Quebec City is the most beautiful city in Canada. We heard – and read – it left and right. We believed it. We wanted to visit, but it didn’t fit in the schedule when the three of us made our way east from Utah, the beginning of summer. We’d already made a serious detour to add Canada’s runners-up Eastern cities (Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal), as well as Niagara Falls, to our route into Massachusetts.
Mark, Maya, and I would be back in the country in August and September, to explore Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, before meeting my parents. What better place for them to fly into than Quebec City? Coming from Belgium, it would be a gradual change towards New England’s attractions. When in Old Town Quebec, one could easily feel transported to a historic town in Europe. It is the only walled city north of Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
(Hover over the photos to see captions or click to enlarge.)
Zesty delivered us to the area a couple of nights early, which was perfect to get a feel for Quebec’s jewel. We’d found an attractive boondocking site on the iOverlander app that we were antsy to try, before joining my parents in an Airbnb for the following three nights.
This free riverside parking lot (during summer months) in Lévis, across the Saint Lawrence River, allowed us to hop on the ferry with Maya for a beautiful sunny day of Quebec City immersion. We didn’t look at any maps or planned any routes. We just strolled the narrow streets, steep stairways, part of the ramparts, and a few of the more commercial areas of town.
Once my parents arrived, we repeated some of these highlights and discovered new churches, alleyways, and historic buildings.
The others humored me in an attempt to walk around Old Quebec on the fortifications – 4.5km in total (3 miles). Apart from one area under construction (which must be an ongoing feat), we pretty much succeeded.
My dad watched Maya, while the other three adults took an hour-long tour of the Governor General’s living quarters in the Citadel of Quebec. Nobody else signed up, so we had the guide all to ourselves.
Having my parents with us meant lots of splurges! We stayed in a comfortable, dog-friendly Airbnb apartment, a 30-minute walk from the city center, and ate out – or ordered in – once a day. Of course, we had to get croissants and pains au chocolat (koeken) for our Sunday breakfast, like in Belgium.
The beautiful weather continued just long enough and our start to leave Quebec City was just early enough, to fit Montmorency Falls (20′ drive from town) into our itinerary, before crossing the border into the US (time consuming) and taking a break in Kingfield, Maine. The coolest thing about these impressive falls is that you can walk over them.
Next up: Indian summer with the family in Maine.
I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t like Old Quebec. Have you been?
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October 23, 2019 at 14:20
Nice post. Love the waterfalls.
October 23, 2019 at 18:19
Thanks. My mom found out about them and suggested we’d stop before leaving Quebec. It was a nice surprise. 🙂
October 23, 2019 at 15:04
Was there many years ago. Remember it fondly. A few of your photos look familiar.
October 23, 2019 at 18:20
Hi Leslie! I think Quebec City is one of those places that people enjoy revisiting, over and over again!
October 23, 2019 at 15:41
I have pleasant memories visiting Quebec City and Montreal when we visited Quebec. I remember wishing I could speak French. In fact, it felt like being in France (great cuisine, art, and architecture), but with extremely polite and appreciative people.
October 23, 2019 at 18:21
Hi Marian! Being in Quebec City, more than anywhere else in Quebec, does feel like being in France. We thoroughly enjoyed the sights, the people, and the cuisine. And, even the language (apart from only English-speaking Mark). 🙂
October 23, 2019 at 16:26
“Having my parents with us meant lots of splurges!” Great line, Liesbet! Yeah, sounds like my parents. I’m so happy you got to enjoy all of the gorgeous sites with your parents. That makes it even more special. I’ve never been, so I really appreciate the tour. Your photographs are spectacular! Safe travels!
October 23, 2019 at 18:24
Hi Jill! Thanks for swinging by and enjoying my post. Yep, we had 2.5 weeks of splurges. And, I appreciated and enjoyed every minute of it. My parents were extremely cooperative and understanding when it came to finding dog-friendly restaurants, accommodations, and activities!! Luckily for us, the weather was mostly fine, because we couldn’t leave Maya alone at any time…
October 23, 2019 at 17:02
I’ve been to Quebec City a few times and enjoyed it every time. I’m glad you had a good time with your parents there. Thanks, Liesbet, for sharing your beautiful snapshots.
