Within the ramparts of Old Quebec City you will find a quaint, clean, and vibrant European atmosphere to walk, shop, dine, lounge and take in its history. Because along with two other North American cities (Jamestown and St. Augustine), it occupies the status as one of the oldest. Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain who set sail from Honfleur, France, Champlain discovered a strategic location where the St. Lawrence River narrows and cliffs separate the land from the water. It was once the capital during the New France reign until 1760 when the British defeated the French. Today it is a Unesco World Heritage site.
Old Quebec reminded us of France in several ways, the language, clothing, advertisements, food and drink, but moose antlers hung on a pub wall, along with hockey sticks in hand, are a dead give away that you are in Canada.
There is much to see and do here. Museums, interesting architecture, horse drawn carriage rides, walking tours, art galleries and exhibitions, and street musicians to name a few. We had the opportunity see a Cirque du Soleil performance, compliments of the taxpaying citizens of Quebec. There is an upper and lower part of the old town, so you will find several steep inclines worthy of commencing a cardiac arrest, but never fear there is a funicular to assist with these abrupt inclines for the less fit.
 |
| Quebec City, Quebec |
 |
| Quebec City, Quebec |
 |
| Maple taffy - Quebec City |
 |
| Old Port - Quebec City |
 |
Notre-Dame-des-Victories Church, the oldest church
in North America, built in 1688 - Quebec City |
 |
| We found several of these troupe-l'oeil murals in Quebec City's Old Port |
The Parliament building is a towering structure just outside the walled city and is home to the National Assembly. We were able to tour the National Assembly Chamber and other parts of the building. It was interesting to learn about the Canadian government and how it functions. The gardens surrounding the building were outstanding.
 |
| Parliament Building - Quebec City |
 |
| Parliament Building - Quebec City |
 |
| Parliament Building - Quebec City |
 |
| Parliament Chamber - Quebec City |
We also toured the Citadelle of Quebec. Rebuilt, in the star shape as you would find it today, it was envisioned for defense of potential attack from American forces. It is still a military installation housing approximately eighty personnel. Changing of the guards along with the goat mascot is an event held during the summer months.
 |
Standing guard to the entrance of the Citadel, they can not laugh, speak, or look at you
Citadelle of Quebec |
After visiting Canada many times in our lifetime, we have come to learn that the Canadians relish their outdoor activities and bicycling is no exception. In fact, along the St Lawrence River there is a long bike trail that seemed to go forever. And so we found a bike rental store and rode to Montmorency Falls, a short 8+ miles east of the city. We have to agree with our French friend Renée, who is a native Québécois, that is was worth a visit. It is 272 feet (83 meters) high, 100 feet higher than Niagara Falls.
 |
| Montmorency Falls, Quebec, Canada |
 |
| You would not find us doing this - Quebec, Canada |
 |
| From the base of the falls you can take this long staircase to the top, cross the suspended bridge and have lunch overlooking the St Lawrence River. View from suspended bridge - Montmorency Falls, Quebec |
 |
| Lunch stop, Manoir Montmorency offered panoramic views - Quebec |
 |
| Montmorency Falls, Quebec, Canada |
On our last day we rented a car and visited the Îsle d'Orleans. Here we discovered adorable residential cottages, farms, orchards, wineries, cheese making, restaurants, and inns. The island's circumference is 42 miles. You can see great view of the city from the island.
The following photographs are lampshades featuring reproductions of paintings that are on permanent collection at the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec. They were located on the street of our hotel, Avenue Cartier. They measure eight feet in diameter and five feet tall. They were spectacular at night and during the day.
Here's more photographs of our travels to Quebec, Canada.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/73641767@N05/64e680
