We crossed the border from Vermont to Canada on our way to Quebec City without any difficulties. We were not asked about food, our route, how much money we had, how much alcohol we had, Jake’s rabies vaccine, or medications. They only wanted to know if we had guns, mace or pepper spray; what our occupations were, and about how long our stay in Canada would be. Damn, we could have brought more wine!!
Old Quebec City is beautiful. It has European charm, history, culture, elevation changes, small shops and cafes, and French flavor. It has a population of over 530,000. The Saint Lawrence River narrows at Cape Diamond. The word Kebec (an early language of Canada) means where the river narrows. It was founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608 and is one of the oldest cities in North America. The city has fortified walls (ramparts) that surrounded the city and are the only remaining ramparts north of Mexico City in the Americas. Quebec is known as the cradle of the Francophone population of North America. Everyone we met speaks french, but most learn English as well, and a simple ” s’il vous plaît parlez vous anglais”, generally brought a smile and a nice conversation.
There were plenty of conflicts over the years. The Anglo-French War (1627-1629), was between France and England. Quebec City was the headquarters of many raids against New England during the four French and Indian Wars (1754-1763) and was captured by the British in 1759. During the War of 1812, the American Colonies wanted to annex Canada with the colonies. The Act of Union 1840, Upper and Lower Canada were joined to become the Province of Canada. However, Canada still remained a colony within the British Empire and was thus subordinate to the British Parliament until the Statute of Westminster in 1931. Canada finally became independent of the United Kingdom in 1982 with the enactment of the Canada Act, making Canada completely independent of the United Kingdom.
We loved the murals dispersed throughout Quebec city. There were flowers everywhere and musicians and jugglers in the plazas. It was truly an alive city.
We took a guided tour from the Visitor Center around Old Quebec City. It was informative and really helped to quickly became familiar with the city. Jake was very well behaved.
Our tour guide said that at one time taxes were based on the number of windows in your home so, some people just bricked them up.
Outdoor lunch was great, and Jake was allowed to joined us. Sandy had a salmon and spinach crepe. Yum!
This unfortunate woman was vomiting while her friend watched and ate ice cream!
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
Located a few minutes from Québec City, the falls were named in honour of the Duc de Montmorency, the viceroy of New France and admiral of France and Britain. The Parc de la Chute-Montmorency falls are 272.3 feet tall. There is parking at the bottom and top of the falls. A cable car makes the hike easier, but if you feel so inclined for some wet stair climbing, the views are amazing. We took the cable car ride with Jake and ate at the restaurant at the top.
A suspension bridge traverses the falls. Jake was fascinated by the zipliners.
There is a zipline too. It was very affordable and goes in front of the falls.
Tall Ships Event Quebec 2017
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation, this event allows visitors to step aboard many beautiful tall ships from across the world while hundreds of crew members meet and compete.
From Quebec City the Rendezvous 2017 fleet will move on to Halifax before racing back to Europe for a finale event in Le Havre, France. Canadians have a great sense of humor.
There was so much to see. It would have been easy to spend a week exploring.
A few more images of Old Quebec.
Boys will be boys.
