Random Bits of Quebec City 2023

Quebec City has a lot of charm. The old town is laid out like an ancient European city with twisty streets and old buildings. The city has developed, so there are new buildings and lights. Old shops and homes are blended with new architecture, giving surprises around every corner.

One corner in the city

Le Chateau Frontenac is the most famous building there, possible the most famous in all of Canada. We went for a quick visit. The amazing view of the St. Lawrence River was not so amazing since it started snowing with a strong wind. We approached from the side.

Le Chateau Frontenac

While named after New France's seventeenth-century governor Louis de Baud, Count of Frontenac, the building was constructed in 1893 as a luxury hotel on the Canadian Pacific Railroad. 

The courtyard of the castle

The inside is as fabulously appointed as the outside, with beautiful staircases and many fine restaurants and shops (and also a Starbucks).

Ready for spring

Downstairs are several exhibits about the history of the area, including items from previous buildings discovered at the site.

Tea time info

An old silver service set

The square nearby has one of the monuments to one of the many Quebecois.

Not sure who this is

The snow started to pick up during our visit.

Getting a little worse

An important warning

The city is the only city in North America north of Mexico that still has its walls. In the old days, a city could have a wall and keep out the undesirables, human or otherwise. The snow and ice made it too treacherous to walk on the wall.

Old-style city gate, part of the wall

The snow getting worse

We had lunch at Cochon Dingue, a restaurant specializing in French and Quebec dishes. I ordered the breakfast poutine. Poutine is a famous dish, usually french fries covered in cheese and gravy. This version had hash browns instead of french fries, cheese curds, gravy, sausages, eggs, and some other delightful bits. It was delicious but very filling.

Breakfast poutine

Later, after wandering around in the snow, we stopped at Baguette & Chocolat for some hot chocolate to keep us going. I could not resist the Chocolate Brownie Cake with White Chocolate. It was very delicious and even more filling. I shared with the rest of the family.

Best dessert ever?