October 23, 2019 at 18:24
Hi Natalie! I’m envious of you living so close to Quebec City and I’m happy to read that you always enjoy your time there. Now I understand why. 🙂
October 23, 2019 at 17:19
I’m intrigued by the idea of a walled city. Apparently the US had a few but their walls no longer stand. I would have wanted to walk the fortifications too. I imagine it might be like walking the rim of a volcanic crater but lots easier.
What a lovely visit with your parents! Great pics!
October 23, 2019 at 18:27
Hi Duwan! I love walled cities and forts and castles… From the moment I read in the guidebook that Old Quebec is surrounded by “walkable walls”, I wanted to follow that circuit. And yes, it is easier to walk on than the rims of volcanoes, but there were some ups and downs and stairs that tired my parents…
October 23, 2019 at 17:34
Isn’t it wonderful that your parents came over to visit and spend time with you both. Worth the effort to make more special memories. Yes, I can understand why Maya would be a star attraction she has such an unusual colouring.
Our niece is supposedly marrying a Canadian chap, he wants to live in NZ though I am sure they will land up living in both countries. Love to visit Canada, one day if I get the chance.
October 23, 2019 at 18:31
Maya is a special dog, Suzanne, you got that right. Smart, sweet, soft, and beautiful. And, she’s come a long way from when we adopted her four-and-a-half months ago. It was nice to see my parents, which only happens once a year. Usually, I return to Belgium, but, since this was not on the agenda in 2019, it was their turn to visit me. 🙂
Canada and NZ have a lot in common when it comes to nature and the environment (and language). My guess is that your niece and her husband will choose NZ to live in and then go to Canada to visit once in a while. Maybe you will be able to join them one year… 🙂
October 23, 2019 at 18:13
Quebec looks like a lovely place to visit Liesbet and those waterfalls look amazing! Enjoy your time with your parents and please give Maya a big pat from us all ???????????????? xxx
October 23, 2019 at 18:31
Maya says “thank you” for the pat. She’s stretched out at my feet, after two long walks today. 🙂 Quebec is a special place and we hope to visit again, but focus on nature next time.
October 23, 2019 at 19:06
Your pictures of Old Quebec brought back good memories of our visit. Thanks for sharing!
October 24, 2019 at 09:37
Hi Janis! I’m glad about the good memories. 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting.
October 23, 2019 at 21:28
Hi, Liesbet – I agree that Old Quebec is stunning. You’ve captured it brillaintly! What a wonderful place to spend time with your parents.
October 24, 2019 at 09:39
Hi Donna! When I invited my parents for a visit, the next step was figuring out where. And allowing us to “do our thing” in Zesty for most of the summer. Initially, I thought about Halifax, but the distance from there to Boston was too big, to have them drive and travel with us the entire time. So, Quebec City was the better alternative, with some time in Maine to follow. And, to be honest, it is a more impressive and special city than Halifax. 🙂
October 24, 2019 at 03:38
Lovely photos and shame, I haven’t been to Canada at all…
October 24, 2019 at 09:40
Hi Nilla! I think Canada will have to be bumped up on your travel destination list. Many opportunities for photography. 🙂
October 24, 2019 at 09:46
Indeed it will and I have a very good friend that’s always reminding me I should visit Canada.
October 24, 2019 at 09:47
🙂
October 24, 2019 at 03:47
How lovely that you got to enjoy such a wonderful place with your parents – and enjoy some splurges!
October 24, 2019 at 09:42
Hi Tracey! I thought I’d be fed up with restaurant meals by the time my parents left, but, to be honest, after cooking ourselves again for over two weeks straight now, I seriously crave an evening out again. 🙂
October 24, 2019 at 07:25
The age and style of those buildings, it’s hard to believe they are located in North American and not Europe.
