Travel with Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca

14/10/2024

Though I am working on this Thanksgiving Weekend. I want to thank my partners, suppliers and teams for their discretion, advise, assistance and for making so many exceptions allowing me to create these exclusive experiences for my clients and guests.

Months of planning, preparation, research, creation, booking, reconfirming, including booking people, training, evaluating them. Ensuring timing went well. ( Yes I was paid for every minutes of my time by clients who value appreciate my work and time).
I hand selected staff, teams, demonstrating an incredible amount of cultural, linguistic, professional diversity. Gender balanced, age balanced and sustainable. Everyone will remunerated fairly according to their speciality, experiences and language skills
My most luxurious bespoke enchanting, magical Montreal experience of all time.
My guests, travellers will be with me for 2 days each from October 15th to November 15th 2024

My 10th and last dry run today, indicates my timings are perfect despite detours, cones, constructions, congestions etc.

As all of you follow me on Instagram and Facebook. I wanted to thank you here and will thank you all individually once the season is over.
See you all tommorrow!!!!!
Montreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca
Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours
Ruby Roy
Travel with Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca

06/10/2024

Thank you to all the Birthday Wishes coming in from the other side of the date line. Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Asia where it is already tommorrow and yesterday today.

Bollywood dancer?
Wonder Woman stopping Bullets?
Music Video ?
Or just goofing around for the camera?

Make up by Espace Makeup and Véronique
Photos by: Gerrard photographer
Goofing by: Ruby Roy

Montreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours Travel with Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca

30/09/2024

Another one for the book:
The best one this month, honestly..

I replaced a colleague who was not feeling well. This interaction was not in English but another one of the languages I speak.

XX: I wanted to make a complaint about you tour. Aren't we supposed to see Montmorency Falls and the Chateau Frontenac on this tour? We were also supposed to see the changing of the guards and one at Niagara falls. You did not follow the programme and what what included.

Me: I did not create or sell your programme. However I wanted to mention that Niagara Falls is in Ontario and oh about 11 hours drive from Montreal.( one way) Montmorency Fall and the Chateau Frontenac is a 3 hour drive from here ( one may). The changing of the guards is in Ottawa only in the summer and Ottawa is 2 hours away from here( one way). Since I was giving 2 hours for your tour in Montreal, as you can say I could not have included all of that in your two hour Montreal tour.

XX: Silence

Ruby Roy

23/09/2024

Another Great Review and Testimonial:
Our group of high-performing legal professionals had the pleasure of working with Ruby over the course of four days, and we cannot commend her enough. Ruby is incredibly attentive, with a remarkable ability to listen and absorb details, all while maintaining a level of communication that is both clear and impactful.

Her recommendations and suggestions were consistently accurate, tailored perfectly to the diverse experiences we encountered. Ruby’s balanced and fair approach to addressing each of our questions was truly refreshing, offering thoughtful insights that we greatly appreciated.

What stood out most was her ability to command attention. Our group, known for being independent and, admittedly, not the best listeners, was captivated every time Ruby spoke. Her communication skills are unparalleled, leaving us genuinely puzzled as to why she isn't an elected official.

The highlight of our business events was, without a doubt, the time we spent with Ruby. She is truly exceptional, and we would recommend her without hesitation.

Montreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca
Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours
Travel with Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca

22/09/2024

Another Great Review/ Testimonial:
Every once in awhile I have guests or a group that bring me pure joy as much as I bring them. This was by 2024 Super group. I will be taking them to a beautiful destination in 2026,
For privacy reasons the name of the organisation and individuals are kept private.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Ruby Roy for exceeding our expectations on our recent corporate retreat. Our group consists of strong, accomplished women who are leaders in our respective industries, and we rarely enjoy being led. However, with Ruby, we found an equally strong woman who is a natural leader. She immediately understood our needs and preferences, effortlessly adapting to the wishes of the group. Ruby not only fulfilled every request but went far beyond.

One of the most moving moments of our trip was her 30-minute talk on the indigenous population in the Montreal area, delivered in the Indigenous Garden of the Botanical Garden. We learned about the remarkable programmes and efforts led by McGill University and Concordia University. This experience was both educational and deeply touching.

With several elected officials in our group, Ruby's discussion on the Canadian political system and her personal involvement in politics was utterly fascinating. She also introduced us to Canadian art, spanning from the 1600s to modern street art, giving us insight into both historical and contemporary street artists.

From foods, wines, markets, and neighbourhoods, to an extraordinary visit to McGill University's campus, where we explored the artwork on site, every aspect of our trip was extraordinary. Ruby even organised our small evening events in hidden, magical locations, and a standout highlight was an invitation to a private home to view an exceptional collection of art owned by a Montreal-based philanthropist and business leader.

