We are up early today, 7.00am. We’ve pre-arranged breakfast in our room and it is served at 8.00am. We are heading off for a walking tour around Quebec today.
We assemble for our tour and are greeted by Pierre. He waits for all 17 of the group to join before we head off.
The tour takes us through the winding and steep streets passing through where Quebec was founded, sites of original buildings, churches, schools, banks and hotels. We walk up several dozen steps to visit the original walled city of Quebec and wander past the parliament building, premier’s residence and quaint shops. We wander Rue du Petit-Chaplain.
Rue du Petit-Champlain is one of the oldest streets in North America, located in the historic district of Old Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Its history dates back to the early 17th century, when it was part of the French settlement in New France. The street is named after Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Quebec City, and is situated in a charming neighborhood that reflects the city’s colonial heritage.
Historically, Rue du Petit-Champlain was an important thoroughfare for trade and social activity, connecting the St. Lawrence River to the Upper Town. The street features well-preserved 17th and 18th-century buildings, showcasing a mix of French and British architectural styles. Notable structures along the street include various boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants, which contribute to its vibrant atmosphere.
In modern times, Rue du Petit-Champlain is a major tourist destination, attracting visitors with its picturesque cobblestone streets, historic charm, and cultural offerings. It hosts numerous shops selling local crafts, souvenirs, and gourmet food products, as well as cafes and bistros where visitors can enjoy regional cuisine. The street is particularly lively during festivals and events held throughout the year, such as the Winter Carnival and the Christmas market.
We stretch our legs and walk up the hill to the Chateau Frontenac.
The architecture of Château Frontenac is characterised by its distinctive turrets, steeply pitched roof, and castle-like appearance, which draws inspiration from the French Renaissance style. In 1981, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
Throughout its history, Château Frontenac has welcomed several notable guests, including:
- Winston Churchill – The British Prime Minister stayed at the hotel during World War II, particularly during the Quebec Conferences, where key wartime strategies were discussed alongside U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt – The U.S. President also frequented the hotel, participating in discussions about the war efforts with Churchill and other leaders.
- Charles de Gaulle – The former President of France stayed at the hotel and delivered a famous speech in 1967, which included the phrase “Vive le Québec libre!” (Long live free Quebec!), sparking controversy and excitement.
- Various celebrities – Over the years, numerous celebrities and notable figures from various fields, including actors, musicians, and politicians, have graced the halls of Château Frontenac, further cementing its status as a luxurious and prestigious venue.
Today, Château Frontenac remains a luxury hotel, offering modern amenities while preserving its historical charm, and it continues to attract visitors from around the world who want to experience its elegance and rich history.
After the Chateau, Pierre heads back to the ship. We leave the group and as many others do, stay in the city a little longer.
We return to Rue du Petit-Chaplain again after the tour concludes to enjoy a hot chocolate and muffin and croissant. We visit a few shops, buy some gifts and make our way back to the ship. It’s still icy cold and despite the warming hot chocolate, we’ve reached our limit of sub-zero walking!
We wandered back to the ship and had a quick burger in Waves Grill. The burgers there are delicious. So we will go back. We then went to the bow of the ship and sat in the Horizons Lounge. it has a full 180 degree view from high up over the bow. We sit and watch the activity in Quebec port and read and relax for a while. We stay on for the afternoon tea service.
We enjoy tea, cakes, sandwiches and scones. We then transferred to the Insignia Lounge for a round of trivia.
Trivia was more like a Mensa quiz. We only scored 4 out of 17. We then went to Martini’s for a drink. They had the air con turned up onto volcanic heat. So we only had one drink.
I then had a sleep. I had a work meeting at midnight for a couple of hours so too the chance for a nap.
We had a late dinner in the dining room. Some delicious beef pie and Mac and cheese.
We then headed to our room. I did some reading in preparation for my meeting. I finally made it to bed after the meeting at around 2.00am.
A full day. Tomorrow a very small and short port stay at Saguenay. The weather forecast suggests continuing sub-zero temperatures.
