The recent travelogue on upstate New York from 2001 seemed to be well received, based on the feedback I've gotten. Therefore, I'll continue posting material from the archives, at least until I'm actually traveling again.
This post requires a little background. After being transferred to new Jersey in 1976, I visited our regional office in Toronto and was very impressed by the city. I decided then to bring my family into Canada on vacation, and did so the following year. It was our first significant trip in the 18 foot travel trailer I had bought used that year. Who could imagine at that time the huge influence it would have on our future,
Our travels in Toronto and other cities in Ontario were very positive, friendly people and interesting sights. We moved on to Quebec with enthusiasm, expecting an equally rewarding experience. Unfortunately, that province was in turmoil at that time due to a movement to separate the province from Canada, led by a faction of citizens of French ancestry. As a protest, they were refusing to speak English, which made it difficult for tourists to enjoy their time there. After one day of frustration, we left Quebec and vowed not to return. (The issue has been subject to referendum votes several times, nearly passing on one occasion. I don't know if it has ever been settled completely.)
Fast forward to April, 2001 when we were touring Big Bend N P in Texas and met a Canadian couple while hiking St. Helena Canyon. The couple asked if we had ever been to Quebec, prompting a replay of the disappointing trip in 1977. Surprised by our story, the couple convinced us that such would no longer be the case since the people of Quebec had realized the importance of tourism to their economy. Based on their assurance we decided to give Quebec another try and did return in August, 2001.
Montreal is not only a large, modern city but has some very old architecture, particularly its churches, and is extremely European. It has a reputation for having some of the best restaurants in North America.
The botanical garden was most impressive. We enjoyed the Oriental Gardens most of all.
The Summer Olympic Games were held in Montreal that year and had just completed a few weeks before our visit. Staging the games left Montreal with a huge debt, partly because they built such elaborate and beautiful venues. A radical tower anchored cables that supported the roof of Olympic Stadium, later the home of their major league baseball team. The view from on top shows the distinctive Olympic Village, where the athletes stayed. All of the facilities were extremely well done.
Quebec City, the capital of Quebec, is nearly 500 years old, but its population is only about 1/10 that of Montreal. It's most striking feature is the Chateau Frontenac hotel, said to be the most photographed hotel in the world. It dominates the skyline of the city due to its high position overlooking the town and the St. Lawrence River. Old Town is enclosed within fortress walls needed in the early days due to frequent battles between the French and English.
The city is very European and has many old churches. Cobblestone streets and fine restaurants can also be found everywhere.
Near Quebec City, the Ile D'Orleans is an island in the St. Lawrence with charming residential areas.
The Falls of Montmorency are higher than Niagara Falls, though not nearly as broad.
All in all, this was a fun trip and there were no language problems or other signs of rudeness. In fact, we enjoyed ourselves so much, we made another visit to Quebec in 2006 and stayed much longer, seeing even more of this special place.
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