You would almost miss them. Almost. Because as soon as you pass the entryway to the St. Servaas Basilica, you’ll figure out that it’s worth walking on. You’ll see for yourself that Maastricht doesn’t end at the Vrijthof. Sometimes you just have to take those few extra steps. That’s when Maastricht will surprise you with just how surprising the city centre really is. The Vrijthof has a number of little streets leading into it from all directions. They include Brusselsestraat, Grote Gracht, and De Kommel. Unlike the more idyllic boulevards in most of the rest of the city, these streets evoke a feeling of the urban, the artistic, the unknown. Here, students and locals come and go: artists, designers, professionals. It’s an area that’s moving fast: new shops, start-ups, young businesses, surprising concepts. Yet at the same time, it’s bursting with historic buildings, and is still very much a place where locals want to live. In truth, you can’t really describe the streets around the Vrijthof in a few words. It’s where local, university, business, authentic, forward-looking, and surprising Maastricht all come together.

Head north from Montréal to explore Quebec’s forested peaks, sparkling lakes, and charming towns like Mont-Tremblant. The region offers steep slopes, rock formations, and seasonal colours that shift from spring greens to autumn reds. Outdoor activities are abundant year-round, from skiing and snowshoeing in winter to hiking, biking, and paddling in summer. Stop in a lakeside village for a coffee or stroll, or simply enjoy the views from scenic roads and lookouts.

This scenic neighbourhood is a delight both day and night. Stroll along the waterfront and get a feel for the town while taking in the distinct local architecture. Sit down for a seafood lunch, have dinner with a view (over the blue waters and iconic hilltop windmills), or explore the bar scene after sundown.