Monday, September 30, 2019, Quebec City, Quebec

Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Compact and picturesque, Quebec City is by many accounts the most French city in New France.  The Old Town's centerpiece, the magnificent Chateau Frontenac, seems transported from the palatial landscapes of the Loire Valley, and its French-accented streets lead past white-stone buildings that evoke old-world medieval villages.  The only remaining walled city in North America outside of Mexico, Quebec City was fortified in the 17th century soon after its founding in 1608.  Its strategic setting on the rocky promontory of Cape Diamond gave troops a close view of the St. Lawrence.  You can still enjoy the vista today, particularly from Dufferin Terrace, the boardwalk that doubles as a fairground of street performers in the summer.

Since our excursion was to begin at 1 PM, we walked to the Old Town area this morning.  Below are pictures of our morning stroll.

 Wood figure in front of a shop selling wood carvings, etc.

We watched these two workmen pull the window frame up the ladder using a rope then wrestle it into the open.  Quite a feat.

 Maple syrup on a stick from "snow" under.

 Mural on side of store.

 Family (baby in carriage) at morning snack.

 Look closely!

 Moat in the Old Town.

Honey Wagon.

Sacred Sites of Worship, Nature, and Maple Syrup

On today's excursion we started by crossing the St Lawrence River to the island of Ile d’Orleans, known as the “Open Garden of Quebec” due to its vast farm-lands.  We made a stop at a local “cabane a sucre,” or sugar shack, where we learned how this region’s beloved maple syrup is made and sampled some of the famous “taffy on snow.”  Our next stop was back on the banks of the St Lawrence River at the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre, stunningly set on the St. Lawrence River.  This Catholic pilgrimage shrine welcomes half a million visitors each year.  We admired the sanctuary’s masterful paintings, Mosaics, and stained glass windows.  We continued to the magnificent Saint-Anne Falls; this torrential cascade has carved the spectacular Saint-Anne-Canyon.  We had time to cross suspension bridges – one that towers nearly 200 feet above the river below and took in incredible views.

 Bridge to Ile d'Orleans island.

 View of farm house as we crossed the river bridge.

 The large island has on signal light and one gas station, collocated.

Our first stop today was at a "sugar shack" to learn about maple syrup producing.  Each of 1,500 trees produces four gallons of sap per season that cooks down to one gallon of syrup.  This current owners are the eighth generation to produce syrup on this property.  More info:  https://www.entailleur.com/

 Taps are inserted in mid-March and removed late April or late May.

 Pouring maple syrup onto "snow;" roll with ice cream stick for delicious treat.

  

 Vineyards to make wine.

Note high power electrical lines that go to USA; generated for water.  Canadians refer to water generated electricity as "hydro."

 Off the island; Montmorency Falls.

  

Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre.

More info:  https://sanctuairesainteanne.org/en/decouvrir/sainte-anne

Outdoor statue of Saint Anne.

History of the shrine:

1658:  First chapel - During the construction of the chapel, the healing of Louis Guimont took place.  It was to be the first of many favors received.

1661-1676:  Second church - Build of both wood and stone, this church was located to the east, on the present site of the old cemetery.

1676-1876:  Third church - This stone church was a place of worship for two centuries.  It was demolished in 1878.  The Memorial Chapel was then constructed on the foundations of its transept.

1876-1922:  First basilica - In 1876, Saint Anne was proclaimed patroness of the province of Quebec.  That same year, a fourth church, much larger that the previous ones, was opened for worship.  The basilica was destroyed by fire on March 29, 1922.

1923-present:  The basilica - Cardinal Maurice Roy consecrated the present basilica on July 4, 1976.

 Fountain of Saint Anne.

Floor mosaics.

 Indoor statue of Saint Anne.

 Monastery who has responsibility for cleaning and maintenance of the church.

 Local snow ski slopes.

Canyon Sainte-Anne is a spectacular, steep-sided gorge, carved by the Sainte-Anne-du-Nord River, 3 1/2 miles east of Beaupré, Quebec, Canada.  The river drops over a 243 ft waterfall within the canyon.

More info:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canyon_Sainte-Anne

 Map of river, falls, paths, lookouts, and three suspension bridges.

 River below falls.

 Two hundred-fifty foot high waterfall.

Picture taken from a suspension bridge 200 feet above the river and suspension bridge below.

 Just a short walk back to our bus then head back to the cruise ship.

Getting pretty dusky but this was the end of a great excursion.  Hope you are not too bored!

We leave Quebec City at 6 PM, heading for a second stop at Saguenay.  Will arrive around 7 AM tomorrow.