On Friday, May 24, seventh and eighth grade students from Stillwater Middle School said “au revoir” to the United States and boarded a bus bound for Montreal, Canada for a one-day adventure. The trip was a unique opportunity for students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom while exploring the historic city and its vibrant culture.

Students began the day at a local supermarket, tasting their way through the aisles as they discovered new foods. The variety of options enabled students to expand their culinary palette, with some purchasing items unavailable in American grocery stores.

Next, the group traveled to the Montreal Biodome, a magnificent building home to five diverse ecosystems. Each ecosystem represented the five different environments found in the Americas, replicating everything from a region’s climate to its native plants and animals. Students were fascinated by the lively exhibits and exotic animals, which included leopards, puffins, sloths and golden lion tamarins.

Just a short distance away was the group’s next stop, the Montreal Planetarium. Students embarked on a cosmic journey, uncovering the mysteries of the universe while exploring stars, planets and constellations. The immersive experience piqued the curiosity of students as they pondered the possibility of planets and universes unknown.

Before boarding the bus to head back home, students enjoyed a delicious dinner at a local steakhouse and explored the streets of Old Montreal, a historic district renowned for its French heritage. Students had the opportunity to utilize their language skills as they interacted with city residents and tasted local delicacies including poutine, crepes and beaver tails (fried dough with various sweet toppings).

With memories forged and a wealth of knowledge gained, students left Montreal with a newfound appreciation for the diverse cultures and rich history that encapsulated the city. The trip sparked the adventurous spirit of students, inspiring them to continue their travels and embrace new experiences with wonder and curiosity.