Traveling with Storys: October 13, 2024

October 13, 2024 – Sunday Day 18 of this journey

Quebec, Quebec

We sailed into Quebec early this morning. Turning off the St. Lawrence River on to the St. Charles River where we dock next to a massive grain elevator. I am a little disappointed as I thought we would be docking right beneath the Chateau Frontenac (an iconic landmark of Quebec). But there is another ship at that dock, and it is much bigger than we are.

We signed up for the included panoramic tour of Quebec and a side trip to Montmorency Falls. The word “panoramic” usually indicates you will spend most of your time on a bus. Our group piled on to Bus 4 and our guide started off his commentary in French. Then paused and said - ”Oh! Did you want to hear this in English?” His name is Neal, and he is an American. He has lived in Quebec for about 12 years. His passion is all things French. He’s got a great sense of humor, and we know we will get along just fine.

He has a degree in French history, then had to take a year long class to become a tour guide in Quebec. He now teaches that class to new guides.

We start off with a tour through the Lower City and it reminds us so much of many villages in Europe that are 300-400 years old. Then up to the Upper City where we stop at a park next to Chateau Frontenac. Neal has provided a great deal of history for us, and we are given about 45 minutes to wander around, take photos, and if needed, there are restrooms in the Chateau. I’m sure there are restrooms, but Russ couldn’t find them. Thankfully, the bus had a restroom.

I think we are in Europe

Upper City showing above the buildings in the Lower City

The Chateau is an amazing building. Built in 1893 as one of the first grand railroad hotels. It has 18 floors. Here are photos from every perspective.

The inner courtyard.

This is a 3-day weekend. Lots of people were trying to check in.
It's Canadian Thanksgiving

And numerous photos of Samuel Champlain.

We met back at the bus at the designated time and continued the drive through the city which included a drive through their battleground park known as “The Plains of Abraham”. Grassy, rolling hills with some old battlements. Now a public park well used by the locals. In the summer, there is a music festival held here, and many top performers have played this venue.

Trees here are starting to turn more, but still not the “in your face” type of thing we were hoping for. After coming down the hill from the park, we head to Montmorency Falls. It is a little downriver from Quebec. The Falls drop 272’ over a cliff. That is 99’ higher than Niagara. Very impressive, however, having been at Niagara just a week ago, I still think Niagara is in a class by itself.

After enjoying the Falls, we return to our ship. If we had been docked at the Lower City, we might have gone back to the town to explore, but don’t feel up to the hike from the ship.

We had dinner at the Restaurant and enjoyed our meals. The wine steward did a great job matching our meal choices with appropriate wines.