After my somewhat embarrassing introduction to Quebec City’s ubiquitous Frenchness the previous evening, I set out the next day to see what the city had to offer a non French speaker.
It was an absolutely picture perfect morning – blue skies, warm summer sun, the ideal amount of breeze to cool you off as you walked.
The perfect time to check out Canada’s other waterfall (after Niagara) – the Montmorency falls, just a short drive outside Quebec City.
An unnecessary detour over a bridge to the Isle d’Orleans aside, it was a very short trip.
Disappointingly the falls are located right at the edge of the freeway, so a little of nature’s usual tranquility was lost. The falls are impressive, they are actually 30m “taller” than Niagara but without the same majesty. I avoid the zip line and overhanging bridge for obvious reasons, but there is plenty to do in the surrounding park. To be honest though, it’s probably not worth the $17 (Canadian) entry fee.
Back in Quebec City it was time to check out the much advertised “BBQ fest“. Disappointingly it was really an outdoor collection of food trucks, held down near the harbour, with little else to offer. Tasty food to be fair, but I was expecting a touch more. Still it was free, and I had a pleasant walk along the harbour checking out the boats, so I can’t really complain.
Brunch taken care of, the rest of the day was taken up with an exploration of Quebec’s many attractions. Before heading into the old city proper, a walk along the quayside revealed a bar/restaurant with it’s own wading pools and small waterfall. It was full of kids splashing around, with a few early revellers wading, drink in hand, cooling off as the sun began to beat down a little more unmercifully.
I’d love to see one of these back home, but I’m sure the fun police and liability specialists would make it difficult to be profitable. One of the upsides of an arrogant Gallic background is the lessening of the nanny state mentality.
From here it was onto old Quebec proper. The historic district is in fact a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
And after only a few minutes in it’s arms, it’s apparent why. It is absolutely gorgeous. From the European city feel, to the intact fortress La Citadelle, it reeks of history.
Perched on a cliff, high above the St. Lawrence River, it offers glorious views, and an unparalleled skyline, including the world famous Chateau Frantenac.
Wandering the streets and steps; climbing the steps and walkways to the top of the ramparts; just stopping to watch street performers entertain everyone from kids to the elderly, everything is an unmitigated joy.
That’s not to say there are not some oddities to be found. The seemingly out of place, hello kitty like installations outside the Musees de la Civilization, Quebec’s clearly superior answer to the FCUK brand, and the discovery of the patented French version of Jenga, made in China, are just some of the treasures to be found.
I find that I’m in Quebec during some sort of festival – every street has some sort of entertainment- from circus performers to live music to craft stalls. People are out in droves, but strangely I don’t feel the usual bridled rage that comes with being surrounded by hundreds of spatially unaware, mindlessly meandering, maddeningly stopping and starting “people”.
Maybe it’s just the surroundings that make it more enjoyable. I’ve spent the entire day walking up hill, down dale, drinking in this absolutely stunning city. The temperature has been turned up from pleasant to sweaty-hot, but it’s a small price to pay for the delights of the day.
If Quebec City’s frenchness brought me undone the previous day, today it has restored and repaid me in full.
And then some.