Our final afternoon was spent exploring Montreal’s fashion scene, where Ruby introduced us to local designers and Canadian clothing brands previously unknown to us. This was an eye-opening experience.

Ms Ruby Roy should be recognised as a Canadian ambassador for her leadership. She is an inspiring role model with a vast knowledge of the world and is exceptionally well-travelled. Ruby captivated us with her storytelling, sense of humour, humanity, passion, and joy.

It was also heartwarming to witness her interactions with suppliers and people during our trip. She is encouraging, supportive, kind, respectful, and genuinely thankful—clearly someone who is well-loved and highly respected.

As one of our leaders mentioned, "I have travelled extensively and have experienced many travel directors and guides. Usually, I tune out as I have little patience for guides, but with Ruby, I was always eager for the next story and the next bit of information. Ruby is the best guide we have ever encountered anywhere in the world."

Thank you for introducing us to Ruby Roy. She has made us all fall in love with Canada and Montreal. There is no doubt that many of us will return!

J.A. Belshire
Chair , HBSWS

Ruby Roy
Montreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca
Travel with Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca
Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours

29/08/2024

September 21 2024 would be LLeonard Cohen90th birthday.

Please take note I am fully booked for my private bespoke Leonard Cohen's Montreal Tour and Experience.
The high demand for my LLeonard CohenTour is sold out September15,16,17 18,19,20,21,22,23,24, 24

September 16 at at 19h30 PPlace des ArtsCCHOIR CHOIR CHOIRare doing a tribute in the best way possible singing en mass . If you are in Montreal don't miss it

I am the only Montreal Expert Licensed Guides giving this unique private tour since 1992. The tour is an exclusive experience for the die hard ultimate LLeonard Cohenfans.

The half day tour is only for small groups from 1 to 4 travellers.
Given in a private car with a driver to cover and include much more then two wall murals with many hidden gems.
The tour and experience took years of research, is constantly being updated, There are some wonderful stories and personal stories and yes there may be singing.

In May 2024 my most memorable Leonard Cohen was a couple from Germany who were devout fans, travelling by ship just to experience Leonard Cohen's Montreal. Every stop was an emotional journey. I began giving this tour for travel media from around the world when I worked with three levels of tourism offices meda departments.
Since 1992 fans have come from around the world especially from Europe and Australia.

I do give virtual Leonard Cohen tours. I have also created a 5 minute professionally produced video about Leonard Cohen's Montreal available upon request on the private section of my website.
For the true fans you will receive a rare collectors item, until supplies last.

Some of Montreal's excellent local media and journalists have written articles over the years however since this articles or stories have been released some of the landmarks have either moved or no longer exist.

Please take note Montreal is a regulated city . City by law G-2 where professional guides are trained, certified and licensed.
One can not declare them self a guide or offer tours,

RRuby Roywww.rubyroy.ca
MMontreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.caMMontreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours

12/08/2024

Another Great Review:
Dear Ruby,

I am writing to express our heartfelt gratitude for the outstanding service you provided during our recent business event. Your efforts, energy, enthusiasm, and expertise played a significant role in making the event a resounding success.

Our guests were thoroughly impressed with your remarkable ability to communicate, tell stories, and captivate the audience throughout the entire programme. Your skill in engaging and holding the attention of everyone present did not go unnoticed and was a key factor in the positive feedback we received.

Though it was not within your designated role, we greatly appreciate how you stepped in to manage the operational aspects of the event when things were not running as smoothly as expected. Your initiative and leadership ensured that every team member felt valued and included, which was crucial to the event’s overall success.

We were particularly impressed with how you handled the weather-related delays. Your impromptu team-building activities, workshop, and pub quiz turned what could have been a frustrating situation into an enjoyable and memorable experience for all involved.

Given your exceptional performance, we would be absolutely delighted to have you join our team for our 2026 European programme as a team member and Trip Director. Your contribution would undoubtedly enhance the success of our future events, just as it did this time.

Once again, thank you for your invaluable contributions. We look forward to the possibility of working with you again in the near future.