October 24, 2019 at 09:46
Good point, Alex! I’d say if Canadians or Americans want a cheaper European vacation (without the long and expensive flights), they might as well just visit Quebec City for a long weekend. 🙂
October 24, 2019 at 14:28
Oh wow! Looks like you had a fun trip! and I love the photos…
October 25, 2019 at 10:35
Thanks, Damyanti! Quebec City is a special place. Very different from New Delhi, including the mood! 🙂
October 25, 2019 at 01:56
We have been to Toronto and Montreal, but not Quebec city. Oh it does look like a European city. And I do love walled cities, especially when one can walk along the ramparts. How wonderful to have your parents join you for this special visit. I assume that this was their fist time meeting Maya? How did they all get along? And how is Maya adjusting to life on the road? I can see why Maya gets so much attention as she is so gorgeous. Reminds me of when our dog Mango (a red Aussie) was alive and lived with us in Chicago first and then Nicaragua. He was always the star of every outing.. and man did he love the attention. He knew he was beautiful haha.
Love all the photos, especially the architectural features and the waterfall. What a fun visit this looks like! Ah croissant and pan chocolat for breakfast cannot be beat!
Peta
October 25, 2019 at 10:42
Peta, I think you and Ben would love Quebec City, especially when he (and you) has a craving for anything French! 🙂
Yes, it was the first time my parents met Maya. While they initially focused on how she “changed our lives and massively reduced our freedom, what were we thinking?”, they grew to love and accept her as a family member. We were still having issues with her, so couldn’t leave her alone at all, which does restrict our options for many things.
Maya loves the camper and life on the road, as long as she can be with us. The last few weeks, we’ve been back at the in-laws in Massachusetts, where she sees our room as her second home, so all that is good. My mother-in-law has grown very fond of Maya these last months as well. She’s allowed in the hallway downstairs now when we eat, as it’s too cold on the porch. Mark’s dad is allergic to dogs, hence the restricted areas of Maya’s roam.
I would have loved to meet Mango! I should check out your Nicaragua blogs to find a photo of him. Maya is pretty gorgeous, with her special brindle coat, but she couldn’t care less about all the attention. 🙂
October 25, 2019 at 04:08
I have not been, but would love to go. I didn’t know about those waterfalls. Your photos are fabulous.
October 25, 2019 at 10:43
The waterfalls were a surprise to us as well, Anabel. My mom had read about them in a Dutch guidebook and suggested the detour. Even though it was a super-long day with six hours in the car planned and a lengthy border crossing, we are glad we checked them out!
October 25, 2019 at 20:40
Never stepped a toe in Canada, Liesbet, but I hope that changes within a couple of year when we retire to Washington state. Thanks for the armchair tour with your beautiful pics and descriptions! Glad your parents had a great trip!
October 31, 2019 at 15:17
Thanks for the compliments, Terri! And, what’s that about retiring to Washington state? I had no idea about that plan. Sounds exciting! No more hot summers and oh-so close to fantastic sights in Oregon and British Columbia as well. Have a great weekend!
