Skateboarding, Spots, and City Life: A Weekend in Montreal

Words by Josh Zickert

This amazing city in the heart of Quebec with strong European roots takes it’s name from the surrounding triple peaked mountains known as Mount Royal. We linked up with Fred Vitu, the owner of the legendary TRH skate bar (more on that here).  Fred lent Blair an extra Harley for a joy ride through the Boulevard Saint-Laurent and up to the top of Mount Royal for an epic view of “The 514” or “City of Saints.”  Needless to say the trip was kickin’ off in style!

Brandon "BoneStalone" Bonner, Leo Heinert, JJ Colõn, and I jumped right into the mix using French every opportunity that presented itself.  We were cruisin’ the streets within an hour of our arrival and thanks to a friend of Leo’s, Frédérique Luyet, we arrived at a stunning over vert natural transition under the bridge.  Footage and photos of JJ’s nollie back 180, Stalone’s big spin and Leo’s Miller flip took the cake. 

After a quick sesh on the mini ramp at the Jackalope Fest, everyone arrived at TRH for the Best Trick Event hosted by the OG’s Dave Duncan and Montreal’s very own Jean-Daniel Barabé. The squad ripped and won a bunch of cash. 

The next morning, after a proper breakfast at Dejeuners et Grillades on Rue Peel, we skated over to Peace Park, Montreal’s most famous ledge spot.  We linked up with local ripper James MacGowan, and Bonestalone, JJ and Leo all copped clips before we headed over to the Old Port of Montreal for a “cash for tricks” mini ramp event back at the Jackalope event.

Before flying back to the States, we took a trip to Lachine with James MacGowan to skate the brand new transitions at the marina. The sun was shining and the spot was magnifique. Why not add a little french in there?

I was proud of our crew. Everyone had a good flow of French the entire tour. If we had any questions, we could just ask Leo since he’s been skating Montreal consistently for the last 10 years.

Merci Montreal!

Learn these words/phrases and you'll be set for any adventure in Montreal:

Bonjour: Hello.

Merci: Thank you.

une, deux, trois: One, two, three.

s'il te plaît: Please 

au revoir: Good bye