<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-man-holding-a-poutine-in-a-cardboard-box-right-a-poutine-from-a-w.jpg?id=60038635&width=1200&height=400&coordinates=0%2C142%2C0%2C143"/><br/><br/><p><a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/poutine-week-montreal-2025" target="_blank">Poutine</a>. Made up of the holy trinity of fries, cheese curds, and gravy, it might just be Quebec's crowning culinary achievement — or at least its most beloved.</p><p>In recent decades, this casse-croûte classic has gone from local favourite to national staple, showing up on menus far beyond the borders of la belle province. Even the biggest <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/fast-food" target="_blank">North American burger chains</a> have jumped on the poutine bandwagon, adding their own versions of the saucy treat to the menu (at least in Quebec locations).</p><p>So, I decided to put them to the test.</p><p>Over the past few weeks and months, I hit up five fast food spots and swapped the fries in my trio for poutine — for science, of course. Some were surprisingly decent, while others totally missed the mark. </p><p>Here's how they stacked up, from worst to best.</p><h3>Burger King</h3><br/><img alt="A Burger King poutine." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c24a5277a3f2d69c25b21f69926b3cfd" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="0442b" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-burger-king-poutine.jpg?id=60038623&width=980"/><p>Burger King's slogan might be "Have it your way," but if that were true, I would've just stuck with the regular fries.</p><p>Visually, this was one of the better-looking poutines in the bunch — but that's where the praise ends. </p><p>The cheese looked like classic cheddar curds, but there wasn't a single squeak to be found. The gravy had more of a tomato flavour than a BBQ kick, and the fries were just... fine.</p><p><span></span>But hey, at least it was hot. </p><p>Overall score: 2/5</p><h3>Harvey's</h3><br/><img alt="A Harvey's poutine." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bb14cf721e27c5d1debdeb5891c83a1d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="94f2a" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-harvey-s-poutine.jpg?id=60038592&width=980"/><p>As you can see, there's a lot wrong with this picture.</p><p>The sauce somehow ended up underneath the bed of fries, while the cheese melted into an unappetizing puddle on top. Luckily, it tasted a little better than it looked.<br/></p><p>That said, the sauce didn't bring much to the table. It was basically just salty, flavourless gravy. And while most fast food joints use frozen fries, Harvey's tasted especially frozen.</p><p><span></span>Overall score: 2.5/5</p><h3>McDonald's</h3><br><img alt="A poutine from McDonald's" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6bd91fe864ec2df7166ba0a17df94849" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="097c5" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-poutine-from-mcdonald-s.jpg?id=60038590&width=980"/><p>I've had my issues with McDonald's poutine in the past. So much so that I've consistently refused to order it for as long as I can remember.</p><p>However, since I was forced to revisit it for the sake of this article (you can't do a fast food review without the golden arches), I was pleasantly surprised.</p><p>The cheese was real, unlike the stuff you'll find on any of their burgers. And while the sauce wasn't anything to write home about, the fries (as always) were stellar and definitely helped tie it together.</p><p>"Ba da ba ba bah.... I'm kind of liking it."</p><p>Overall score: 3/5</p><h3>Wendy's</h3><br/><img alt="A Wendy's poutine on a kitchen counter." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3fb4a61adec5b0382e7473260f209cdb" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="81653" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-wendy-s-poutine-on-a-kitchen-counter.jpg?id=60038587&width=980"/><p><br/></p><p>Wendy's poutine made a pretty solid impression overall.</p><p>The cheese curds were the real deal, the sauce had a nice savoury flavour, and the fries held up well under the weight of it all. </p><p>My only real complaint would be the sauce's consistency — it leaned a little too far into gelatinous territory, making the whole thing feel heavier than it needed to.<br/></p><p>Still, a respectable effort.</p><p><span></span>Overall score: 3.5/5</p><h3>A&W</h3><br><img alt="An A&W poutine on a green bench." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2cc490675a757e1d6574367d2db5f8d2" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="3c893" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/an-a-w-poutine-on-a-green-bench.jpg?id=60038589&width=980"/><p>A&W is my go-to fast food chain (when there's no Five Guys in sight). But even after all those late-night visits, I had never actually tried their poutine. Turns out, I was missing out.</p><p>The cheese curds were the real deal, the sauce packed a peppery punch that gave it some character, and the fries, with the skin left on, made it feel a little more homemade. Add in the generous portion size, and it easily takes the top spot on my poutine podium.</p><p><span></span>Overall score: 4/5</p></br></br><p><em>The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.</em></p>
