Quebec City: Best Tips, Loves, Memories??

[navybankerteacher]

9 hours ago, electro said:

…

I've never heard of chip butties. 

Google is your friend - but to save you the time: a chip butty is a sandwich - two slices of buttered bread holding French fries (what the British call chips) often with some condiment such as ketchup smeared on them.

[Turtles06]

On 8/15/2023 at 11:44 AM, navybankerteacher said:

Try maple pie for dessert some evening - but I do not recommend the Quebec national dish: Poutine, which is pure stodge - thick gravy poured over French fries covered with cheese curds (yuck!).

American here. I first had poutine several years ago, in Quebec City, and I liked it very much. 😊

 

Also BeaverTails; extremely delicious. Was happy to find them in several other ports on that cruise. 
 

I recognize that neither is a healthy choice. 😂
 

 

Edited August 17, 2023 by Turtles06

[Milhouse]

I may get some hate for this 😀 but I find Costco has a very solid, basic poutine.  Pretty standard tasting though and didn't notice any difference between the one we had in QC versus the one we regularly get in Vancouver.  Also didn't find any in QC that really stood out for us (but we did in Montreal). 

 

17 hours ago, electro said:

There is also some great french onion soup in Quebec City. Last time I was there it was cold and rainy and this hit the spot.

 

During a trip in Feb 2020, my friends took me to La Buche for the onion soup.  What made it extra special was that it came with bone marrow.  

However, when I went to QC again in Dec 2021, I wanted to take the missus to La Buche to try it but unfortunately, it didn't come with the bone marrow any more.  The onion soup was still good but just not as special without it.  😕

 

On 8/15/2023 at 8:44 AM, navybankerteacher said:

A lot of folks think about staying at Chateau Frontenac- which I think is a mistake - it’s fairly pricey, and it’d just about the one spot from which you cannot see one of the most attractive sights: the Chateau itself.

 

We really enjoyed our stay at the Frontenac. It's a really nice property and you don't need to stay there to explore it.  Pretty central location.  But our room was really nice too.  

We were able to use a corporate rate from my workplace and Fairmont occasionally (semi-annual? Mother's Day and Black Friday) has a sale on gift cards where you get a bonus (eg 20%) gift card on your initial gift card purchase.  Combined, it made for a pretty reasonably priced stay.  

[neeuqdrazil]

On 8/15/2023 at 9:39 PM, navybankerteacher said:

Is there really a “right place” and right varieties of cheese, and French fries, and heavy gravy for that combination?  

 

A proper poutine doesn't have a heavy gravy - it's a brown gravy, yes, but it's quite thin. 

[electro]

12 hours ago, Turtles06 said:

American here. I first had poutine several years ago, in Quebec City, and I liked it very much. 😊

 

Also BeaverTails; extremely delicious. Was happy to find them in several other ports on that cruise. 
 

I recognize that neither is a healthy choice. 😂
 

 

Love Beaver Tails but it something I associate with skating on the canal so it is the only time I have them. 

[TLCOhio]

Nice comment on "my friends took me to La Buche for the onion soup.  What made it extra special was that it came with bone marrow."  Yes, dined there last night and had their wonderful French Onion Soup.  Enjoyed it so very much!!!!  

 

Yesterday's travels included visiting Île d'Orléans, Montmorency Falls that’s 30 metres higher than Niagara Falls and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine, the oldest pilgrimage site north of Mexico.  Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is  one of five national shrines in Québec and was late last July a site where Pope Frances performed mass.  

 

Below are a couple visuals for this spectacular Catholic location.  Also, cute kids playing in the colorful and fast-changing water feature in front of Quebec City's City Hall.  Plus, my wife and I are shown in front of their famous waterfall. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 72,388 views:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

 

 

 

 

[ddaz]

1 hour ago, TLCOhio said:

Yesterday's travels included visiting Île d'Orléans, Montmorency Falls that’s 30 metres higher than Niagara Falls and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine, the oldest pilgrimage site north of Mexico.  Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is  one of five national shrines in Québec and was late last July a site where Pope Frances performed mass.

 

Howdy TLCOhio,

 

How did you travel to Montmorency Falls and Sainte Anne de Beaupré?  We would love to see both of these locations during our brief stop in Québec City.  Our ship arrives around 8am and we need to be back onboard no later than 1pm.  Your photos were gorgeous and made us want to see the Sainte Anne de Beaupré Shrine all the more!

