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Published: October 15th 2013
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Capital BuildingWeather is definitely colder here In Quebec...time to bring out the warmer clothing again.
We have found that the locals here are more willing to speak in English - could be because of the large amount of tourists they receive via cruise lines. In any case the language barrier is not what is was in Montreal.
Slept soundly in our king size bed here at the Best Western - certainly a change to sleeping in the RV...even better is the ability to soak in a hot bath - how you miss the simple things in life when on the road.
It was cloudy and raining lightly this morning when we left the hotel for our walk up to Old Quebec - but it wasn't enough to ruin our plans. Walked through Place D'Youville again only today the skating rink was empty today and so were the streets. No cruise ships in town meant we had a very quiet day - great for us! Today is a public holiday in Canada - Thanksgiving long weekend.
Quebec is very much a walking city although there are a number of steep hills to climb on our way into Old Quebec...luckily
Morrin Centerwe got the hill climbs over first up in the morning - don't think we would have had the energy for uphill in the afternoon!
Walking down Saint- Jean we detoured off to Sainte Angele to find the Morrin Centre - the city's first prison built over 200 years ago which now one of the cities most beautiful libraries. Walked around the centre but unfortunately it was closed today so we continued on onwards The Citadel/Royal 22nd Regiment Museum.
The Citadel is a national historic site of Canada and is the largest fortification built by the British in North America. The fort has spectacular views of Quebec City and the surrounding region - the fort is still an active military post and also houses the Governor General. The Citadel was built by the British between 1820 and 1850.
A one hour guided tour $10 each gives you the history of Quebec and a visit to the Forts museum which is full of Artifacts including military uniforms, medals, and historical documents from the French, British and Canadian periods.
Next was a walk over to the Place D' Armes and the Frontenac for photos before heading off to
Architecture along Rue Saint Louisfind the Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica Cathedral - named a national historic place of Canada for its architectural value. Although this Basilica is significantly smaller than the one in Montreal it is just a beautiful. This church was originally built in 1647 and has been ravaged by fires twice - each time it was rebuilt on its original foundations according to the original plans.
We Enjoyed a light lunch at "La Nauvelle France" restaurant sitting out on a heated Terrace - that was just the break we needed. $9.95 bought us - soup of the day - caesear salad and garlic bread.
After lunch we walked on down to lower town - the area outside the fort and the location of the city's original settlement. Visited the local fresh food markets (Old Port Market) - then walked through the Quartier Petit-Champlain where the narrow cobblestone streets are lined with boutique shops - art and antique along with numerous cafes and bistros.
You won't find much in the way of fast food here - the smells of all the different foods are amazing. It's hard to choose where to eat as they all sound wonderful. Hard
One of the horse watering stations around the fortto belief we are in eastern Canada - feels very much like Europe here - very cool hey!
This evening we got enough energy together to head downstairs to the Cafe In to try out bowl of hot chocolate - not something I would do too often - very chocolately for sure.
Lots of photos included today - wish you could all be here to experience this special place in Eastern Canada.
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