All Aboard for a Trip to Quebec City
While our kids were away at their overnight summer camps, my husband and I used the time to visit Quebec City which is just a few hours away from Burlington by car or train. We opted to drive to Montreal then continue by rail the rest of the way. Our total travel time was a little over 5 hours, but traveling by train gave us the opportunity to work before we arrived as there was free wifi on board.
Fair warning, bring your best walking shoes when you visit Quebec City. I find the best way to discover a place is to walk, but here you will be going up. Like straight up. Vieux-Quebec (Old Quebec) is perched high on a hill. You can take the stairs, or for a few dollars the Funicular.
Another great way to see this city is by bike. I would advise trying to stay in a hotel that offers them to their guests like the Hotel 71, nestled in the Vieux-Port (Old Port) with great views of the famed Château Frontenac. Ask for a room on a high floor on the back side.
Among other places, we used the bikes to visit the Marche du Vieux-Port (Old Port Market) where the locals are able to do their shopping or visitors like us could pick up provisions for an impromptu picnic.
Across the street from our hotel was the Musée de la Civilisation. Although we didn’t go in — we are saving that for a return trip with the kids — we did find this beautiful rooftop garden which would make a great picnic spot!
We did take the free tour of the Parliament Building. And while the inside was fascinating, it was the edible gardens outside that blew me away. They feed the Parliament Restaurant and local charities.
Enjoy lunch at one of the many great restaurants. Choose one with a view of the city so you can people watch it if possible.
You can see more of my Instagram photos from our Quebec City trip here. We regret not taking a photo from the bar at The Château Frontenac, where we spent a lovely afternoon. We were too busy enjoying the view! (Tip: get there exactly at 5:00 pm when it opens to get a window seat)
I’ve only visited Quebec in the winter time and would love to go back in the summer, it looks “little more” pleasant when it comes to weather then… 🙂 Thanks for linking up, it has been lovely to follow your journey virtually on Instagram!
Satu-
It was very pleasant in the summer! I get enough winter living in Vermont. I am not sure how well I would navigate those steep, cobblestone streets in slippery snow. I much prefer the sunshine.
Dana
Looks really great, and somehow it reminds of my home country, Finland. I’ve only been to Montreal, so maybe Quebec could be our next Canada destination. I love getting travel inspirations from other people!
Reeta-
Our first time in Quebec City as well. We visit Montreal often, it is very close to Burlington, VT. We really enjoyed finding our way around.
Dana
I love Québec City but we haven’t been since our kids were little – and they had a great time at the Musée de la Civilisation then! I would love to have a basket of those raspberries!
I would love to visit Quebec. I love exploring pubs, too. Love that last photo. I’m always looking for the next place to enjoy a drink or bite to eat. This is why I now must lost five pounds again following back to back travels.
Leigh-
That pub is the D’Orsay. It really reminded us of the pubs in Dublin. It had beautiful views of City Hall and Notre-Dame Basilica-Cathedral.
Dana
Sounds like you had an amazing time – I would love to visit Quebec City one day.
Oh boy!! What I wouldn’t do for those yummy fresh fruits and veggies. I absolutely love Canada but Quebec is one that I haven’t visited. I knew it would be amazing!
Very nice post, thanks for sharing this informative post.