Warm regards,
Anthony C
( Name and company removed for reasons of privacy)

Ruby Roy
Travel with Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca

03/08/2024

Another one for the book:
I prepared an international proposal and found out that several of the board members struggled with written English. I took several hours and prepared summaries with bullet points including personalised videos where I spoke with the same information in English, French, Arabic, Spanish' Italian, Greek. Each written bullet points were also reviewed and reread my native speakers except English.I created videos for each board member of 45 seconds.
I also created one in German a language I don,t speak using AI with the help of a native German speaker who teaches German.
The Arabic , Spanish, Italian and Greek board members were so impressed and grateful. They found everything clear and easy to understand
The official language of the organisation based in London is English. Out kindness, respect I took the initiative to have some of the information in the other languages

French speaker: ( translated from French) Thank you for document in French we would like to underline that there are several areas where your use of the verbs are incorrect. It would also have been better to use the the following words. We also noticed you have incorrectly used the incorrect term and you did not conjugate the adjective with the noun. Here are the areas where you should have used the the following terms. It would be better if you do not write in French in future.

Me: Thank you for your comments. My contribution was the video. Two native French speakers and French professors wrote the bullet points for me There are no sentence in this document. Nor paragraphs as they are onl only bullet points in a power point document. The document was once again review by 5 other native French speakers who have said the document has no error and was perfect for a power point.

German speaker: We would like to correct your German. Here are the problem area that should be corrected and sent . It is better you do not speak in German

Me: I don't speak or write German , I used AI the written document was created by Herr Wolfe, your colleague who is Austrian.

I have always said :
French and German are unforgiving languages. English is the most forgiving language. This was a good example of this.

Final result: My proposal won the RFP for my client!!

Ruby Roy

14/07/2024

For my guests travelling during this period of the summer a reminder several of the places that I make stops on my culinary tours will be closed.

The Province of Québec's Construction Holidays will occur from July 21st to August 3rd 2024

While they are not an official 2024 statutory holiday in Québec, the Construction Holidays play a big part of summer vacation plans for workers across the province. Over 40% of the province of Québec's workforce will be on holiday including construction workers.

The source of all this goes back to 1970, when the new government of Robert Bourassa had to deal with a chaotic construction industry, and ensure all workers would down tools at the same time. The first holiday occurred in the last two weeks of July in 1971, and it has been so ever since.

Yes it is strange that constructions workers get a summer holiday during prime construction season from April till November,

It means flights will booked and expensive, long long lineups at the USA Canadian border in the province of Québec. Camp sites will be packed. Many businesses will be closed

Ruby Roy
Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours
Montreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca

04/07/2024

Another one for the book:
The difference between poor, medicore and excellence! A person hired who believes their 10 years experience makes them an expert, and they should be getting more.....

xx: I don't understand why I would not get
paid the same amount as you do Ruby. I am a professional with more than 10 years experience.

Me: I send you a detailed check lists, contract, reminder , the reconfirmations by email. That isfollowed up with a 5 minute phone call reminder and 24 hours before a text message reminder.
You were asked to pay attention to the details and to follow instructions. On top of that I created your invoice for you, filling everything out for you because you don't know how to send an invoice. I outline the points to speak about during your tour. Outline the times you need to be at certain locations. The last two time you either finished 45 minutes late or finished an hour early. So I supported you by sending you an alarm to your phone to finish on time. I supported you with subjects to speak about so that you would not finish an hour early. I hired a staff member to be on the tour with you to ensure you arrived at your appointments on time. Since the last two times you arrived at the incorrect times. I also offered to give you training to make your presentation more dynamic. I include in my confirmation to you how you should dress. Including dos and don't.
In other words, I am basically doing your job for you. I have to spend two extra hours on you just to book you, to ensure things run well. Despite that you still do not follow instructions and you are never on time. I also have to do your research for you and write the routing for the tours and driver. Let me know if you have any questions. You sent me an invoice with 4 hours and asked for a gratuity. However you finished an hour early, the client paid for 4 hours. Gratuities are amounts given in appreciation for having gone above and beyond. Do you feel you went above and beyond? Do you really feel I should pay you for 4 hours when you only worked 3?
XX: Oh I see. Okay nobody has every put it that way before !

Ruby: With all the support, encouragement and help I give you I am expecting a level or service that maybe beyond your scope. The minimum I ask is be on time, follow instructions and be informative. Once you can follow instructions and go above and beyond I will be happy to consider increasing your honorarium

22/06/2024

Another Great Review:

This arrived in my inbox yesterday and made my day.
This client initially thought my daily fees were too high. Hired someone with fees 90% lower than my professional fees.
The sales director and accounts executive had sold and made promises to their client that were impossible, did not exist or were undeliverable.
( We have never heard a sales person do that before have we lololol)
I initially declined this contract knowing it was going to be a SS.

We initially hired Ruby to work at our registration desk for approximately four hours. It wasn’t long before we discovered how incredibly accomplished, versatile, and knowledgeable she is.