October 26, 2019 at 17:05
It looks a grand place for strolling, Liesbet. Nice to have your folks around. 🙂 🙂
October 31, 2019 at 15:19
Quebec City has a few levels (up and down) to explore, Jo, but it is – indeed – a fantastic place for strolling. And, I hear it’s often sunny. We sure lucked out with three blue sky days in a row! 🙂
October 27, 2019 at 12:20
What lovely photos! We drove through Quebec back in 1988 but were on a tight schedule and didn’t have time to stop for tourism. Maybe someday… 🙂
October 31, 2019 at 15:22
Hi Diane! I hope you guys get to return to Quebec City soon. You passed through in another lifetime and it’s an incredible city to explore! 🙂 Thanks for the compliment about the photos. I find it so much easier to post photos than text, these days…
October 28, 2019 at 20:20
Beautiful photos of Quebec. I haven’t been there in decades. And this post just reminded me of my visit to one of their fancy ski resorts, lol, I don’t ski, but the wine bar was nice. 🙂
October 31, 2019 at 15:31
Are you saying I missed a fantastic wine bar in Quebec City, Debby? Oh no! 🙂
I read about the ice hotel over there (or was that near Montreal?), which sounded interesting. But, we would never visit Canada over the winter… And, I don’t ski either. I’d say you two should head back to Quebec City during the summer and rekindle with the sights… and the wine. 🙂
October 31, 2019 at 19:14
Lol Liesbet. You probably did! I wouldn’t remember the hotel. Something fancy – I didn’t pay for. I was dating a man from California who would fly in for business and he took me there. I’m talking over 30 years ago LOL. And yes, Quebec would be lovely in summer. 🙂
November 2, 2019 at 20:23
I’d love to be taken to a hotel in a great place, one day. 🙂
October 30, 2019 at 16:36
I have had the pleasure of visiting twice and agree it is a gorgeous city. It looks like you had perfect weather and what fun to share it with your parents too!
October 31, 2019 at 15:39
I would have thought you’d been to Quebec City, Sue, as it seems like a place you and Dave would truly enjoy exploring. And, yes, we lucked out with the weather, which I’m grateful for. As long as my parents were with us, I kept my fingers crossed for no or little rain. And, that worked! Now, on the other hand, it has been raining for ages. In New England, anyway. Have a nice weekend!
October 31, 2019 at 21:27
Wonderful photos. I visited Quebec City when I was at college north of Montreal in the 1970s. Memorable and beautiful – reminded me of cities in Belgium and France, not surprisingly.
November 2, 2019 at 20:24
Hi Roland! I had no idea you visited Belgium before (or did I forget?). That’s where I’m from. Yeah… I think my parents really liked Quebec City, because it is similar to what they’re used to in Europe. 🙂
November 2, 2019 at 20:40
When I lived in England, I visited Europe a lot – mainly Netherlands, Belgium – Brussels a few times – and Germany. Great memories.
November 2, 2019 at 20:47
That sounds great! And, I’m so happy you seem to receive my replies. Many readers don’t get these notifications in their inbox anymore, it appears… Have a nice rest of your weekend, Roland!
November 2, 2019 at 14:26
I visited Quebec City in May of 1987 with our 8 month old baby and loved it. They were celebrating lobster fest at the time, so we ate a lot of lobster! (Just the adults)
I tend to agree with your parents about how travelling with a dog limits one’s choices, having had that experience for 6 weeks in a small RV.
Jude
November 2, 2019 at 20:45
Wow, Jude, it sure has been a while since you visited Quebec City! Time for a repeat?
We are adjusting well to having Maya in the (small) van, these months. Especially since we seem to have her itchiness (temporarily) under control. Not being able to leave her alone at all for these past months puts more of a restriction on our lifestyle and freedom than just having a dog. Different priorities, right? 🙂
November 6, 2019 at 02:21
I absolutely love Quebec City, as you know. So happy you managed to squeeze it in.
Lovely photos!
November 6, 2019 at 11:06
Thanks, JH! And, now I understand why you love Quebec City so much! 🙂
November 7, 2019 at 20:31
You are seeing a great deal of Canada, Liesbet, and I want to make sure to catch up on your last few posts. I have been to Quebec City once about 35 years ago. I still have a lasting memory of a beautiful, historical and interesting city. The concept of strolling through the streets sounds idyllic. A nice way to spend time with your parents, too. Impressive about walking over the Falls. I think it is time for us to make a return visit. I appreciate you sharing the beautiful and interesting photos!
November 9, 2019 at 21:05
Hi Erica! Yes, you urgently need to return to Quebec City!! It is still as beautiful, historical, and interesting as you remember. With crowds multiplied by a hundred in the streets, probably. The waterfall was a nice surprise, as my mom had bookmarked it in her guidebook and we had no idea about its existence! Looking forward to reading your blog post soon and finally finding out about your names. 🙂