Short Trip to Quebec City

Oct. 2010

After delaying two days for the weather to improve in Quebec, we set off in the Jaguar towards Montreal on Highway 410. At the Quebec border we crossed the St. Lawrence to Chateauguay and ended the day in Sorrel in the Eastern Townships, staying at Le Verseau Motel where our room had décor right out of the 1960s including one of those vibrating beds. At a restaurant nearby we enjoyed an excellent rural style Quebecois meal

The next morning, the weather was clear and crisp; so, we enjoyed the final drive through township villages, passing many farmers’ fields and inviting apple orchards.

Over the bridge to Ste Foy, we turned eastward down the Grande Allee to Vieux Quebec. A stop at the tourism office got us a reservation at Hotel Manoir sur Le Cap at 9 av. Ste-Genevieve. Located on the south side of Parc des Gouvenors, it overlooks the park and the Chateau Frontenac. When we opened the shutters, the view that greeted us was fabulous.

Our room (#10) on the second (to us the 3rd) floor was spectacular:

Thirsty, we walked back through the gate and up the Grande Allee to an outdoor pub for a good beer:

Revived, we strolled and browsed our way down Rue St. Jean, relaxed and then ate at le restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens. We had enjoyed this restaurant on our last visit and did again this time though we were not as thrilled as we had been on our first visit – partly because the prices seemed too high for the level of quality & service.

Next morning was again brilliant and warm; so, we walked down to lower town and stopped for a croissant and coffee at the outdoor café - Le Petit Cachon Dingue. We wandered (a favourite activity of ours) through lower town for a while.

Tana suggested that we take a boat tour of the river and see the city, Levii and Montmorency Falls from the water - a good idea!

Later, in the late afternoon, she again came up with a good one - a tour of the Chateau Frontenac - its history and structure.

Dinner was excellent - escargot and mussels for George - at the Cafe de Paris a short walk from the hotel. This restaurant gave great value – and wonderful food, including the selection of desserts.

The next morning, after croissants and coffee again in our little outdoor cafe, we headed out of town and across the bridge to Isle d'Orlean. First to a winery – pretty but not great red wine by George's taste though Tana bought a bottle of white.

Then we drove (with the top down) around the island. It reminded us of Saltspring Island in BC, with tiny towns, artisans and control over who lives where on the island.

The last evening we tried a casual restaurant (Petit Coin Breton on rue St. Jean,) which served excellent crepes and wine. The weather changed the next day so we headed off along the north shore to Montreal and home.