Saturday, 3 June 2017
What a wonderful day exploring the old city of Quebec. We were up earlier than usual. Maybe it was excitement or maybe it was the 1 hour time change yesterday but in any case we were out of the house shortly after 8am and headed for the ferry terminal. Our Airbnb is on the opposite bank of the St. Lawrence from Quebec city in the city of Levis. We were advised that this would be a better way to get there since parking is at a premium and so are the rates.
We have parked and are now headed to the ferry terminal. The town of Old Quebec is seen behind Marley's right shoulder.
Although small in size, the ferry does hold some cars as well. The crossing is only about 10 minutes but it arrived right in the old city at the base of the Citadel.
Lucy is on the ferry and we are now headed to Old Quebec City.
I was also on the ferry.
The Fleurdelise (the flag of Quebec) is flying proudly from the ferry mast.
Looking up stream along the St. Lawrence river.
Now crossing the river towards Quebec City. The largest landmark is the Hotel Chateau Frontenac that sits high on the hill and is absolutely the largest hotel I've seen.
As we begin our walking tour of the Old City we come across many sidewalk cafes/restaurants.
Most of the buildings are constructed with locally hewn rock. Many of the facades are of many bright colours.
As seen here, the streets are narrow but clean and nicely decorated.
Rather European in design, the streets are beautiful. We are ahead of the tourist season so moving about is easy.
My favorite tourist looking around at the streets' decor.
A peek into one of the many shop windows.
Stairs, landings and ramps take us ever higher on the hill. Every once in a while you could hear the sound of buskers along the many streets.
One of the many monuments and statues in this city. This one of Cartier.
At every turn there were groupings of cannons all pointed at the river below the hill.
Like I said, all pointed at the river.
Another monument in the plaza in front of the Hotel Chateau Frontenac.
Thrilled to be a part of the action I'm sure.
A view of the inner court of the Hotel.
The main lobby of the hotel.
A couple of blocks away we visited the Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica.
The massive entrance doors to the Basilica.
A view of in interior of the Basilica.
An exterior view. By size, not the largest Basilica I've seen but very ornate none the less.
Came across this Christmas store in one of the narrow streets. Even I thought this was going a bit overboard. Why with all the ornaments, figurines and lights along came Christmas music. Not sure I'd want to work there.
Loving all the colours and architectural designs.
More of the same.
Many of the shops and restaurants decorated their window sills with flower planters.
Marley found a place to 'hang out' in the Guard house near the Citadel.
We purchased a 60 min. walking tour of and in the Citadel. This was the entrance that we had to use to gather before the tour.
A munitions building. Note that the building was supported on the walls by these rock supports. This was in case of an explosion so the walls wouldn't collapse.
This is the official residence of the Governor General of Canada in Quebec. The Canadian official residence is Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
Many guns all along the top of the wall of the citadel. This is the oldest military building in Canada. Construction began in 1673 and is an active military base today.
Looking down the barrel of the cannon to the St. Lawrence river.
The Citadel with it's moat on the Plains of Abraham side. Cannons on this section of the wall could fire at both the St. Lawrence and the Plains.
Another picture of the Plains of Abraham.
Looking down river from the Plains.
Looking up river from the Plains.
One final picture of the Plains of Abraham.
Marley can't read so he finds himself in some odd situations.
A rather large plaza in front of the Basilica and close to the main Tourist information centre.
More guns with the Hotel in the background. This gives a very good perspective on the size of this hotel.
More of the buildings just outside the walls of the main Citadel area.
There is a beautiful promenade deck between the Hotel and the cliff edge with this wrought iron railing.
Having done our fair share of walking we decided to take the Funiculaire back down to the bottom.
One goes down and the other goes up.
The lower station. Most people take it up since the walk up is steep and demanding for some of the older folk that just walk off of a cruise ship.
A sample of the flowers that many shops have in their planters at the street.
Another narrow, beautiful street. I can't imagine what this place looks like during tourist/summer season or when a large cruise ship is in port.
So European and yet we are right here in Canada.
A large plaza in the middle of one of the shopping sections. This one is at the vary base of the cliff. You can see the cliff rock in the back.
Decided to have lunch before continuing on our walk. This restaurant was called the Spag&tini. Great place to eat if you are going to be there.
The restaurant is at the bottom of the hill not far from the ferry terminal and below the Hotel.
Cannons were also place all along the shoreline. This city was well protected.
Now leaving the city and heading back to the ferry. The Hotel is easily seen for miles.
The Citadel is on the hillside, center picture.
Our Airbnb home. Our suite was on the right hand side. The front entrance door and living room windows are visible on the large patio.
Wonderful place to stay.
Tomorrow we head out early and hope to arrive in Montreal shortly after lunch. Our Airbnb in Montreal is very centrally located so we hope to be able to do a lot of walking and/or take the subway.
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