
You must eat at Schwartz’s! Great for a quick, casual lunch. I agree with all the suggestions to layer – September weather is unpredictable.
I second Belle’s recommendation about bringing pieces you can launder. I just returned from my honeymoon in Vietnam (the opposite weather of where you are headed!) and washed a few pieces while there. I also recommend a hat as an accessory that’s practical and can jazz up an outfit.
Have a wonderful honeymoon!
For Quebec City I must rec Strom Spa!
Every time I got to Quebec City I make sure to drive over to the Ile d’Orléans and go to the Chocolaterie de l’Ile d’Orléans for their soft serve ice cream that they dip in chocolate. Here is there website: https://www.chocolaterieorleans.com/en/
I have considered driving there from my home in Southern New Hampshire to the Chocolaterie just to have ice cream. I have taken friends there when traveling to Quebec City and they have agreed it would be worth the drive.
If you drive out to the big Shrine to Sainte Anne I suggest driving on top of the bluff back to Quebec City instead of the main road by the river. That’s also how I’ve done the big waterfall. We skipped the tram and just parked at the top on the street and walked over.
If you’ve been to France the Québec and the Québécois are particularly fascinating. It’s like Anglo-Saxon French culture not quite English not quite French.
If you speak French it’s always delightful to chat with the elderly nuns at the various shrines and churches. The churches are on age par with Mexico — they are beautiful to visit.
I always enjoy myself there! Congratulations and have a wonderful time!!!
eyeing Montreal/QC for a babymoon myself! keep the rec’s coming. you ladies are so knowledgeable!
Congratulations!!!
I live in Montreal and have made it my home, after being here for quite a while.
I like the Strom, Bota-Bota spas, and would highly recommend just walking around Old Montreal – half a day or longer? It has lots of great little shops and places to eat.
I wrote a whole post on it here:
Sherry’s travel guide to eating and shopping in Montreal
I have yet to update it though, but it is pretty comprehensive.
Top 3 things to do:
1. Old Montreal – spend a day just wandering around, it is really nice and has great shops and eats
2. Mont Royal – the hill itself is a great climb, you can start at Atwater if you want a workout and walk up that huge long hill towards the chalet at the top to have the view of Montreal. It is a HIKE, so bring good walking shoes. The trails leading up to the chalet are very very nice to walk.
3. Bota Bota or Strom Spa. It is very nice.. and relaxing. If spas are not your thing, go to the Atwater Market – it’s cute, worth a little trip to wander around, or the Jean-Talon one which is bigger and a little more ‘authentic’. The Atwater market usually has food stalls for the summer and September might be a bit too late but you may get lucky.. their food stalls are fun. You can also eat cheeses here like the Brie de Meaux you cannot find in many places due to restrictions. Worth a bite on some fresh bread.
Top 3 places to eat:
1. Copper Branch if you are not from Quebec or Ontario, their vegan fare if you are into it, is very good. Their Galaxy Burger is so good.
2. Mandy’s if you are into hearty, VERY filling salads, try their Wolfe Salad with the mock chicken. OMG. So umami filled and great for a vegetarian option
3. Phayathai for Thai food – see my list.
OK I lied.. this one too is a favourite spot
4. Kinka Izakaya – if you are not from Toronto, their fried chicken, black cod, unagi don and everything else is very good here.
FWIW, this is like Amazon Coat of dresses: https://www.amazon.com/GRECERELLE-Womens-Casual-Pocket-Sleeve/dp/B071YV6RXD/
I can’t personally vouch for it as I haven’t quite pulled the trigger yet, but it looks beautiful and versatile.
I just returned from traveling to see this post and all of the comments. I am overwhelmed with all the CapHill Style love. Thank you Belle and to all of the readers who shared comments! I am so excited. Currently making a list of your travel recommendations and will definitely be purchasing some of these dresses using the links. Cheers!
Glad it was helpful!