Saturday
24.08.10
We hired a Honda for two days from Budget to drive to Quebec City, with Guy and Karla taking turns at the wheel. We tried to take in some countryside without much luck. The GPS kept pulling us back onto the highway but there were some lovely homes along the St Lawrence river.
We had booked the Clarion Hotel, which was quite a way out of town and rather expensive. We were disappointed in it. There was no restaurants on site except at breakfast time, which meant we had to drive into the city for an evening meal. However, I did have my one and only experience of a heated bathroom floor.
We had dinner at a cafe/disco which was so 80s it was ridiculous. I kept waiting for John Travolta to hop on the floor in his white disco outfit but perhaps it was too early.
Although we were tired, I had read on the internet that tonight was the first night of the International Fireworks display at Montmorency Falls. Driving madly through the night, we arrived late and had to park miles away. The ticket booth had closed (just as well - C$30 each for something half finished). So we admired the fireworks from afar and then drove back to the hotel. |
Quebec
An Algonquin word meaning "where the river narrows" |
In the morning, we drove into town and parked near the entrance to the old town. Old Quebec City is the only North American fortified city whose walls still exist and is a World Heritage site. Founded in the early 17th century by French explorer Samuel de Champlain, the area is also home to the Plains of Abraham, site of the battle between the French and English in 1759. English General James Wolfe defeated the French forces and took the city. In 1763, France finally ceded New France (Canada) to the British.
During the American War of Independence, troops from the south assaulted the British garrison, hoping that the people of Quebec would revolt against the British and join their southern brothers but this was not to be. Fearing another American attack, construction of the Citadelle of Quebec began in 1820. |
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The Chateau Frontenac is a luxury hotel, built at the end of the 19th century.
Perched atop Cap-Diamant and overlooking the St Lawrence, it was designed by Bruce Price.
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It holds the Guinness World Record of the most photographed hotel in the world. I'm not surprised. |
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We spent the day wandering around Vieux Quebec. It is certainly 100% a tourist attraction but the old buildings hold their own against the tourist tack.
Take your time to wander the back streets, so quiet on a Sunday morning, and enjoy the beauty of past days.
Climb the ramparts and enjoy the view of the St Lawrence, with sail boats scudding across its mighty waters. |
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The funicular railway with views down and up.
Take the funicular railway down to the lower port. The first funicular went into operation in 1879, converted to electricity in 1907. The only one of its kind in North America, it will cost you C$2 each way.
The lower town abounds with activity and you can take a cruise on the river or stroll through the old port.
Art galleries, boutiques and trendy little restaurants and bars are interspersed by a myriad of souvenir shops.
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Try a Margarita for a delightful summer drink in one of the outdoor bars. |
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Caleches - the mode of transport in the old town. |
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| We dined at SSS, recommended by staff at the bar we frequented. Simple Snack Sympathique, 71 Saint Paul. Tel: 418 692 1991. I had nachos with salsa and guacamole. Brilliant!! |
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