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What do you mean? Theres more to the US East Coast than NYC '07 TR? Homeward bound
- Thread starter PrincessInOz
- Start date
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
20 minutes? WOW!
Well....given that we missed out in Niagara, we must do that DisMeet in Melbourne! My turn to show you round.
I have not been to Toronto and so I'm enjoying seeing it through your eyes. Love the photo of you and DH! And how you managed to get to the Chinatown!
You know....it was my MUM who mentioned that Toronto had one of the larger Chinatowns in North America!
I'm told there's a sixth sense with 'you lot'
PIO....me thinks you have a a*** man in your DS. Not that it's rare
We didn't go to the top of CN tower. Interesting photos.
I think you might be right about DS. He definitely takes after his mum in this regard....
Glad to have you here!
Nice to see you Jade!
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
Niagara Falls Smoke on the Water!
Wed had a pretty good days Fast Pass through Toronto and it was definitely time for us to move on the main reason wed come to Toronto. DH and I had been to Niagara once before when we were backpacking round the world, but we hadnt spent any time there other than to see the Falls, grab our tourist pictures and head on out with the people we were with. So, we were looking forward to being able to spend a couple of days in the area.
The drive from Toronto to Niagara Falls didnt take that long .all up, it probably was only about 1.5 hours on a Sunday. But the traffic?? It reminded me of driving between Los Angeles and San Diego...pretty much flowing bumper to bumper.
We had chosen to stay at the Hampton Inn, which was in the Clifton Hill area of Niagara Falls. We chose to stay there for two reason price of the room, which included breakfast, and free parking.
We seriously did debate staying at one of the hotels with a view of the Falls towards Lundy Lane but in the end, given the amount of time we actually spent in the hotel room, this turned out to be a good decision. From memory, I think we paid CAN$120 for the room. The hotel was nice and we were provided with a room in the older part of the hotel. I only had one complaint and that was that the hot water would suddenly turn cold if someone else was using the water elsewhere in the hotel.
Once we had settled into our room, we headed out to catch a glimpse of the main attraction. It was an easy 10-minute walk from the hotel down Clifton Hill
towards Niagara Parkway and the Rainbow Bridge, where we could see the American Falls.
(Check out the Rainbow!)
We were another 10 minutes from the Horseshoe Falls. This picture was taken along Rainbow Bridge.
(Smoke on the Water .)
We opted for dinner first.
Wed timed our arrival for a Sunday night, where there was a 15-minute firework show planned.
( and fire in the sky)
The Falls are lit up at night; and the more intense colour can be seen on the American Falls.
Id done enough research on the various attractions and activities in Niagara to know that I needed to buy an Adventure Pass, which at this time was about CAN$45 for an adult. It got us entry to Behind the Falls, Maid of the Mist, Whitewater Boardwalk, the Butterfly enclosure at the Niagara gardens and unlimited travel (for 2 days) on the People Mover Bus. And that is exactly what we planned to do the next day!
It was a beautiful sunny day the next day and we headed on down towards what turned out to be an incredibly full jammed-pack day. Last night when we were orientating ourselves, DS saw a number of things to interest him in Clifton Hill.
For anyone that has not been in the area, Clifton Hill is one of those major money pits for tourists in the world. Its not many areas that can boast the likes of 3 or 4 wax museums, 3 video arcades, 2 miniature golf and 5 haunted houses in a 1 mile square radius. And this does not include the indoor water park, the skywheel, Ripleys Believe it or Not, the Guiness World Records museum nor the big chain restaurants or the souvenir shops that line the streets!
DS had decided that he wanted a ride in the SkyWheel.
When we checked out ticket prices, it turned out that for a couple more dollars, we could buy a bundled deal. It is definitely a case of right vs left where the bundle tickets are concerned. So, we bought the tickets to about 5 attractions on this side of the street and got on for the views.
The American side of Niagara....
And if Id realized when I bought them what those bundle tickets meant to our timetable, I probably wouldnt have been so ready to part with my money!