During our spring events, meetings, and reward travel, Ruby served as our Lead On-site Trip Director, expertly managing a team of 20. She was our Master of Ceremonies, our replacement speaker, and our guests' private concierge. Additionally, she acted as an expert guide for bespoke tours and experiences, crafted on the spot for our top winners. Ruby arranged exclusive experiences that delighted our guests, secured tickets for sold-out events, and ensured our programmes remained on budget with zero wastage through her exemplary on-site management.

Following our spring events, Ruby organised private tours for our small group of executives during the Canadian Grand Prix. These included private concerts, dinners with renowned chefs, private art collections, and more. She also coordinated similar events in London for our YPO guests.

Ruby’s extensive worldly experience, connections, and deep understanding of our clients and guests have made her an invaluable asset to our team. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with Ruby on our upcoming international programmes. When challenges arise, Ruby’s calm, collected, and logical approach ensures seamless teamwork and effective solutions, providing our guests with the finest experiences without any panic or drama.

We highly recommend Ruby as an on-site corporate trip director and concierge, as well as for those seeking assistance with operations and logistics. Why this hidden gem remains such a well-kept secret is beyond us. Ruby is a tremendous asset to any team.
- E Mallory-
United Kingdom
Ruby Roy

16/06/2024

Where to find me ?
I simply go by my movie star name Ruby Roy

I have had my own website for many years ( Currently being upgraded by my fantastic team)
I am nearly on every social media
I am not a registered company, corporation.
I don't have a company name, company logo.
I do not have employees
I don't work for anyone except myself
I am not an employee
I am a free lance self employed professional
I do have partners
I do collaborate
I do work in teams
I am the first and original Montreal Expert
I am the first and over the orginal evening walking tours.
I am Canada's first Culinary and Food Guide
I am the first who gives talks and speaks at conferences
I am the first and original giving corporate experiences ..
And I am on Linkree

Montreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca
Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours
Travel with Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca

Travel live and work in 151 countries and counting. Love music, dancing, water.

14/06/2024

The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau Prime Minister of Canada
Laurier Club in Ottawa June 10 2024

Parti libéral du Canada (Québec) | Liberal Party of Canada (Quebec)

Montreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours Travel with Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca

12/06/2024

Of all the many events Montreal hosts, the Grand Prix has the highest impact, bringing in $190 million last year, with $110 million from tourists from outside of Montreal.

Montreal is home to the Formula 1™ Canadian Grand Prix, the biggest sporting event in all of Canada! It’s 3 days of competition, class, charm, and world-class events & parties.
Guests from all walks of life generate revenue for Montreal.

The Canadian Grand Prix not only generates revenues for Montreal. The number of Montrealers employed to work during the Grand Prix is incredible.
People take off work from their other full time jobs, contracts for three days to work in security, catering, drivers, event staff.
The Canadian Grand Prix employees students, pontoon operators.
The hotels in Montreal are booked and solid out. Car rental companies, minivans, Via Rail, airlines, buses.
Restaurants are full and much more.
Travellers from around the world visit museum, hire guides for private tours. Event staff are hired. Destinations Management companies are busy. Transportation companies including drivers are working.
Every type of business is impacted by the Canadian Grand Prix including crane operators, fence builders, carpenters.
For three days Montreal is the talk of the world with public figures, media, fans here to enjoy the race and most of all the ambiance that is created by the F1 race.
There are people that rent their homes, apartments to the same families' every year while they leave for the weekend or go to the country. It helps them pay their taxes and mortgages.

In a city plagued by construction, poor communication, poor management, road closures as was since at the 2024 Grand Prix this year.

For those who don't like the Grand Prix, in 2025 perhaps plan weekend away from Montreal the dates are out and included in this post.

For those like myself who are self employed in the tourism, event planning and travel industry, we look forward to the 2025 Grand Prix and welcome everyone to Montreal again .

Hopefully in 2025 we will not have the Police merging 4 lanes into one, putting a cone in such a way that a coach can not move.
Perhaps refusing cars downtown instead of near the casino would speed things up. Instead of have people's QR codes scanned 1 by 1 delaying people from getting on the track . Use a more user friendly system
Instead of having 10 pontoons with 8 per pontoon to move 5000 people , building a pedestrian bridge for people to walk.

Montreal can not afford NOT to have the Grand Prix, unless we can find an event that can generate this kind of income for Montreal.

RRuby RoyTTravel with Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.caMMontreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.caMMontreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours

Canadian F1 Grand Prix in Montreal! Tickets - Hotel Packages - Exclusive Nightlife Events & Parties - Paddock Club Suites - Race Schedule

05/04/2024

Imagine reconnecting with so many people in three days.
Trying to find positive things while I wait 4. 5 hours to get on a 60 minute flight home at 22h30.

