We departed from Antigonish for Quebec City near dusk and arrived at 6:30 am Sunday, August 17th/08. The overnight trip went very well, as the kids slept the majority of the drive and we undoubtedly saved an incredible amount of time at highway construction sites. I got in an excellent morning stroll with the two kids through old Quebec. My first visit, as the rest of the gang had been there while doing an immersion in UQTR. We were, in essence, alone in this wonderfully authentic UNESCO site. Undoubtedly, Old Quebec is a culturally remarkable space of earth, and although very geared towards the upscale tourist market, it is done very tastefully and with a respect for culture and learner in mind.

Le Petit Cochon Dingue - We parked the car along the river, directly behind the Musée de la civilisation, and walked off in search of some breakfast. We came to rest at Le Petit Cochon Dingue in Quartier Petit Champlain. Jane rustled up a great start to the day and we had a couple of huge "grand latte" and some tasty breakfast sandwiches. Peter got a bit freaked out at the birds (more tame than he is accustomed to) which scrambled for crumbs near our feet. This street is incredibly colorful, reminding me in many ways of the variety of colors I used to see on houses in Irishtown in Canso where I grew up. With bellies ready, we attacked the streets for the day. The forecast was light rain, having that end early in the morning and a show of sunshine for the bulk of the afternoon/evening.

Musée de la civilisation - Our first visit was the Musée de la civilisation where we purchased a 3-Site Pass including; Musée de la civilisation, Centre d’interprétation de Place-Royale and Musée de l'Amérique française. Exhibits of note for us at this museum were the "Gold in the Americas" presentation, the interesting collection of artefacts (ie. teepee / wigwams / canoe) in the "Encounter with First Nations" and our rest in the "beds" found in the "Free Time" exhibit. The exhibits were bilingual and interested us all, from Age 6 - 40!!! Being first off the block, the museum was near empty and we enjoyed the exhibits at our own pace.

Centre d’interprétation de Place-Royale - Located in a charming historic square, which is the site of Notre-Dame des Victoires and Champlain's first settlement, we entered the building and quickly sat to a 3-D Film which explored Champlain and some of the myths surrounding his story. The kids found the female artist a little "intense" and were a bit spooked by her. Good film... tested traditional thought. We continued through the museum where we tried an excellent dice game in which we each sailed ships to the New World in the Trade exhibits and Jane and Monica got "gussied-up" in period costume.

Funiculaire - Jane and I took a funiculaire ride in Paris this year, near Sacre Coeur. On this day we took the kids on the Old Quebec Funiculaire and cruised up to the Château Frontenac from the street below. We were a bit removed from the best view being positioned at the back of the trolley. It did save some steps and dropped us into the busy area in front of the Château Frontenac. Seven bucks for the trip!!! Kids liked it a lot.

Château Frontenac - Towering over Quebec City is the majestic Château Frontenac. It's an impressive structure for sure. Looking out over Old Quebec and the St. Lawrence, it is the dominant feature in the skyline. No less impressive are the history and style which accompany it. Parks Canada is doing some heavy duty archaeological work out front and have dig / interpretation efforts in place for the many visitors. Made me think of my days on Grassy Island when we hit the cobble courtyard. Although beyond our means on this trip it would definitely be a place which would suit a special anniversary or event. It is, in so many ways, just plain romantic. I could get Big points with a stay there and a horse ride through the streets!!!

Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral - Described as the oldest parish in North America, this church stands between Château Frontenac and Musée de l'Amérique française. We wandered in and sat for several minutes for a quick break from the bustle of the street (and the street performers in the square across the street from the church) and some quiet reflection. The alter is ornate, and we snuck a couple of photos of the golden canopy over the alter. Tourists were free to come and go and we entered just after what must have been a military band concert in the church's confines.

Musée de l'Amérique française - For the more "hard core" history buffs, this museum explored seminary life in early Quebec, it's founder Bishop Laval and the adventure many French settlers had when coming to North America. Of note was the extraordinary chapel where we started our visit. On our Paris trip we spent a lot more time in chapels, churches and cathedrals. It was nice to have this included in one of our museum tours. Further, artefacts, film and interactive displays were scattered through the museum and much of the design considered young visitors.

Notre-Dame des Victoires - This was our last stop, as we had tried several times to view the inside but were held up by Sunday masses, complete with local parishioners, many in period clothes. Imagine that!!! The church is small but with a real sense of history and location, built in the 1680's on Champlain's "Abitation" site. Peter really liked the model boat which hung from the ceiling at the centre of the church, the Brézé. It was a vessel that arrived in Québec City in 1664 transporting the Carignan Regiment and the Marquis de Tracy. We sat for a bit in the church, which was bustling with interested tourists and a gentleman who was providing a brief history of the building.

At about suppertime we motored off to Trois Rivieres for accommodations near the highway and a much deserved "crash" after a long nights driving Saturday.