Sightseeing in Quebec City

 28th September 2022

Today we had a previously booked activity that we decided to cancel. We were supposed to go to a Huron Village and spend around 4 hours including lunch, getting the history of the First Nations People. However, the rain severely curtailed our efforts to see the highlights of the city yesterday so we figured we need most of today to cover the lost time.

As promised yesterday when checking in, our breakfast appeared in a paper bag outside our room door at 8 am.

We took it downstairs to the "dining" room where coffee and tea were available and we could sit at a table. Unpacking the parcel was a bit of a voyage of discovery. Here is what we found.

There was a paper plate and plastic knife , fork and spoon with serviette, pepper and salt. An orange fruit pulp in a plastic container, obviously designed to be easily eaten by old people with few teeth. There was a hard boiled egg, a croissant, some strawberry jam, a popper of fruit juice and a muffin made of high strength concrete which rapidly found its way to the bin. We look forward to tomorrows selection with some trepidation.

Not to be deterred we set out ant 9.30am, have consumed various parts of the offering, depending on personal taste and depth of hunger.

The sun is shining and the forecast is for that to be the case until early afternoon when we may experience some showers. 

Once again we headed out on foot towards the Old City, looking forward to taking in the sights in daylight and without rain.

The main road down to the old village houses many of the sights of Quebec.

Ministry of Culture and Communications

Quebec Parliament House is very impressive

Carole and Sharon outside Parliament House

 

Part of the remains of the City Wall (under which we sought shelter yesterday)

Maison Jacquet , one of the oldest houses in the upper town, built in 1675-76

There are many beautiful old buildings along Grand Allee Est, and  St Louis before we ultimately arrive at the Chateau Frontenac, this time in daylight. It dominates the skyline at the edge of the upper town before the steep decline down the cliff face to the lower town.

A look towards the port confirms that both the Celebrity and Aurora Ships are still in port, and are now joined by a third cruise ship, the Viking Star. Naturally the streets are awash with tourists from these ships.

Harbour cruises are available a few times a day on this vessel

There are 2 options to get down to the lower town, a short funicular rail, or a series of steps. We opt for the stairs. The stairs lead to Le Petit Champlain district which is the main tourist area, packed with restaurants, gift stores, art galleries etc

Stairs down to Le Petit Champlain district

Funicular rail from the upper to lower town

The fine weather and cruise ships has increased the activity in town

Halloween decorations are everywhere

At the bottom of the stairs the road leads down to the port

The ferry from Levis that we tried to catch yesterday

Like in many cities we have visited there are some great murals

We had lunch in a nice tavern down in the port area which seemed to be popular with locals and some tourists. Most of the cruise ship passengers appear to have gone back on board for lunch.

Sharon and John at Louise Tavern

Unbelievably, the rain returned quite heavily during lunch. We stayed inside until it abated, then to have fine weather for our climb back up the hill and walk back to our hotel. Along the way it was hard not to take a few more photos of some of the many lovely buildings and sculptures.

By the time we get back to our hotel, we have walked around 13 km and everyone seems ready for a rest. It is just after 3.30pm, and we resolve to reunite at 5.30pm to have a look through the museum of fine arts across the road before our 7.30 pm dinner booking at a restaurant just around the corner.

Some of the art was a bit out there for me, but there were other parts of this exp=tensive gallery which had some great exhibits. It was pretty much all Canadian artists work on display.

Dinner was at Bistro B, nearby. The streetscape was interesting, I guess in keeping with art district we are in. The street lights were quite a feature.

Bistro B , behind the impressive street lights

Ave Cartier where our restaurant was one of many

It was a good menu, and we opted for the Guinea Fowl or Artic Char (fish). I had the Guinea fowl which was excellent.

Guinea Fowl

Tomorrow we are off to Montreal. We have now done around 4,000 km and still have a way to go.