Quebec City, a nice escape

Just returned from a great week in Quebec City, Canada. My sister and I have been doing sister trips for many years. This one was much closer to home than most of our adventures. For her, very, very close to home. I met her in Kennebunk, Maine, where she lives year-round. We set out for a trip north, expecting cooler weather.

We decided to stop for a night in Rangeley, Maine, which is halfway to Quebec. The small town is situated on one of the picturesque Rangeley lakes, surrounded by a mountainous, pine-covered landscape. We had hoped that along the way, we would spot an iconic moose. I have long had a moose sighting on my bucket list. Have come close but never scored. Sadly, the oppressive heat kept them in the woods and out of sight.

The next day we continued to Quebec City arriving mid-afternoon. Crossing the border was a non-event. Passports checked and we were on our way. The border guard greeted us in French, and from then on, our encounters were mostly in French. Quebec City is a proud center of French-Canadian culture. French is the official language, though English is widely understood in tourist areas. We experienced a strong European feel in the city’s architecture, cuisine, and customs.

It is always amazing to visit a very old city (dating back to 1535) that is safely enclosed within a large modern city. Like entering a fairy tale theme park, we passed through a historic gate and were instantly transported to another world. We found our Airbnb, which was on the second floor of a historic building. Using our guidebooks, we quickly found our way around the charming Old Town. The streets were lined with busy cafes and bright flowers in window boxes. Many of the historic buildings date back to the 1600s with touches of both English and French cultures.

Dominating the landscape is the Fairmont Frontenac hotel, on a high bluff overlooking the St. Lawrence River. With dramatic turrets, copper rooftops, and stone towers, the hotel was built in 1893 by the Canadian Pacific Railway to attract affluent travelers, and it still does.

We explored the Petit Champlain or lower town at the foot of the bluff, the oldest shopping district in North America. Brightly painted houses and restaurants were adorned with a colorful array of flowers. A serendipitous happening, we stopped at the Museum of Civilization, which offered an exhibit on the Titanic. The exhibit featured a replica stateroom and a detailed account of the ship's history and its tragic end.

We visited The Plains of Abraham, now a sprawling busy park but once the site of one of the most pivotal battles in North American history. In 1759, British and French forces clashed during the Seven Years’ War. The final victors were the British, but a fierce loyalty to France remains in Quebec.

A day away from Quebec City took us to a popular tourist attraction, Montmorency Falls, which at 83 meters (272 feet) tall, is higher than Niagara Falls. A few minutes north of the falls stands the dramatic Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre, one of six national shrines in Canada. It is known for reported miracles of curing the sick and disabled. In the sanctuary, we observed a display of crutches, walkers, and other assistive devices. Praying for cooler days did not seem to make a difference!

Our last stop was Ile d’Orleans, a picturesque island known for its farms, small vineyards, and many villages perched on hills overlooking the ever-present St. Lawrence River.

Our brief but thorough trip to Quebec City was relaxing and filled with outstanding dining experiences. Each evening, we stopped at one of the colorful cafes and enjoyed a variety of exceptional meals — ranging from steak frites to lobster from the Gaspe. We were charmed by the Quebecois, all friendly and helpful.

Thinking of a place for a brief, relaxing and enjoyable getaway? You might consider Quebec City.