 

Thanks

ddaz

[LHT28]

19 minutes ago, ddaz said:

 

Howdy TLCOhio,

 

How did you travel to Montmorency Falls and Sainte Anne de Beaupré?  We would love to see both of these locations during our brief stop in Québec City.  Our ship arrives around 8am and we need to be back onboard no later than 1pm.  Your photos were gorgeous and made us want to see the Sainte Anne de Beaupré Shrine all the more!

 

Thanks

ddaz

That is  a pretty short port stop 

but  you could take a taxi   to the Cathedral  about  30 + mins away  & have them stop  at the falls on the return

 There are tours  but  it may not get you back  to the ship  by 1 pm

 

[TLCOhio]

6 minutes ago, ddaz said:

Howdy TLCOhio,    How did you travel to Montmorency Falls and Sainte Anne de Beaupré?  We would love to see both of these locations during our brief stop in Québec City.  Our ship arrives around 8am and we need to be back onboard no later than 1pm.  Your photos were gorgeous and made us want to see the Sainte Anne de Beaupré Shrine all the more!    Thanks     ddaz

 

Sorry, but Sainte Anne de Beaupré is not just beautiful, but it is so much, much more!!  Very amazing, spectacular and MOVING.  Very inspiring!!!  We took a tour through the local company Unitour on a larger bus.  We left at 10:30 am and returned around 3:30 pm  They also have an early afternoon tour.  Clearly that would not work with your rather tight and limited time in port.  Not good timing by your cruise line.  Good suggestion also by LHT28.

 

My suggestions?  Try ToursByLocals and try to arrange a Quebec private tour.  Our guide we used earlier on Sunday when we first arrived was Djany P.  She was totally amazing and so knowledgeable!!!  Maybe the best tour guide we have ever used in ALL of our travels around the world.  Ask for a custom, early morning tour.  Being private, it can start much earlier and be tailored your interests and travel style.  In a very limited time, you will learn much from Djany.

 

Hope this helps.  Let us know any other questions or needs.  Happy to share more.  Many additional visuals to come after we can back home, are caught up, etc.      

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 248,893 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

[WisCruiser2]

On 8/14/2023 at 6:13 PM, madera1 said:

Enjoying your post and jotted down some of the tips others have sent to you. We will be staying in Quebec City 3 days next month prior to a cruise. We have already booked a free walking tour for the first morning to get acclimated. We plan to take the public bus out to the Falls one day as well. 

Who did you book the walking tour with? TIA

[TLCOhio]

3 hours ago, WisCruiser2 said:

Who did you book the walking tour with? TIA

 

For Sunday after we arrive by air mid-day, we did a combination driving and walking "introductory orientation" through ToursByLocals with excellent private tour guide Djany P.  

 

Her knowledge and flexibility were excellent.  This allowed us in just a short period to learn the basics for Quebec City’s amazing history/lay-out, understand the roles for the French versus British history/interests/battles, how that all fit with our America's Revolution, the later French Revolution, etc.   After her great, "overview/background", it made the rest of our visit an understandable JOY!  On Monday through mid-day Thursday, we did the walking around and travel on our own.  We knew the city by that point and it all came together very well.  Staying handy and central in the Old Town was also helpful and convenient.   Below is Djany with my wife at one of their many parks with so many great floral displays. 

 

If on a cruise, it is hard to do it "ALL" in just one day.  Many options for exploring in and around Quebec City.  Plan and research accordingly.  OC is not just a "one-trick pony" type of port stop that can be done with a three-hour walk-around.   

 

More pictures and details later.  Have loads of interesting visuals still to share.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 72,388 views:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

[madera1]

5 hours ago, WisCruiser2 said:

Who did you book the walking tour with? TIA

His name is Samuel Dubois.  I learned about him from the New England/Canada port section of cruise critic!

[TLCOhio]

Got back late last week from five wonderful days in Quebec City.  First time there and enjoyed it so very much.  Below are some added visuals from that first day.  More to be posted.  

 

Plus, below is the Flickr link for many more visuals from Quebec City, plus a link for late last summer doing the wonderful Canada Maritimes.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island).  Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City.    Visual/Info Summaries:

www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

 

This Quebec City Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Hotel is the most photographed in the world and is exciting to experience from many different angles.  It was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway and first opened in 1893. It twice hosted Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt for World War II planning.  Second is part of the nearby Place d'Armes.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

 

Quebec City is the Capital of this key Canada Province and their Parliament Building is most impressive with its classic architecture.:

 

The flowers are amazing in Quebec City, including in front of this classic building that is part of their art museum complex and near a park with its Joan of Arc statute.  Third is our first meal there, including a wonderful Alaska Salmon Chowder.  Love seafood!!:

