Vieux Quebec

Day 44 Friday 29 October – Vieux-Quebec

Don't let the maps fool you, distances in the city are not all horizontal, there is quite a difference in elevations and when you walk back and forth the downhill doesn't appear to compensate for the uphill. Despite a cold wind and occasional drizzle we were out and about from 8 to 5 and walking most of that time.

I'm not going to try and describe the wonder of this city, there are books that could be written. I'll mention the places and things that stood out. Firstly the railway station, most spectacular of the stations we've seen and it is still in use and connects with the long distance buses. From there the board-walk along the waterfront which must be the most extensive wooden decking anywhere – quite enormous. Across the water the extensive grain handling facilities which double as a canvas for projected lights and images. Past the very modern cruise ship terminal to the Place-Royale.

The area at the foot of the escarpment near the ferry terminal is maze of narrow streets, stairs and alleys with an incredible array of small shops selling a wild range of goods. Delivery trucks either back in to drive out or drive in and back out, there are few if any through roads and they are all narrow. So tight that the garbage collection is performed by a person in a small pick-up truck.

The Fairmont Chateau Frontenac dominates the edge of the escarpment and towers over every other building in the old city. The Halloween decorations are all over the lawn in front of City Hall (Hotel-de-Ville). We reached the city wall and peered over the top for a view of the Parliament Building and found the place where the horse and carriages rest between trips around the city.

After lunch with David and Linda we made our way to the Citadelle where we were treated to a very informative tour of the area. David had told us it lasted about an hour, we were there for almost two. The views and buildings are most impressive as is the fact that it is still an operational military establishment being the HQ of the 22 Royal Quebec Regiment. Surprisingly a part of the Citadelle is also the alternate residence of the Governor General.

Met up with David and Linda again and dined at Le Cafe de Paris on Saint Louis which featured an open fire and guitar playing troubadour. The food was superb and the service excellent. The rain started to get serious and could turn into snow by the morning.