Quintessential Quebec City

Francois Laval Among the Spires

Quebec City is a gem, the only walled city in North America; Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage City, it retains its old world charm with the feel of a French city.  The centerpiece is the Chateau Frontenac, perched atop Cap Diamont (Mount Diamond) named by Jacques Cartier for the diamonds he believed could be found there. 

Chateau Frontenac Viewed From the River's Edge

He was the first European to reach Quebec in 1535 but it was Samuel de Champlain who founded a permanent settlement in 1608.  Our exploration began with a bike ride to the base of Cap Diamont where there is now a funicular to the top.

The Funicular

View From the Top

Exiting the funicular one was greeted by a large sculpture of Samuel de Champlain placed on the spot where he died in 1635.

Samuel de Champlain

Harry Enjoying a Frappachino

Across the plaza was a familiar sign, Starbucks, located on the ground level of the Chateau Frontenac.  Of course we stopped for some refreshment!  Soon we were ready to begin our exploration, walking the Dufferin Terrace, a wooden boardwalk with spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River.  The Governor’s Promenade was next with its 310 steps leading to the Plains of Abraham, site of the battle between the British and French in 1759.   It was this defeat which caused New France to become a British Colony in 1763. 

Viewed From the Bottom, Governor's Promenade Ends at the Flagpole

View From the Top

 

Plains of Abraham

 Near the Plains of Abraham the Citadel stands proudly guarding the city. 

A Mini "Changing of the Guard" at the Citadel

The Ball Tower, Originally Used to Tell Time

 In the lower town (Basse-Ville) where the original fur trading post was located is the Notre-Dame-Des-Victories Church, built in 1688 it is said to be the oldest stone church in North America and is named for the earlier French victories over the British in 1690 and 1711.  It stands in Place Royal amidst many 17^th and 18^th century buildings, former homes and businesses of early shopkeepers. 

Notre-Dame-des-Victories Church

Place Royale With its Bust of Louis the 14th, King of France

Archaeological Remains of Place Royale

Finding our way back up the hill, this time taking “breakneck stairs”, we headed toward the St. Louis Gate to the Parliament Building.

"Breakneck Stairs"

St. Louis Gate

Harry Conquered the Gate!

Quebec City is the capital of the province of Quebec, its facade bears twenty two bronze statues of men and women who were of importance in history.

The Parliament Building

Kilometer 0, the Heart of Quebec City, Located in Front of the Parliament Building

Some of the Bronze Statues Are Visible Here

Where the Legislators Meet

The British Representatives Oversee and Approve Legislation From This Room

We enjoyed our visit to Quebec City and look forward to returning in the future.  We had two “weather days”, remaining longer than planned but put the time to good use getting Hali groomed and planning our navigation as we continue north east on the St. Lawrence River.

Hali's New Do

We Discovered a Convenient Way to Get Hali to the Groomers When it Was Too Far For Her to Walk!