 

 

[TLCOhio]

For those seeking "food porn", below are some examples from last week in wonderful and historic Quebec City.  Plus, a link below to a wider range of the excellent history, architecture and charm available in and around Quebec City.  Had five days there and really enjoyed its great charm and character.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island).  Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City.    Visual/Info Summaries:

www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

 

At Quebec City's La Buche, they had a charming Canada-style interior and vibe that was super fun.  Plus, the food was wonderful, including an amazing French Onion soup and bison main entree.  Then, the dessert was from heaven!!:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Across from the QC City Hall at Alphonse, here was a wonderful seafood dish that I enjoyed outside on a nice sunny day lunch.:

[TLCOhio]

While in Canada last week, we loved our time there last week.  Below are a few more to prove and share the "Joy" of Canada, its people, history, character.    

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island).  Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City.    Visual/Info Summaries:

www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

 

Not one, but two Canada flags flying proudly in Quebec City.  Plus, the Quebec flag with their famed hotel in the background:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

 

Quebec City is unique with its still-standing walls surrounding its historic areas.:

 

Here are a couple more views/angles of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Hotel.  It was built by Canadian Pacific Railway, first opened in 1893. This most photographed hotel in the world twice hosted Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt for World War II planning.:

 

 

Here is a view of Montmorency Falls, 272’ tall, 99’ higher than Niagara Falls. with tourism ship in the foreground in this part of the Saint Lawrence River.:

[TLCOhio]

Below are more visuals from Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine.  It is the oldest pilgrimage site north of Mexico and 19 miles east of Quebec City.  The current Basilica was built in 1926, It was visited last summer by Pope Francis in late July 2022. Then, we arrived this past summer?  Were we in great company?

 

As noted, we were amazing by the design, details and overall, moving impression at this religious site.  We are not Roman Catholic, but we viewed this location as one of our top highlights for our time in and around Quebec City. 

 

It has been credited by the Catholic Church with a variety of miracles for curing the sick and disabled. It is an important Catholic religious sanctuary, which receives about a half-million pilgrims each year.  Per Wikipedia, the total length of the building is 344 feet long, 157 feet wide; with a transept width of 200 feet. The height of the building's steeple is 299 feet.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 245,156 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

 

Here are more visuals from our visit to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.  It can seat up to 1300 and has this long central part of the cathedral. Second shows some of the special doors created by cooper artist Albert Gilles. Also shown are various other parts of this main sanctuary.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

 

 

 

 

Here are two, added exterior views of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.  This includes a closer view of the gold-leafed statue of Jesus at the front.:

 

 

Here is the daughter of famous artist Albert Gilles at their Copper Museum where a demonstration was made for the gold, silver, etc., designs that her father did at the nearby church and at other locations.:

[TLCOhio]

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine two days ago, they had this headline: “10 Friendliest Cities in the World" with this sub-headline: "The bustling metropolises you loved most this year, from Oceania to Mexico.”

 

They asked questions about: Did an outgoing local go out of their way to give you directions? Easy to navigate? Get good vibes from the people around you?  They picked ten best cities in the world.  

 

Here are their reporting highlights: “Visiting Québec City is like being in Europe without having to cross the Atlantic. The city is historic and attractive, and its 'Frenchness' is clearly reflected in its food (and its charm). Old Québec, a UNESCO-protected area of the city, exudes romance with its cobblestone streets and charming cafés—and the people you’ll encounter while exploring are guaranteed to be friendly and helpful.” 

 

Full story at:

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/2015-08-14the-2015-friendliest-and-unfriendliest-cities-in-the-world?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=cnt&utm_mailing=CNT_Daily_PM_112223&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5db3f99524c17c23c34ecf3e&cndid=6657468&hasha=e1ca3019f9f535a4b98389997c63b892&hashb=7daf2541a0de702392cfe60ed513a5c2d1d23598&hashc=f541a9e649534cc2931bd57d58d8c2cac2bb8c5d298f722bad5b05cc8ad5ece2&esrc=IDCONDENAST_REGGATE&utm_term=CNT_Daily

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island).  Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City.    Visual/Info Summaries:

www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

[GTJ]

3 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine two days ago, they had this headline: “10 Friendliest Cities in the World" with this sub-headline: "The bustling metropolises you loved most this year, from Oceania to Mexico.”

