Quebec City

Our weekend in Quebec City was an adventure not to be missed.After leaving Kingston at the ungodly hour of 2am we arrived in the city around 8am that morning. Our first stop was the st Anne De Beaupre basilica folowed by a visit to the Montmorency Falls. We arrived at our Hotel (the Hilton) around lunch time for a quick snack before heading off to explore the city and experience Carnivale. After layering up (it was about -30 outside) we headed to the site of the main carnivale attractions - The Plains of Abraham. actually, this is quite an historic site, It was here in 1759 that the British defeated the French ensuring Canada's predominance as an Anglicised nation. feelings about this are still raw 250 years after the event with some animosity between modern day Quebcois and English speaking Canadians evident.

The carnivale itself was alot of fun. the kids were able to slide down hills using air fill tire like toboggans and experience ice slides. As a family we made our way over to the ride known as the Torpedo. This prooved to be a 30 second adrenalin charged experience where we hurtled down a rather steep slope whilst seated inside a large rubber raft. We all screamed and hooted but agreed that it was worth the experience.

After recuperating in our hotel room (read that as returned to room to warm up, we ventured out again and made our way to the old sector of the town. Quebec City is a walled city established about 400 years ago, so walking the streets seemed like a trip back in time to 17th century Europe. Outside the Chateau Frontenac, there was a giant ice slide. Feeling up to the challenge, we hired two sleds and made the arduous climb to the top. The ride was brief yet exhilerating. I think I even heard Nick swearing as we thundered down to the bottom of the slide!We found a small Italian restaurant for dinner. Here we were given the opportunity to employ our rather dodgy French - little success but we had a lot of fun trying!

The kids were keen to explore the shops and hunt down coveted souvineers.

The following morning saw us board our bus and travel to the ice hotel. This structure is unique in North america and is made completely of ice and snow. Guests can stay overnight as there are 36 suites of varying themes. A highlight was a visit to the ice bar. here I was able to purchase a shot of baileys in a glass made completely from ice. Feeling magnaminous, I let all the kids have a taste so they could understand the expereince.

Emily made some taffy. this consists of a type of maple syrup toffe that is poured hot into the snow and as it cools, is rolled up to be eaten.

Once we returned to the city, we went downtown to catch the ferry across the St Lawrence River. This was an expereince in itself as the ferry was actually an ice breaker and we were able to hear the ice crackle and snap as it ploughed its way across the river.

To get home, we had to ride the Funiculaire to the top before taking our weary legs back to our hotel room.

In the evening John was ill so after dinner, Em, Max and I went out again for a walk. We went back to carnivale where the kids once again rode the tubes. We also walked around the upper and lower cities. In some ways, I think this may have been ahighlight. The weather had warmed considerably (ONLY -4) and the atmosphere in the city was spirited and relaxed.

It was with reluctance that we boarded our bus home early on the following morning. quebce City is a place to be visited. I would really love to revisit there in the summer on our way out to the Maritimes.