Quebec City

So after lunch in Newport, VT, and seeing Alice and Gary off to Maine, we headed north to Quebec City.  We knew from our research that it was the last day of a multi-day music festival called Festival d'été de Québec, and anticipated fighting our way to our accommodations at the Chateau Frontenac Hotel.  That pretty much was the case, but it wasn't too bad of a detour and certainly made it a festive atmosphere.  But after a long drive and exploring this very historic hotel, we were content to have a 5-star dinner, and lucky enough to get a great table in a somewhat empty restaurant.

Hotel Frontenac

Coat of Arms (above the elevators)

View from our floor

After dinner we headed out into Old Québec and up the street to take in a bit of the music festival, even though we didn't have tickets.  The headliner that evening was Deep Purple and I'm not sure I could name a single song!  But it was pretty incredible just walking under a big arch and through the wall of the city.

In a pattern that would repeat itself, we spent the next day doing all the touristy stuff.  I mistakenly thought I was in good enough running shape to keep up with Katie on her morning run, and decision I'm still regretting (e.g. recovering from).  But at least the run took us on a fairly scenic tour out of the hotel and onto the Promenade (boardwalk), around the Citadelle and up many stairs, and out onto the Plains of Abraham and the remnants of the music festival.

After the run and the first of two incredible breakfasts at the Frontenac, we headed out into touristville.  The approach was to go in somewhat of a chronological order:  Place Royale, Quartier Petit Champlain, Old Port, Fortifications, and eventually the Citadelle.

Place Royale is the original site of Quebec, and Quartier Petit Champlain is the area immediately surrounding.  Both are clearly visible from the hotel.  You can take a funetel right down to the area.

View of Quartier Petit Champlain from the top floor of Chateau Frontenac

 Funetel (cable car) from Promenade down to Quartier Petit Champlain

 Place Royale

Fresque des Quebecois (check out the guy walking into the fresque!)

 Church, with a boat!

While down at sea-level, we decided to keep exploring.  Later we realized we sort of got off the beaten path, or at least the one with all the other tourists.  Old Port wasn't very historic, but we did find the Navy Reserve building (they wouldn't let me in) and the Naval Museum of Quebec (closed on Mondays).  I also spotted a tug boat being dragged along by a tanker, which seemed bizarre but maybe they do that to somehow keep the tanker pointed downstream in the swift current of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Guns, and more guns.  Quebec is the oldest walled city in North America north of Mexico City.  For show, they have refurbished all the old walls and re-installed all the armaments.  As late at the 1860s they were still paranoid those crazy Americans would invade!

After climbing nearly all the way back up from Quartier Petit Champlain, we finally found the main tourist thoroughfare again.  Somewhat exhausted, with feet throbbing from walking, we crashed at the first cafe we could find for some refreshments.

After a breather, we headed back up through Old Quebec to find the Fortifications.  On top of the wall, we walked across the gate we had previously driven and walked under the night before, and crossed over to the Citadelle.  Really starting to feel the effects of the morning run and all the walking around, we decided to head back to the Frontenac to pick up the Jeep and head to something a little farther away.

 Citadelle

 Chateau Frontenac from the Citadelle

 Chateau Frontenac (flags: Quebec City, Quebec Province, Canada)

For a little variety we headed up the St. Lawrence towards Vieux-Port (New Port, e.g. very industrial) to visit the Québec Aquarium.  Thankfully it had quite a bit more than fish from the St. Lawrence!

Some sort of ray (those are nostrils, not eyes, but still funny!)

 Walrus

Polar Bear

Jellies!

 Finally, we took in a home game of the Québec Capitales.  They are an independent league team.  We didn't last too long because we (Mike) was a little under-dressed.  A little cool in Canada even in the middle of summer!