Quebec

10/2/2022

We just got back from a short trip to Quebec, and I do mean short - much shorter than we'd planned. Unfortunately pain and lack of sleep got the better of me, and we decided to try the second half of what we'd planned, again at Thanksgiving next weekend.

I had really wanted to visit Quebec City, and it turned out to be way more challenging than we imagined. In the past we could park our small RV in a big parking lot along the St. Lawrence River at the base of the Old City, but since we were last there they'd ripped up that parking lot and turned it into a park for the cruise ship passengers. So, with absolutely no parking anywhere that allowed an RV, we ended up finding a small private parking lot across the river in Levis right by the ferry docks, and took the ferry across.

We arrived at the ferry terminal at the base of the Old City between the cruise ships, which included the Queen Mary 2, so we knew it was going to be very crowded.

And no wonder. Quebec City is a popular tourist and cruise ship destination. The Old City and the Citadel are both World Heritage Sites, and with the cobblestone streets dating back hundreds of years, it's the closest one can come to the feel of an old European city on this side of the Atlantic.

Rising high above the Old City, is the castle-like Fairmont Chateau Frontenac Hotel..

We explored the narrow streets of the Upper City...

..with the wonderful old French architecture....

..before heading back down to the crowded Lower City...

I was just happy that we actually found a way to visit and I got many of the photos that I'd wanted, but after four hours, my feet were done, so it was time to leave....

Dorothy

10/2/2022 06:33:10 pm

What amazing photographs! It looks like a lovely place to visit.

I can see from the pictures that it really was crowded. I love seeing the sidewalk cafes.

The hotel is massive and beautiful. I wonder if it offers Afternoon Tea.

I look forward to reading about Part 2 when you return there.

Martha

10/2/2022 07:02:58 pm

It is a very popular place to visit, and I'm glad we found a way to get there. I actually avoided taking photos down in the Lower Town where it was really crowded. The whole place was swarming with cruise ship passengers. And as one ship leaves, another comes in, so there's never a time that it isn't busy/. Except maybe in winter.

I doubt they offer afternoon tea. That would be a British thing, and everything here is totally French. Quebec actually has language laws forbidding English on any signs.

By Part 2, I meant the second part of our trip, which would have been up north to see the fall colours. But you'll see more photos of Quebec at a later time, since I took Baron and Naomi there for their honeymoon. But first we need to finish the White Cat story before I post their wedding story.

earthspirits

10/2/2022 08:02:44 pm

Absolutely gorgeous area, architecture, and photos. Glad you guys had such a lovely trip. That's interesting that they don't allow any English lettering on signs.

Martha

10/3/2022 06:49:39 am

Quebec is extremely protective of it's French culture. They are like a country inside Canada, and when they held the last referendum on sovereignty they came within one vote of wanting to become their own independent country. Quebec is actually more French than France.

Donna

10/2/2022 08:11:51 pm

You had beautiful weather for a visit to Quebec City! I love the old world feel there. It is too bad it was so crowded, but it seems you were able to get some wonderful photos. I will be looking forward to seeing the pictures of Baron and Naomi's honeymoon!

Martha

10/3/2022 06:53:55 am

Yes, it was nice weather, although a bit of clouds would have made for easier doll photography, and less harsh contrast between the bright sunshine and dark shadows in the narrow streets. Plus all the sunshine isn't so good for the dolls either. But at least we actually got to go into the city. I was so disappointed when our favourite parking lot was gone.Thankfully the ferry from Levi lands right at the Old City.

Jacquie Tinch

10/3/2022 04:32:33 am

They may do and it's worth an ask, but it probably won't be the same as an English afternoon teas with sandwiches, cream scones and little cakes. From a programme I was watching about the Paris RItz, they have two salons, one serving an English tea and the other a French style afternoon tea which is mainly biscuits and madeleines.

Martha

10/3/2022 06:55:13 am

It might be possible, but we weren't staying at the hotel, and it was extremely busy there.

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