Have a wonderful story for my book
Another one for the book...

1.My long time Trip Director colleague Jodi
2. Marina a motorcoach driver I haved worked with for years
3. Sharon a driver I worked with who recognised my voice and face. Then remembered in detail my tour
4. The most amazing of the stories my elementary, highschool, CEGEP class mate who remembered my name and face..
5. Doggies at the hotel. Amazing
All this in Misssissssssoggggy
Ruby Roy
www.rubyroy.ca

31/03/2024

Wonderful News to Share with friends and colleagues!
I am going on a World Tour, starting in London , tomorrow night April 1st and April 6th. If you are in London and free please let me know I will have tickets reserved in your name.
As many of you know I sing and I have bee preparing music from around the world. Singing in Italian, Greek , Spanish, Bengali, Hindi, Arabic, Farshi, English. From Popera to music you will all likely know.
I will then be in Rome, Athens, Cairo, Barcelona. Dubai. In the summer in Canada between guiding. In the fall I will be in India, Singapore.
With some very talented local musicians performing with me including Luciano Pescare from Messina in Italy. In Athen Yanni Ichthus from Athens on Piano and in Cairo the famous tabla player Mohamed Ahmed El Abbas Samak.
Please let me know if you are interested I will get you the ticket information for each city. I have 10 seats left for tommorrow and there are 50 tickets left April 6th in London
Looking forward to seeing many..
Travel with Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca

28/03/2024

Another Great Review:
I have permission to share this beautiful letter I received this morning, that brought me great joy. To protect the privacy of my client, my clients privacy as well as the locations who gave me permission. The name of the person who wrote it to me has been changed.

Subject: Heartfelt Appreciation and Collaboration

Dear Ruby,

Our three days spent with you were nothing short of extraordinary. In our extensive experience scouting locations worldwide, we can confidently say that your expertise made this experience one of the most productive, enjoyable, and efficient endeavours we've ever had.

Your profound knowledge of sound, film, and photography locations is truly remarkable. We were consistently impressed by how swiftly you secured permissions at a moment's notice, even for locations that initially seemed unattainable. Your ability to navigate through these challenges seamlessly was truly commendable.

Moreover, your proficiency, passion in photography, filming, and sound, coupled with your invaluable input in shaping our story ideas and framing, added a touch of magic to our project. The photos and videos you provided not only documented our journey comprehensively but also offered invaluable insights for our production team through behind-the-scenes footage.

The sample voiceover you crafted for us was nothing short of a revelation. It not only captured the essence of our project but also saved us countless months of work. Your captivating speaking voice exudes confidence and passion, making it an absolute pleasure to listen to. We are unanimous in our decision to enlist you for the voiceover in all three languages.

Thanks to your expertise, we not only saved significant financial resources but, more importantly, hundreds of hours of precious time. Your flexibility, transparency, and sincerity throughout our collaboration were immensely appreciated by all members of our team. Thank you for connecting and recommending us to local photographers , videographers, cameramen .

During our team meeting, we couldn't help but wonder if you are the unofficial mayor of Montreal, given your seemingly boundless connections and influence in the city. We know understand the value of hiring the services of a licensed professional local expert guide.

We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you again this summer and fall. Your name truly reflects your personality – a rare and precious gem in our industry. We also believe you are in a league and a class all on your own.

With sincere gratitude,

_P. Campbell_
Ruby Roy Montreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca Ruby Roy Photographer Montreal Guide www.rubyroy.ca Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours Travel with Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca FEG Tourist Guides FEG/ Ruby Roy Association Workshop January 13 2021 WFTGA We are in it together 👣🌏

24/03/2024

FYI especially to the US Press Secretary Press Conferences

The lady in this photo is
Here Royal Highness The Princess of Wales
or
Catherine, the Princess of Wales.

NOT:
Princess Kate, Kate Middleton, or Duchess Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Katie, Catherine M, Princess of England

The Princess of Wales before Katherine the Princess of Wales was Diana Princess of Wales.
The current of Prince of Wales of mother.

No doubt Prince Charles, the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of York cancer diagnoses will give hope, encouragement to all those who a fighting cancer. May it help raise funds for cancer research.

Hope those who started the conspiracy theories, mis informed and went on and on feel like crap!!!! Clearly there are serious mental health issues and people need help. People have too much time on your hands. Why not take that time and do some good instead.
Hate, meanness, misinformation on social media needs to stop!
We are not born with hate! Hate is taught

Ruby Roy