Exploring Quebec Canada
A Day of Exploring…
Today was an explore Quebec day. We hopped in the car and just started driving. We started off in the cute little town where we took the ferry over towards Oka. We explored all of the little towns within about an hour of our campground in all directions. We found old churches, a Montessori, funny faced alpacas and an amazing beekeeper!
Old Montreal
We decided to drive in to downtown Montreal, park the car, and purchase a rail pass ($8 each person). The subway system is pretty easy to use, and gets you to 90% of the places worth visiting. We ended up in what looked like a gay pride area with pink balls everywhere. We stumbled upon this great photo concept where you hike up a bunch of steps and a camera snaps your photo. Being a professional photographer myself I thought “why didn’t I think of that”.
We also explored Old Montreal, sure it’s “touristy” but the buildings are old. The cobblestone walking streets are reminiscent to many European towns; it’s a nice escape from the main part of the city. We searched for an authentic looking café and had no luck (only cheesy tourist traps, sad I know). We planned to visit the Bio Dome, and then we got confused with the Bio Sphere (Yep there’s 2 different “Bio” buildings), so we hopped on the metro in search of good coffee instead.
Our long (and expensive) day of walking, drinking, and eating came to an end abruptly by a crazy wind storm. We decided to hop in the car and drive back to the RV for some of Nikki’s yummy cooking. Today is Quebec Day (in addition to Canada Day in July each province has their own special day), so we’re surprised by several fireworks shows all around our campground. Not a bad way to end the day.
Mont-Tremblant
It’s a rainy and grey day. We are headed a couple of hours from Oka to see the Aspen of Canada…Mont-Tremblant It’s a cute mountain town and while I don’t think the skiing is near as fantastic as Colorado, it certainly has plenty of charm.
Scott Moore
If you want to see the “Aspen of Canada” that would be “Whistler British Columbia”
Jason Wynn
Scott, we love Whistler/Blackcomb mountains. Spent many nights up there skiing, and hiking in the summer. We’re heading that way in 2013 so let us know if you’re in the area this summer.
Kae
As a English Quebecker, I should point out that only Quebec has “their day” which separatists (Quebeckers that want the province to separate from Canada and be their own independent country) call it “fete nationals” which basically translates to national holiday, like their very own 4th of July or Canada Day. Us non-separatists enjoy the day off paid and the ability to drink beer in the streets. But it is a day unique to Quebec, the rest of Canada doesn’t have the political division or separate holiday.
gonewiththewynns
Kae, thanks for clarifying that! We were a little confused with how it was explained. We are with you, we will take any excuse to have a free day off to drink on the streets!
Neal
Great shots! Always enjoy your photos….thanks
Brian at EverhwhereOnce
Very cool round-up. We reluctantly missed Quebec when we were in that neck of the woods. We got as far as Montreal but time didn’t permit us to keep going North. It seems like there is something always left on the to-do list.
gonewiththewynns
Brian, you said it, there is always something left on the to-do-list. Sometimes I think we could spend our whole lives exploring and still never see everything!