7 Pandemic Pastimes Every Montrealer Tried At Least Once... And Then Abandoned

If you're still learning a new language, we salute you.
Senior Writer

It's been one heck of a year! Stuck at home during the pandemic, Montrealers took up new hobbies to fill the time and fill the void. For most of us, they were pretty universal — as was the fact that we inevitably abandoned them two weeks later. 

Whether your puzzle is still sitting half-finished on your dining room table or you've become a total jigsaw master, we salute you for trying! And for those of you who still haven't gotten around to doing any of these things... it's not too late.

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Baking Bread

It started with banana bread before everyone hopped on the sourdough train. Then we all realized we could get fresh sourdough delivered straight to our doors — without lifting a finger — from places like Miette Boulangerie. 

Doing Jigsaw Puzzles

Perhaps you laid out all the pieces for a puzzle of the Montreal skyline or Montreal Canadiens Arena, but you got stuck on a piece and never went back. Or maybe you're on your 30th puzzle by now. Either way, the good old-fashioned jigsaw puzzle made a huge comeback. 

Virtual Pub Trivia

Unable to attend actual pubs, many Montrealers have turned to virtual pub trivia nights hosted by local quizmasters like Quiz Master Brian and Pam Demic

Learning An Instrument 

According to CTV News, guitar sales surged worldwide throughout the pandemic — including in Montreal. How's your rendition of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" coming along? Or that Deep Purple "Smoke On the Water" riff? 

Joining TikTok Challenges 

From the "Flip the Switch" challenge to the "Blinding Lights" challenge on TikTok, Montrealers got in on the action. We also gave TikTok local flair with videos ranking deadly icicles, describing how we feel about Quebec's curfew — and even one of a man sending the premier a large dildo.

TikTok challenges and trends don't last long, but they also seem to be never-ending.

Tie-Dyeing Clothes

Learning A language

  • Ilana Belfer
  • Editor

    Ilana Belfer (she/her) was an editor for MTL Blog. She's obsessed with great storytelling in all its forms having worked in print, radio, television, theatre, and digital media over the past decade. A graduate of Carleton University’s journalism program, her words have appeared in The Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, The Kit, VICE, Salon, Foodism TO & more — covering everything from cam girls to COVID-19. Ilana can usually be found with her dog André, tracking down Montreal’s prettiest ruelles vertes and tastiest treats.

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