Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
We enjoyed the picturesque landscape of the Quebec and Charlevoix regions as we followed the mountainous coastline of the St Lawrence River to Baie-Ste-Catherine where we departed on our whale watching cruise to the Saguenay-St Lawrence Marine Park. We sighted two humpbacks. They were diving to feed and so we saw their backs and tail fins, however with black whales in the dark water we did not see much. But the coast is lovely and we had fun trying to take pictures of the yellow 'watch out for moose' and other similar signposts.
Why is Quebec province only French speaking officially? It seems complicated but in simple terms because of the long history of unrest between the British and the French, we believe it was a historical concession given by the British to keep the peace.
And interestingly more recently there have been two referenda to vote on Quebec becoming independent of Canada. Both have been defeated.
We arrived at Quebec City after sunset and were amazed when we entered the old walled city. Many of the buildings are lit up and it was like a fairy tale.
Observations of Quebec City:
- As with most Canadian towns and cities there are many floral pots and other arrangements around the city. We surmise these are to celebrate spring and summer after their very long and cold winters.
- The walled Old Quebec City is astonishingly beautiful and true to its French and British history (complicated as it is).
- Most locals were quite helpful when they realised we were tourists.
- We took a historic walking tour of the city and were entertained by a guide who was obsessed with Crocodile Dundee, Skippy and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
- We were surprised to see soldiers in British grenadier guard uniforms at the Citadel - the Royal 22nd Regiment of the Canadian Army. Their regimental headquarters and museum are based at the famous La Citadelle within the walls of the old Quebec City.
- Maple sugar and syrup are major products of the province, and it is available and used everywhere, including on eggs at breakfast!
And as with our other travels, we are continually challenged with hotel showers. Again we haven't encountered two that operate the same! It sounds ridiculous but it's true.
And Kim is 'tres desole' after losing her pedometer in an unfortunate manner but still having to count her daily steps as part of the Global Corporate Challenge!
- comments
Robyn Bad luck about the pedometer. C'est la vie!