Monday, June 23, 2014

Quebec City

Our bus tour on Thursday 6/19 of the old town of Quebec City was definitely a highlight of our trip so far.

(Note: Again, all pictures are reduced in size for faster upload. Click on any one for a larger version, then click Back to return to the blog.)

We rode on a double-decker bus and had absolutely perfect weather for a day in the sunshine, seeing the sights of the city.

IMG_3166

IMG_3171

Be sure to look at Susie & Denny’s blog to see more of our tour. I’ve tried not to duplicate too much, so you need to go there for “the rest of the story.”

Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage city and the gardens at Place D’Armes have those letters sculpted in the grass. We watched two women refurbishing this area earlier in the day. The double-decker and traditional buses as well as horse-drawn carriages begin their tours from this location. In the distance you can see a statue of Samuel de Champlain; look for a close-up at the end of this post.

IMG_3636

Our tour guide Patrick is half French, half Irish. He speaks both English and French perfectly, and is very knowledgeable about old Quebec City and the surrounding area. The city is part of Canada, which is bilingual, but it remains very close to its French roots. Since most people and all signs communicate only in French (which I don’t speak or understand well), it was very nice to hear narration in English.

IMG_3250

He claimed the Pub St. Patrick as his own!

IMG_3644

We were able to get off and back on the bus, but we stayed on for the full tour the first go-round. We got off later for lunch and shopping, then it so happened that every time we got back on the bus we were with Patrick again! By the end of the day we had memorized his comments and jokes. There are several of the same type of tour bus, and they arrive at 45-minute intervals.

Old Quebec is a walled city with close to 4.6 km (about 2.8 miles) of walls and several gates.

IMG_3531

IMG_3282

IMG_3490

IMG_3496

You can find typical tourist souvenirs everywhere.

IMG_3147

Including this T-shirt explaining what Eh? means. It’s better than saying Huh!

IMG_3229

Shops are in some of the ancient buildings on narrow streets no longer open to vehicle traffic.

IMG_3240

This shop has a unique name!

IMG_3590

Here’s another mode of touring the city. Wonder if the dog serves as the tour guide?

IMG_3150

This fountain depicts the sheer force of water overcoming ice in the St. Lawrence River.

IMG_3181

I’ve always been fascinated by the Chateau Frontenac (now owned by Fairmont Hotels) and was looking forward to a tour. Alas, they no longer offer them. So we just wandered around the main floor, and I tried many times to get a good picture of the outside.

IMG_3156

IMG_3172

This was the best angle, recommended by Patrick.

IMG_3220

We later went to the Musee du Fort to see a diarama on the Plains of Abraham.

IMG_3165

Notice the variety of building styles, including different colored roofs.

IMG_3138

IMG_3464

IMG_3272

There are lots of churches, some of which have been converted to apartments/condos. Patrick thinks people who live in churches must have an inside track to heaven when they die.

IMG_3207

IMG_3325

IMG_3193

Many buildings sport murals on their outside walls, a common thing to see in many cities. But this is the first time I’d seen bridge supports decorated with murals.

IMG_3202

Lots of restaurants offer outside seating.

IMG_3227

IMG_3588

Including the one we chose for lunch – Le Petit Cochon Dingue.

IMG_3599

IMG_3545

Afterward, Don checked out the chocolate shop but didn’t buy anything.

IMG_3551

Not even these cute pig pops. There were penguin pops, too.

IMG_3555

We were able to go inside this beautiful church. Notice the sailing ship in the center.

IMG_3236

IMG_3237

We enjoyed many great views of the St. Lawrence River.

IMG_3617

It’s debatable whether these statues can be called “art.” They demonstrate an animal in various stages of leaping.

IMG_3300

There are many sights of the old city near newer buildings.

IMG_3303

Old-style multi-family dwellings.

IMG_3318

Vs. modern apartments/condos.

IMG_3342

The highest point of the city is the site of the Plains of Abraham, the location of a battle in 1759 when the British conquered Quebec.

IMG_3370

Today, in addition to the preservation of the battle grounds, the area has been developed as Battlefields Park with 108 acres and many areas for recreational activities. As an urban park, it has been compared with Central Park in New York City and Hyde Park in London. This observation point includes a pavilion popular with young lovers.

IMG_3374

The statue of Joan of Arc stands among beautiful gardens.

IMG_3391

Lots of construction is underway during the short summer.

IMG_3428

We discovered the Funiculaire, where you can avoid a long uphill walk by paying $2.50 for a quick ride in a glass elevator.

IMG_3570

IMG_3612

Street performers entertain from various spots in hopes of earning a few (or a lot of) dollars.

IMG_3589

IMG_3609

This was the first time I’ve experienced uni-sex restrooms in this kind of setting. It was a little off-putting, but when you need to take care of business… We even waited in line for the privilege.

IMG_3594

Many statues are found throughout the old city, including this one of Samuel de Champlain, who is credited with establishing Quebec City in 1608. He was called the “Father of New France” and “Father of Acadia.” The seagull just thought he was a good place to perch.

IMG_3850

Our tour was wonderful, and we really enjoyed the perfect weather, especially since it had been rainy/drizzly for several previous days.

3 comments:

  1. And how many days did this tour last?

    Good job, Don on passing up the sweets. We're rooting for you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks, Sharon. The last time we were In Quebec City we awakened to a torrential downpour that didn't let up until a couple of hours after lunch. We left the ship and after our umbrellas were turned inside out, returned to the port buildings and then back to our stateroom. It wasn't nearly as much fun as the other time we visited this lovely city. Glad you're enjoying Canada. I think it will only get better as you go to the coastal provinces.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for the great tour and fantastic photos of Quebec City. It brought back many great memories of my visit there about 30 years ago. A lot of old Quebec looks remarkably similar to what I saw.

    ReplyDelete

Please tell me what you think, either here, on Facebook, or by email. I *love* comments!