La Ville de Quebec

7/21/2016

Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, Quebec City is the "cradle of French civilization" in North America. It's also the only walled urban area north of Mexico. While I spent five of my 8 days within Vieux Quebec, I also ventured out by bike to the Falls, to Wendake (a 17th century Huron Nation region), and along the St. Lawrence River.

It was my third visit to Quebec City, but my first in more than 30 years! While I am astounded at the city's ability to maintain its culture and architecture, I'm also nervous about the extent of tourism.

I should couch this by saying that I did visit in July, and that besides good weather, it's the time of Quebec's well-known "Summer Festival" of music. In addition to the large number of visitors (4.7 million in 2012), I also don't recall seeing so many tour buses, tour groups, shops and restaurants in old town. Yes, I know, it's been decades!

I haven't actually touched upon every stop I made, but the photos will hopefully take you there!

12 Comments

Eileen

7/27/2016 01:01:21 pm

Judy: It has been years since Anne and I visited there, We were fortunate to stay in the Frontenac Hotel. Can see why so many summer tourists, gardens are spectacular. We visited in April having to purchase warmer winter clothing since we froze with the winds gusting off the St Lawrence River. The lack of crowds though was a definite plus.

Judy

7/31/2016 05:45:40 pm

While I visited the lobby (ho-hum) of the Frontenac, I didn't see the rooms. I enjoyed doing AirBnB and living with a Quebecois who I could converse with about the city/province/country/travel. If I were to return it would definitely be late June or early September.

Sue Tyler

7/28/2016 03:17:38 pm

Hi Judy! Enjoy your beautiful days up north...it is over 100 in MD. Just had a tornado in Easton.
Your photos are spectacular, I especially enjoy the gardens and architecture.
You seem to busy to be reading, but let me know of any good ones. I am still on the mend from surgery.
How many miles for the year? Enjoy the last month of summer! Eat Pie!

Judy

7/31/2016 05:57:32 pm

Sue,
Having glorious weather here (high 70s) and now 2 stops behind on the blog. Getting on it! In disbelief that tomorrow is August and that summer is flying by -- just 5 more weeks on this segment of life's journey. I've rolled 3,000 miles this week so no worry on the goal this year! Books: Just finishing "The Red Tent" which I disliked at the start and now really like! Read a quick detective/thriller by Jo Nesbo, "The Devil's Star" which I couldn't put down. In my tent for the next 2 weeks so the books should be opening :). Drop me a line on your health update; surprised at the length of mending!

Sue Tyler

7/31/2016 07:44:37 pm

You rode 3k miles on bike in a week? Are you kidding me? How is that possible?
Are you on steroids?
YOu must read CIRCLING THE SUN by Paula McLain it is about the other woman in Out of Africa written by the author of The Paris Wife.

I swam/gentle work out on Fri. and I am allowed to ride 1/4 mile on my hybrid bike. I am in a lot of pain especially at the end of the day. I have my mobility but I swell so bad and it hurts. Dr. says 8 months. ugg. I can't even walk the dog at the end of a work day. It has been so hard. Dr. says I am doing well and ahead of schedule. Wahh, wahh, wahh. I am living vicariously through you, so show me the pie!

Claudette

7/29/2016 10:35:16 pm

Your photos of Quebec City with all it's historic buildings and gorgeous gardens make me want to see it. Notre Dame Church looks almost exactly like the one we grew up going to in Fall River,
Thanks for sharing. I'm loving it.

Judy

7/31/2016 05:58:18 pm

Claudette: Haven't you been to Quebec City? I swear we went with momma one summer!?!?

claudette

8/5/2016 01:37:47 pm

Unfortunately, I never got there. Momma went with her friend (Whose name I can't remember) on a bus tour that I set up for her.

Mary Beth

7/31/2016 07:39:37 pm

7/30/16 Hi! Wanted to let you know K. And I have been hiking in Glacier and are currently in Fernie,BC. It's stunning! Started the trip near Missoula MT -noticed awesome bike trails there. Take care!

Judy

8/4/2016 09:47:04 am

Mary Beth,
So good to hear from you, and I have fond memories of Glacier so hope you loved it. I did bike (out of Missoula?) and through the park and into Canada back in the '90s some time. No idea where Fernie is!?!?

I'm on PEI at the moment and quite enjoying it. Three blog entries behind but it's gorgeous out & I must be out!

Drop me an email when you get home eh? Time for an update. Tell Karen I continue to await a life update, too. Not sure when I get to Maryland this year; don't really want to leave Canada!

Lois

8/13/2016 09:06:08 pm

I'm literally speechless - what a city!
Your pics are astounding.
So you don't get too smug, just want you to know I'm off the St. Mary's Cty. for the day tomorrow....eat your heart out. Keep on truck'n. lo

Judy

8/15/2016 04:46:00 pm

Lois ... LOVED all your perusal and comments along the way on the blog. I'm now a few locations behind but will be working on that! Hope St. Mary's was fun; it's a nice cycling area! j.

La Ville de Quebec

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