Montréal and Québec City – Québec, Canada.
Tout le Kit! Canada’s Quebec Province has it all and two amazing cities to prove it.
We set out early in the morning from our home in New Hampshire, quickly crossing over into Vermont and making a beeline for Burlington. Just short of the city, we took a little detour and visited Dancing Cow Farm, which specializes in delicious raw milk farmstead cheese. We were welcomed by the owners and given a private tour of the facilities. Thank you, Steve and Karen!
Lunch along Burlington’s bustling Church Street was scrumptious, but we were eager to island hop across Lake Champlain, briefly dipping into upstate New York before entering Canada. The route we took was the long way, but worth it.
Montréal was alive with the annual jazz festival, its streets filled with people and languages from all over the world. The city’s Frenchness was distinct and unmistakable. We meandered through the streets of the old district taking in the sights, sounds, and tastes. We also tackled the Lachine Rapids on the Saint Lawrence River with Montréal Rafting Company. The escargot at SteakFrites-St. Paul near the Old Port are pretty good, but the biggest draw is the bistro-style seating along Boulevard Saint-Laurent.
From Montreal, we drove through the countryside to “la vielle capitale,” the beautiful and romantic provincial capital, Québec City. Stepping through the St. John’s Gate of Old Québec’s fortified city walls is like being transported to 18th century France. Be sure to tour the enchanting Cháteau Frontenac and sample the food at the many restaurants lining the narrow winding streets. We are fond of Le Patriarche, which was recommended by friends.