I do like reading Traveler, but I do so with a grain of salt. Their observation that "[v]isiting Québec City is like being in Europe without having to cross the Atlantic" is accurate, but so, too, is visiting Mexico City. But what I find most galling about these types of articles is their measurement of "friendliness" by assessing the receptiveness of people on foot. In many cities, people in a rush--and not receptive to visitors asking questions--are driving about isolated in cars and never stopped by these writers. Instead, only people with time on their hands, virtually all pedestrians in auto-centric cities, get assessed for their receptiveness. On the other hand, where I reside, in New York City, many, if not most, people on foot are in a rush, yet they are viewed as "unfriendly" simply because they're not exempt from being surveyed by being isolated in a car.

 

Québec is a fabulous city for many reasons. I always enjoy being there, and I would never discourage visiting. But as a whole it is no more friendly than New York (and with its nationalism streak and many opposed to the use of English, it is arguably less friendly than New York).

[WESTEAST]

On 11/22/2023 at 7:00 PM, GTJ said:

I do like reading Traveler, but I do so with a grain of salt. Their observation that "[v]isiting Québec City is like being in Europe without having to cross the Atlantic" is accurate, but so, too, is visiting Mexico City. But what I find most galling about these types of articles is their measurement of "friendliness" by assessing the receptiveness of people on foot. In many cities, people in a rush--and not receptive to visitors asking questions--are driving about isolated in cars and never stopped by these writers. Instead, only people with time on their hands, virtually all pedestrians in auto-centric cities, get assessed for their receptiveness. On the other hand, where I reside, in New York City, many, if not most, people on foot are in a rush, yet they are viewed as "unfriendly" simply because they're not exempt from being surveyed by being isolated in a car.

 

Québec is a fabulous city for many reasons. I always enjoy being there, and I would never discourage visiting. But as a whole it is no more friendly than New York (and with its nationalism streak and many opposed to the use of English, it is arguably less friendly than New York).

Have lived in Quebec and visited NYC many times. Thus, agree with your comment. 

[TLCOhio]

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine last month, they had this headline: “Best Places to Spend Christmas Around the World" with this sub-headline: "Some celebrations are worth the price of a plane ticket.”

 

Here are their reporting highlights for Quebec City: “Why we go: Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America, and its colonial French architecture gives it an unmistakably European feel. The cobbled streets of the Old Town are packed with quaint shops and delicious bistros, all merrily decorated for the holidays.   The one thing to get you in the spirit: The Au 1884 toboggan run by Château Frontenac (open from mid-December to mid-March) is one of the city’s oldest traditions—and quite the thrill. Zoom down icy tracks overlooking the city on a wooden sled reaching speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.   Stay here: You can’t go wrong with Auberge Saint-Antoine and its lobby fireplace, heated bathroom floors, and a Christmas package that includes a five-course dinner, holiday movie screenings at the in-house theater, and a personal visit from Santa in your room.” 

 

Full story at:

https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2015-12-08/copenhagen-to-quebec-14-cities-that-do-christmas-best?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=cnt&utm_mailing=CNT_Daily_AM_122523&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5db3f99524c17c23c34ecf3e&cndid=6657468&hasha=e1ca3019f9f535a4b98389997c63b892&hashb=7daf2541a0de702392cfe60ed513a5c2d1d23598&hashc=f541a9e649534cc2931bd57d58d8c2cac2bb8c5d298f722bad5b05cc8ad5ece2&esrc=IDCONDENAST_REGGATE&utm_term=CNT_Daily

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 109,836 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

[TLCOhio]

From Forbes magazine in the past week, they had this headline: “Best Destination Quebec City” with these highlights by Caroline Lupini,: “Quebec City, a slice of European charm in North America, offers a magical experience, especially during the holiday season. The city, with its cobbled streets, historic architecture and the unmissable Château Frontenac, transforms into a winter wonderland, making it a perfect backdrop for the Quebec Christmas Market. Inspired by the grand Christmas markets of Europe, it’s full of twinkling lights, charming wooden kiosks and the aroma of spiced mulled wine and sweet treats. You can even ice skate on the nearby rink.  For a true taste of traditional Quebecois cuisine, head to La Buche, where the culinary experience is, in my opinion, best enjoyed by sharing dishes family-style.   Not far from the city’s festive hustle lies Montmorency Falls—which is even taller than Niagara Falls. The falls are accessible via a cable car, a suspension bridge and several viewing platforms, which each provide different perspectives. In the warmer months, the falls are surrounded by lush greenery, making it a popular spot for picnics, hikes and even zip-lining or via ferrata for the more adventurous.”

 

Nice to see this "shout-out" for La Buche.  We enjoyed so much that charming and fun dining location in Quebec City.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/travel-rewards/best-places-to-travel/#Quebec

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 249,792 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/