“Oh the places you’ll go”, is what the senior class said when we were just freshmen. Apparently this year, 30 seniors will be going to Montreal, Canada–as part of what could be their first planned trip together as highschool graduates.  

Seniors are now 18 and can legally travel wherever they please. In fact two senior groups at Triton High School are planning their trips to Montreal, Canada, this summer. They will experience the fine taste of Canadian dishes and drinks or roam the streets of another country with 20 of their closest friends.

Seniors are looking for that special getaway they can take with some friends after they graduate high school. Talk about Punta Cana has seemed to be a popular destination. Maine, Florida, or even Aruba are also popular destinations. But this year, it is Canada. But why out of all places, would two groups from the senior class pick Montreal as a destination?

“I’m finishing my last year of high school with the people I grew up with and want to have one last get together with them before college. Canada is the best way for us to enjoy ourselves before reality hits,” said senior Julia Plummer.

The two senior groups will be making their way to the city at different times during the summer–one group in June, one in July.

            “I think it will be a dope experience. Visiting a new country with friends I’ve grown up with and may never see again will be a lifetime experience for me and the groups going,” said senior Marc Wood.

The reason for this split in timing is because the two groups will be going totally separate. Staying in different places, going with different people, and doing different things during their stay.

Group 1 consists of nearly 20 students. Therefore, a hotel is needed for booking as an apartment/house may be hard to find and may not have the amenities for that number of people or the parking.

Group 2 consists of half that of group 1. So, an apartment or house would be acceptable for a group that size.

McGill University is offering an astonishing “New Residence Hall” and will be hosting group 1 in their stay. McGill is a college located in the heart of Montreal and will cost the 20 students nearly $3,000 total for three nights. That is including 10 bedrooms with two double beds in each. The cost per each person, if all 20 end up going, is about $150.

Nine minutes away is where the second group will be staying: A petite apartment located on Saint Laurent Boulevard. The group will be renting out two of these apartments, one two- bedroom apartment, and one single-bedroom apartment–both also hold pull-out sofas. The total for their stay at Les Lofts Saint-Laurent will be nearly $1,800 for three nights (Approx. $180 a person)

In the area of McGill University, the students will be able to try out new foods at nearby restaurants such as Premiere Moisson (a chain bakery in Quebec with delicious pastries and breakfast) and Thai Express (a Thai Food Favorite in Montreal).

As well as foreign and new food, close by is a Subway and Starbucks that will be sure to please the American taste buds.

Group 2 will be able to experience a Canadian fast food chain called Centrale Bergham, located just next door to their apartment. Along with burgers and fries, they can try Restaurant Basso (Italian) or Sumi Dojo (Japanese). Each of these are also located within walking distance from group 1, staying at McGill University.

¨Proper planning prevents poor performance.¨ said senior Justin Stanley when asked what he thought of the planning process needed for a trip to Montreal.

Of course in Montreal, the nightlife is always lit up. Club “Rendez-Vous” is just one of the many that may suit the American teen vibe the best. The club is open from 5pm-3am, friday and saturday. Its energetic disco theme will be sure to full send any teen into a night of dance and fun.

These seniors may be 18, but they’re still under responsibility of their parents. Every parent feels differently about letting their kids do different things so Triton Voice spoke to one of the parents from both groups about their thoughts and feelings towards their teenager traveling to Canada this summer.

Justin Stanley will also be traveling to Montreal this summer, and may be going two times. Once with group 1 and another time with group 2. Yet his decision is still unclear, he will be ready to go once that summer vibe hits.

His mother, Patty Stanley, had strong views on letting her son, along with other 18 year olds travel to Canada, “Justin has worked really hard and he deserves to go and celebrate with his friends as they all start a new future, “ said Stanley. “I think Justin is mature enough to take care of himself as a young adult and still be able to have a fun time in Montreal.”

Senior Sean Hirtle’s mom, Barbara Hirtle, explained how big of a city Montreal really is. She also explains that the students are still young and naive, but have good heads on their shoulders and will be smart and have fun.

The best person for these Triton students to talk to about their trip may be Ms. Regina Symonds, a French teacher at Triton. According to Symonds, Montreal is a beautiful city where French is taught in schools and spoken throughout the city.

“Often tourists will be better received if they make an effort to speak the language,” said Symonds. “Of course you can get around town and enjoy a trip to Montreal without knowing or speaking any French, but learning just a little bit will make your trip much more interesting.”

One popular place Symonds highly recommends attending is The Festival de Rire. “It is a great humor fest which takes place in Montreal each summer,” said Symonds.

Symonds also talked about popular places to visit, one is The University of McGill which happens to be the location where group one will be staying. Symonds explained that McGill is an outstanding higher education institution, which offers bilingual study for all subject areas.

When was the last time a total of 30 Triton students planned a trip out of the country together after high school? It shows the amazing spirit that this generation has. The eagerness to travel and be with their closest friends for one last summer may carry many of these friendships towards a lifelong experience.

As part of the Triton Voice, we wish each group safe travels on their trips and a fantastic once in a lifetime experience!- Staff Writers