Strolling the Streets of Quebec City, Photo by Terri Marshall, Globetrotting Traveling Grandmom
Quebec City Walkabouts
As the summer heat fades and crisp autumn days begin, the city’s sidewalks are adorned with colorful mums,
pumpkins and scattered leaves of red, orange and gold. It is an ideal time to go for a walkabout through Quebec
City’s uniquely charming districts.
We began with a walk through Old Quebec (Vieux-Quebec) where 17th and 18th century homes line narrow
cobblestone streets. Here you can immerse yourself in history at Place Royale – the site of the first permanent
French settlement in North America. Place Royale is also home to Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, the oldest stone
church in North America, built in 1688.
The French influence is everywhere as you stroll amid the cafes, boutiques and restaurants on Rue du PetitChamplain – the oldest street in North America. A funicular links Lower Town to the Dufferin Terrace and
offers spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River. You can also take the oldest staircase in the city, the
Breakneck Stairs (Escalier Casse-Cou) but I recommend holding onto the handrail!
Quebec City Fortification, Photo by Terri Marshall, Globetrotting Grandmom
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, Quebec City has the only remaining fortified city walls in North
America north of Mexico and you can walk atop those walls for great views and a glimpse into the city’s
military history.
Plains of Abraham
The scene of many historic milestones over the centuries, today the Plains of Abraham are an oasis of greenery
at the city’s heart. Canada’s first national historic park, Battlefields Park, which includes the Plains of Abraham,
was created in 1908 to mark the 300th anniversary of the founding of Québec. With over 242 acres, the park is
perfect for walks, sports and family picnics.
At the edge of the park, the Joan of Arc Garden has over 150 varieties of seasonal plants and flowers
surrounding a statue of the park’s namesake. In October things turn gloomy in the garden as mysterious
tombstones, markers and decorations appear displaying spooky legends from Quebec including the white lady
of Cap Diamant, the Sabbath, the voices of Joan of Arc, and phantoms behind bars. Stories of the legends
displayed alongside the gloomy décor provide all the spine-tingling spooky details.
Halloween in Joan of Arc Garden, Photo by Terri Marshall, Globetrotting Grandmom
Exploring the Countryside
As much as I love Quebec City, I knew our visit wouldn’t be complete without exploring the surrounding
Charlevoix region. So after a few days in the city we boarded the Train du Massif to venture on to Baie-SaintPaul.
The train departs at Montmorency Falls Park just outside Quebec City and follows a 90-mile track to La
Malbaie. The spectacular Montmorency Falls plunge from a height of 272 feet and can be viewed from a cable
car, suspended bridge, or from stairs that climb up the side of the cliff. The backdrop of the falls made for a
dramatic departure for the scenic ride along the St. Lawrence River as city views of homes and businesses gave
way to horses, farms and coastline.
Train du Massif, Photo courtesy of Charlevoix Tourism
Among my favorite moments was a massive wave of birds rising up from the banks of the St. Lawrence as we
hugged the edge of the rocky coastline taking in vistas not accessible by car. If you are traveling with kids or
grandkids, you don’t want to miss this ride.
Lovely Little Baie-Saint-Paul
The Train du Massif stops at Le Germain Hotel Charlevoix, built on the site of historic farm buildings.
Surrounded by pastures, pure air, and an abundance of open-skies, the hotel is an ideal retreat that combines
urban design with elements from the property’s history as a farm. I could have stayed here a month! It is just a
short walk to the adorable main street of Baie-Saint-Paul – the cultural center of Charlevoix and the birthplace
of Cirque du Soleil. Art is everywhere with over 30 galleries and studios lining the main street. Historic houses
converted to first-rate restaurants serve amazing locally sourced cuisine. One of my favorites is Mouton Noir, a
rustic riverside bistro where local terroir produce is transformed into delicious flavor combinations.
Charlevoix Flavor Trail
Watermill at Boulangerie Meunerie La Remy, Photo by Gregory Holder
And speaking of flavor, the Charlevoix Flavor Trail is a must with over 40 local producers, growers and
restaurateurs opening their doors to guests. The diverse attractive landscape extends from the sea to the
mountains with an abundance of rolling hills and fertile fields. Autumn is the perfect time to explore this
picturesque region and sample the breads, ciders, beers, cheeses and artisan chocolates along the aptly named
Flavor Trail.
Where to Stay:
Located in a century-old building in Quebec City’s Old Port, Le Germain Hotel Quebec is a beautiful property
and ideal base for exploring Old Quebec.
Le Germain Hotel Quebec
126, rue Saint-Pierre, G1K4A8
Telephone: 418-692-2224
Spend the night on an historic farm transformed into an urban oasis at Le Germain Hotel Charlevoix.
Le Germain Hotel Charlevoix
50, rue de la Ferme
Baie-Saint-Paul, G3Z 0G2
Telephone: 844-240-4700
Have you visited Quebec City and the Charlevoix region? What were your favorite experiences?
Read more at https://www.travelingmom.com/5-great-autumn-experiences-quebec/#8RqQy0UTYTrD5iO8.99