Travel: Old Quebec, Quebec

This honestly surprised me. Because, I couldn't believe I was in the same country (Canada) and this was just a drive away.

We took a trip to Quebec City to celebrate my 30th birthday. Now, if you know me, you'll definitely know how much I LOVE my birthdays. And that (other than cake.... because you know, cake is mandatory) I'd rather receive experiences (activities, travel, taste tests, food tours, etc.) instead of actual tangible gifts. I'm not one to drool over designer bags, jewelry, and all that jazz.

Quebec City from our place was a 10-hour drive away. And what a different world it was!

We just recently acquired our new car then and after 3 days from the dealership, we broke it in driving east. I must be honest, I didn't really research where to go and what sights to see in Quebec City. We just booked a hotel room at Lévis near Old Quebec City (because we didn't have the budget at that time to book one right at Old Quebec. It was summer so the rates were super high. We stayed at the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton. There was a free shuttle to the port to take a ferry, cross the river, to get to this beautiful wonderland. So all was good. And it was only in the hotel's reception desk that I took some pamphlets and read about what sights there were that we had to visit. Talk about a whim! These types of escapes are the ones I enjoy the most. Because there's no telling what you get yourself into. You get to discover the place a step at a time, with no pressure with a detailed itinerary.

Two things I regret though. One, I should've read up more on it before going. Even if we didn't have an itinerary, I would've wanted to know the places to spend my energy on, especially the cute and picturesque streets we could've walked. And two, I wish I could've taken more photos. I just realized that most of the photos had our faces. Like not much of the scenery. Haha! Fail.

Old Quebec.... what a gem. The moment we saw it from the ferry, it was like entering a scene in a Disney movie or living a postcard you once picked up. The historic buildings, the beautiful and old hotels, the cobblestone streets, the lively patios, the old churches, and the shops by the street. Old Quebec has this charm of an old romance movie that you find yourself forgetting you're still in North America. It feels like you're walking the streets of a quaint and charming little town in Europe.

We arrived by ferry and were immediately smitten. Of course, we were hungry so went for it and chose a 3-course fondue menu. We started with a cheese fondue, a steak fondue for our mains, and a chocolate fondue for dessert. Man that was goooood! That fueled us well (and made us sleepy too) for our day ahead. Of course, we had to try the poutine. If you haven't tried it, make sure it's authentic squeaky cheese. We also had a duck confit mac-n-cheese. Yummms.

We were able to visit these places: Dufferin Terrace, Chateau Frontenac, Petit-Champlain, Palace Royale, Plains of Abraham, and The Parliament Building.  The next day, we were able to visit Montmorency Falls and the Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec.

I really want to go back there for a longer time. It's really the drive that took the hours away.

Here are some photos to take you to Old Quebec City. And by the way, these photos don't do the place any justice. You've just got to see it for yourself.

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 
 

 

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