Day 2
Quebec City
Along the Saint Lawrence River: The Thousand Islands, Quebec City and St. Anne de Beaupre. The best of Canadian history.
Quebec City
We arrive in Gananoque just in time to board the 9 am boat that will take us on an hour-long tour of the area. 1000 islands Attractive, but we get the impression of a tourist-oriented toy. The initially cloudy sky reflects an oil-like color in the water. Subsequently, the sun appears and everything takes on more vibrant characteristics. Almost every island has a cottage where the owners spend their weekends; some are actually second homes with docks and luxurious furnishings. We continue along 1000 Island Parkway, a 35 km route that follows the river, to reach the 401.
Stopover in Quebec City
We see many detours for golf courses, which seems to be the real national sport, at least at an amateur level. In the late morning, we arrive in Quebec, where a friendly hostess from the information office provides us with all the necessary information and books us a motel in St. Anne de Beaupré. We have lunch at a McDonald's along the way (the convent is no better), and then head towards Montreal, avoiding it to avoid the many construction projects and the significant traffic. We follow Hwy 20 for about 150/180 km. It’s a highway that passes south of San Lorenzo in a very monotonous stretch. We arrive at Quebec City (where it just stopped raining), and take Hwy. 40 and 175 which lead us to the city center through beautiful tree-lined avenues, flower-filled meadows, and residential houses from the early 20th century. Quebec City Let's take a look at the Citadel from outside, the Campo d'Abraham where the historic battle between French and English took place in 1759 and the Château Frontenac The overall impression of the city is definitely positive. We buy some Christmas decorations in a shop entirely dedicated to festive items and head east, where we admire the Montmorency Falls at dusk. There's a queue as fireworks are being set off near the falls, and everyone is rushing there. The area around Quebec City appears very industrial and unattractive. We arrive on Hwy 138, which is very wide, towards St Anne, where there are numerous hotels and restaurants.
Dined excellently at Le Marie Beaupré, near the Basilica of St. Anne, where we enjoyed a delicious entrecôte and salmon steak with vegetables, all cooked perfectly and at an excellent value for money.
