Quebec - A Taste of Europe

Montreal to Quebec

Sadly, no Pictures

August 15, 2014

We anxiously piled into the car for our next leg of the trip, Quebec City. Along the way we hit up Tim Hortons for breakfast and coffee. Their donuts taste like Dunkin Donuts did when they were made in store, fresh and melt in your mouth. Coffee was decent as well. We preceded along the highway and the kids were intent on finding moose (but never did). However, it kept them busy for about 5 minutes until they gave up their search and resorted to their electronics.

We arrived into Quebec right before lunchtime and checked into The Fairmont Frontenac Hotel, one of our bucket list hotels. An amazing Old World grand hotel and the kids were floored by the sheer size and elegance of the hotel. We dropped our belongings and headed out to the city to explore. I couldn't believe I was in Canada. It felt like we were in Europe. I'm sure everyone says that, but it's true. We walked through cobblestone streets, old buildings and big squares. We grabbed a quick lunch of poutine, and then made our way to see Cirque du Soleil show. Since the show got it start in the province of Quebec we decided it would be fun to see it in its place of origin. I always enjoy the shows and the kids loved it as well. They were beat after and we walked back to the hotel and just ordered room service, threw on our pajamas and chilled out for the evening in our awesome historic hotel. Sometimes, it's nice to order take out or room service instead of having to get ready again to head back out. A nice way to decompress from a long fun day.


My husband read that the brunch at the Frontenac was one of the best in Quebec and therefore made reservations at Place Dufferin located in the Fairmont. We had to wait a bit for our reservation, but it was worth the wait. The view alone was great, overlooking the Saint Lawrence River. I filled up on the bread, it was so fresh and tasty. The selection of fresh fruit, cheese, charcuterie and pastries were endless. With our bellies full we left the hotel and took a ride on the Funiculaire. From here we headed off to the Musee du Fort to learn about the history of Quebec City. It was fun, historic guided tour, no more than 45 minutes and the kids loved the fact that there was an actual prison located within the building. Moreover, they got to go into the cell which is so fascinating for kids. We walked over to The Notre Dame de Quebec for a visit and tour; the kids were impressed by its size. I reminded them they saw the original Notre Dame in Paris years before. From here, we walked to the Place Royale and visited the museum. We didn't stay too long as the kids were starting to get impatient. Good time to head back to the hotel for a rest. On the way back the kids decided that they had to do a carriage ride and broke us down for one. It was a nice ride of the Quebec City, not my favorite activity, but we did it.

Dinner was at Le Cendrillon Restaurant, in Quebec City. We made the mistake of walking there as we didn't realize the distance from our hotel.  So by the time we arrived, kids were cranky and hungry. Not the best decision. However, the food made up for our personal mistake. The service was superb and the beer selection was great. I loved the charcuterie and my husband and daughter slurped down a bunch of fresh oysters. We took a cab back.

After dinner my husband and middle child did a ghost tour of Old City Quebec. They said it was great and detailed. I stayed at the hotel with the other two and was lucky enough to watch Sharknado.  I think my husband got the better deal.