quebec

Quebec is a province. The capital city is also named Quebec. We decided to stop here as we travelled from Ottawa back to Nova Scotia. This was a good half-way point. Quebec makes for a charming place to stay because it is one of the oldest cities in Canada, founded by French settlers in the late 1700s.

The city has grown of course, but down by the St. Lawrence River, Old Quebec city takes you for a bit of a historical journey into Canada's past. For starters, the province and the city are very very French. English is usually understood, but not common here.

Land was cleared and the stones taken from the ground were used to make the houses recognized as typical of this region. Steeply sloping roofs kept heavy snow from piling on top of the houses.

The old city streets were made of cobbles (yes, of course, more stones).

A stone wall protected the early inhabitants of Quebec.

The old city had the look and feel of a European/ French city. Houses were built closely together. Grand mansions were built for the wealthy.

You can see the Plains of Abraham where the British successfully won their battle with the French and became the rulers of the New World.

Plains of Abraham

Nowadays, Quebec attracts many tourists during all seasons of the year.

 

In winter they close off the downtown for an ice skating race down the steep hilly streets. Water is sprayed to make the frozen track. Too bad we were not able to stay for the race. It is a big winter event.See more pics...http://www.speed-skating.net/eng/article-244.html

Old Quebec also has a week long winter festival where artists make ice sculptures. There is even an ice hotel. Check it out!  http://www.hoteldeglace-canada.com/

Nearby shops cater to tourists selling all kinds of hats and clothes made of animal fur. Chess boards with English and French soldiers play out the Battle of the Plains of Abraham.

Yes, Canadians really do wear these hats in public!

Replay the Battle of the Plains of Abraham at your very own home!

 

Restaurants serve up some traditional food like this French onion soup capped by melted cheese.



Our hotel room was a restored mansion and our room had is own fireplace and brick wall.





As we started our homeward drive early the next day, we watched the sun rise along the St. Lawrence River. Spectacular.