If you have the luxury of time on the Loop, consider taking the train to Quebec City for a romantic get-away. Put your nautical charts away for awhile, take a break from following the buoys and instead, tour with the aid of Frommer’s Montreal and Quebec City Guidebook. We used it to find an economical boutique hotel (Manoir Sur-le-Cap) as well as restaurant picks (Le Pain Beni for bistro French food; Aux Anciens Canadiens for traditional Quebecois; and Le Lapin Sauté for brunch). Old Quebec is a treat for your senses as you do a walking tour up and down its colorful streets decorated with ornate signs and window boxes overflowing with colorful flowers and the aromas from the outdoor cafes will entice you to check out their menu.
Expect the unexpected in this city-- a free-wheeling bike race through its hilly narrow streets, watch street performers playing with fire, listen as a carillon of bells heralds a proud Dad escorting his beautiful daughter down the aisle at the Basilica of Notre Dame, sit on a bench and people watch as you are serenaded by musicians or watch lovers of all ages strolling arm in arm.
Inclimate weather was forecast and we had museums planned, but since everyone carried an umbrella, the rain gods were bested and we stayed outside. Old Quebec has a park tucked away on every block in addition to its wide promenades (Terrasse Dufferin, Promenade des Governeurs and the waterfront area, Pointe-a-Carcy along the St. Lawrence River). The marina here has its own lock because of the 15 foot tidal swing and there is a colorful outdoor market to reprovision. You can step back in time with a tour of la Citradelle and learn how the European quest for land in this area led first the French, and then the English to fortify this strategic spot and you can now watch the changing of the Guard. We toured the opulent Chateaux Frontenac Hotel with a very entertaining guide dressed in period costume and he delighted us with gossip from yesteryear.
So much to love here…… The Quebec license plate has the phrase je me souviens or "I remember” and we will.
Expect the unexpected in this city-- a free-wheeling bike race through its hilly narrow streets, watch street performers playing with fire, listen as a carillon of bells heralds a proud Dad escorting his beautiful daughter down the aisle at the Basilica of Notre Dame, sit on a bench and people watch as you are serenaded by musicians or watch lovers of all ages strolling arm in arm.
Inclimate weather was forecast and we had museums planned, but since everyone carried an umbrella, the rain gods were bested and we stayed outside. Old Quebec has a park tucked away on every block in addition to its wide promenades (Terrasse Dufferin, Promenade des Governeurs and the waterfront area, Pointe-a-Carcy along the St. Lawrence River). The marina here has its own lock because of the 15 foot tidal swing and there is a colorful outdoor market to reprovision. You can step back in time with a tour of la Citradelle and learn how the European quest for land in this area led first the French, and then the English to fortify this strategic spot and you can now watch the changing of the Guard. We toured the opulent Chateaux Frontenac Hotel with a very entertaining guide dressed in period costume and he delighted us with gossip from yesteryear.
So much to love here…… The Quebec license plate has the phrase je me souviens or "I remember” and we will.
