Quebec City by Ferry, Foot & Funiculaire

Today is a "day of rest" at least as far as motorcycling goes.

Don, Roy, and I are off on the Ferry to explore Vieux Quebec, while Ken plans to enjoy a day of peace and quiet at the Motel.

We bravely went "cold turkey", leaving the bikes parked at the Motel and taking a cab to the Ferry. That turned out to be a really good decision as the entire area was in the throws of construction.


Levis-Quebec City Ferry

They say the Chateau Frontenac is the most photographed hotel in the world. It's easy to see why.

Two more pictures of the Chateau

First stop (less than 100m from the Ferry!) the Cochon Dingue where we dined al fresco and enjoyed very tasty food, at a good price.

Alas the rain began to fall just as we were ready to start exploring. But luckily, a couple of $3 ponchos saved the day...and we were off and running (well more of a slow walk really, but "on the move" at least).



Team Poncho - Roy, Fiona, Don

Dressed for success, we headed off to catch the Funiculaire.

Roy, taking rain gear more seriously today

Several iterations of the Funiculaire have raised goods, animals, and people up to the Heights of Abraham since 1879.

Today a trip costs $3...and it's well worth it as, in the words of my travelling companions, "this city is quite hilly".

Don estimating the cost of re-roofing the Chateau Frontenac

The views from the Heights are spectacular, both of the Chateau and the St. Lawrence river below.

Don estimates that the approximate cost of re-roofing the Chateau would be about $3,000 per 10' x10'.



Meanwhile, down on the St. Lawrence maintenance work was underway on the light ice breaker, Martha L. Black.

Canadian Coastguard's Martha L. Black

Back in front of the Chateau street performers were entertaining a crowd.

Fire eating unicyclist



Our final stop was at the Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral, where we had a private (and extremely detailed) tour of the crypt which was added when the cathedral was rebuilt in 1923.

Most of the bishops, archbishops and cardinals of the Québec diocese are in the crypt as well as four governors of New France : Frontenac, Vaudreuil, Callières and Jonquière.

The crypt

Finally it was time to head back to the Ferry, and back to the Motel, for dinner with Ken.

The St. Lawrence may be quieter here than it is through the Seaway in eastern Ontario, but this view shows that the Ferry's are not the only water traffic.

The ocean-going Mississauga Express ploughing towards us

Thankfully she gave us a wide berth and headed on her way to the Atlantic.

Adieu Quebec!



Tomorrow we set off home to Ontario.

Once again, "a demain".