Quebec

Step back in time to Europe in the 17th century by visiting Old Quebec.

North America's premier city is an architectural treasure and a monument to European colonial history in the New World.

Old Quebec is a bit of old Europe on American soil with it's ramparts, gates and other fortifications the surround the city. Quebec has played a vital role in the colonial wars for control of the Americas.Without the help of the French, George Washington would not have had the financial where with all and man power to defeat the British.

The legendary French explorer Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec early in the 17th century. Quebec is perched on the cliffs over looking the Saint Lawrence ( Saint Laurent) river with views of the countryside for many miles below.

The city was the capital of New France until 1760, when it became the new British colony before becoming part of independent Canada.

 Chateau Frontenac

Boardwalk overlooking the Saint Laurent river

Accessible by steep stairs or by funicular.

Old Quebec's lower town, Basse-Ville sprung up

around the cities harbor and along the cliffs .

Ile d Orleans

"Le Belle Province"

The island has long been inhabited by the indigenous tribes,

the Huron people called the island Minigo meaning

enchantress because of the island's ability to charm those that live there.

The French explorer Jacques Cartier first set foot on the island in 1535

near the present day village of Saint Francois. Where I camped.

He called the island Ile de Bascuz because of the abundance of wild grapes.

GPS location of camp site at Saint Francois area on Ile d Orleans

Early each morning I would walk down to Saint Lawrence river

and stare at the sun rise and be enchanted by Ile d Orlean's

beauty. Filled with this immense scenery, how can anyone

not become grateful for the life God has given us,

and know with certainty that it is up to us to put life in ours years.

Notre Dame Bascilaque  as seen from Ile d Orleans

Bridge to cross from Quebec City to the Ile d Orleans

Family names from many years can be found in the cemetery.

Grapes still in abundance 400+ years after Jacques Cartier

first set eyes on the wild grape vines.

Pommes trees - apple trees

Montmorency Falls as seen from the island.

These falls are higher than Niagara Falls

Quebec people call a falls a chute

Pastoral chemin or path where rode bike to see countryside

Agricultural paradise

Dairy cows support the cheese production on Ile d Orleans

French word for cheese is "fromage"

Place where cheese is made is a "Fromagerie"

I ate some wonderful local cheese at a dairy & cheese farm.