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/the-montreal-park-recently-unveiled-three-giant-horticultural-sculptures.jpg?id=61487540&width=1245&height=700&coordinates=2%2C0%2C3%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>You don't need to catch a flight to experience something <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/cozy-christmas-village-near-montreal-north-pole-new-york">straight out of a Disney movie</a> — Montreal has its very own enchanted garden, and it looks just like a scene from <em>Moana.</em></p><p>Earlier this year, Parc Jean-Drapeau <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/parc-jean-drapeau-sculptures-montreal">unveiled a breathtaking new attraction</a> to mark the 25th anniversary of the Mosaïcultures internationales de Montréal. </p><p>Nestled in the Jardins des Floralies on Île Notre-Dame, three giant horticultural sculptures — plus several complementary works — are now installed and open to the public, completely free of charge.</p><p>Together, these living artworks are made of nearly half a million flowers and plants, <a href="https://www.parcjeandrapeau.com/en/mosaicultures-experience-floralies-gardens-artworks-sculptures-horticultural-art-flowers-plants-montreal/#photo_gallery">designed to blend nature, art and storytelling</a> in one immersive experience. </p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"> <img alt="Montreal's new sculpture garden is officially open to the public. " class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="31da445053dada854c146b1960886198" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="5390a" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/montreal-s-new-sculpture-garden-is-officially-open-to-the-public.jpg?id=61083029&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">The Montreal park recently unveiled three giant horticultural sculptures.</small> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit..."> Parc Jean-Drapeau </small> </p><p>The most iconic sculpture is Mother Earth — a towering 11-metre sculpture of a peaceful-looking woman with cascading greenery for hair and a waterfall flowing gracefully from her palm. The show-stopping centrepiece originally debuted in the 2013 Mosaïcultures exhibition, where it won multiple international awards. </p><p>According to Parc Jean-Drapeau, the sculpture conveys "the cycle of life and the generosity of nature."</p><p>With her flowing botanical hair and serene expression, Mother Earth gives off major <em>Moana</em> vibes, and she certainly wouldn't feel out of place as part of an exhibit in Walt Disney World's EPCOT. </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DL2xQbxo423/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DL2xQbxo423/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Nearby, you'll find The Man Who Planted Trees, a tribute to the Oscar-winning animated short film of the same name. Composed of over 100,000 plants, the sculpture portrays a shepherd planting life back into arid land. </p><p>Parc Jean-Drapeau says it "illustrates the positive impact one individual can have on their environment. It celebrates hope, perseverance and respect for nature."</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"> <img alt="A new sculpture in Montreal's Parc Jean-Drapeau." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="27d3803ccd74212f908ea2e2d6e6af3b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="49675" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-new-sculpture-in-montreal-s-parc-jean-drapeau.jpg?id=61083090&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Made up of 100,000 plants, the piece depicts a shepherd from Provence.</small> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit..."> Parc Jean-Drapeau </small> </p><p>Visitors should also look out for six pairs of abstract sculptures known as the "YY," inspired by Parc Jean-Drapeau's logo and its Expo 67 roots. They're spread out across Sainte-Hélène and Notre-Dame islands, and are designed to symbolize "unity, collaboration and the spirit of friendship."</p><p>If you're keen to experience the sculptures at their very best, you'll have to be quick, though!</p><p>While the sculptures are viewable most of the year (the current exceptions are November and December), Parc Jean-Drapeau <a href="https://www.parcjeandrapeau.com/en/mosaicultures-experience-floralies-gardens-artworks-sculptures-horticultural-art-flowers-plants-montreal">says</a> the perfect time to experience the 500,000-ish flowers is right now. From late June through early September, the gardens are in full bloom, making August the sweet spot for a summer visit. </p><h3>Mosaïcultures at Parc Jean-Drapeau</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLoNlbFsgZn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: Free</p><p>When: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.</p><p>Address: Jardins des Floralies, Île Notre-Dame, Montreal, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: While the sculptures are here to stay, the vibrant colours and lush greenery are at their most magical during the summer months. So, if you've been dreaming of an escape that feels like stepping into a fairytale — or a <em>Moana</em>-inspired adventure — this is your sign! Make the trip, soak in the scenery and catch the garden in all its glory before summer starts to fade.</p><p><a href="https://www.parcjeandrapeau.com/en/mosaicultures-experience-floralies-gardens-artworks-sculptures-horticultural-art-flowers-plants-montreal/" target="_blank">Parc Jean-Drapeau Website</a></p><p><em>Before you get going, check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/responsible-travel-guidelines" target="_blank">Responsible Travel Guide</a> so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.</em></p>