(Continued in Next Post)
Wed had a pretty good days Fast Pass through Toronto and it was definitely time for us to move on the main reason wed come to Toronto. DH and I had been to Niagara once before when we were backpacking round the world, but we hadnt spent any time there other than to see the Falls, grab our tourist pictures and head on out with the people we were with. So, we were looking forward to being able to spend a couple of days in the area.
The drive from Toronto to Niagara Falls didnt take that long .all up, it probably was only about 1.5 hours on a Sunday. But the traffic?? It reminded me of driving between Los Angeles and San Diego...pretty much flowing bumper to bumper.
We had chosen to stay at the Hampton Inn, which was in the Clifton Hill area of Niagara Falls. We chose to stay there for two reason price of the room, which included breakfast, and free parking.
We seriously did debate staying at one of the hotels with a view of the Falls towards Lundy Lane but in the end, given the amount of time we actually spent in the hotel room, this turned out to be a good decision. From memory, I think we paid CAN$120 for the room. The hotel was nice and we were provided with a room in the older part of the hotel. I only had one complaint and that was that the hot water would suddenly turn cold if someone else was using the water elsewhere in the hotel.
Once we had settled into our room, we headed out to catch a glimpse of the main attraction. It was an easy 10-minute walk from the hotel down Clifton Hill
towards Niagara Parkway and the Rainbow Bridge, where we could see the American Falls.
(Check out the Rainbow!)
We were another 10 minutes from the Horseshoe Falls. This picture was taken along Rainbow Bridge.
(Smoke on the Water .)
We opted for dinner first.
Wed timed our arrival for a Sunday night, where there was a 15-minute firework show planned.
( and fire in the sky)
The Falls are lit up at night; and the more intense colour can be seen on the American Falls.
Id done enough research on the various attractions and activities in Niagara to know that I needed to buy an Adventure Pass, which at this time was about CAN$45 for an adult. It got us entry to Behind the Falls, Maid of the Mist, Whitewater Boardwalk, the Butterfly enclosure at the Niagara gardens and unlimited travel (for 2 days) on the People Mover Bus. And that is exactly what we planned to do the next day!
It was a beautiful sunny day the next day and we headed on down towards what turned out to be an incredibly full jammed-pack day. Last night when we were orientating ourselves, DS saw a number of things to interest him in Clifton Hill.
For anyone that has not been in the area, Clifton Hill is one of those major money pits for tourists in the world. Its not many areas that can boast the likes of 3 or 4 wax museums, 3 video arcades, 2 miniature golf and 5 haunted houses in a 1 mile square radius. And this does not include the indoor water park, the skywheel, Ripleys Believe it or Not, the Guiness World Records museum nor the big chain restaurants or the souvenir shops that line the streets!
DS had decided that he wanted a ride in the SkyWheel.
When we checked out ticket prices, it turned out that for a couple more dollars, we could buy a bundled deal. It is definitely a case of right vs left where the bundle tickets are concerned. So, we bought the tickets to about 5 attractions on this side of the street and got on for the views.
The American side of Niagara....
And if Id realized when I bought them what those bundle tickets meant to our timetable, I probably wouldnt have been so ready to part with my money!
(Continued in Next Post)
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
(Continued from Previous Post)
The Maid of the Mist
Theres the original Canadian Maid and theres the Maid-come-lately on the American side. Whichever one you choose to go on, youre gonna to get W-E-T.
Once upon a time, they handed you big heavy SMELLY re-used blue oilskin souwesters to wear. Now, you get these to use and keep.
(Thats Rainbow Bridge in the background).
Check out the soupy suds in this picture! Sure isnt a very appealing view, is it?
We were heading in there
past the American Falls first
and a (foggy) glimpse of where we were heading to next.
Even the camera got W-E-T.
(more gratuitous bahookie shots)
Anyone for Singing in the Rain?
And this is going to be such a fashion statement shot sometime in the future!
We finally got to the destination and held stationary there for about 5 minutes.
before it was time for someone else to have their turn.
(Continued in Next Post)
The Maid of the Mist
Theres the original Canadian Maid and theres the Maid-come-lately on the American side. Whichever one you choose to go on, youre gonna to get W-E-T.
Once upon a time, they handed you big heavy SMELLY re-used blue oilskin souwesters to wear. Now, you get these to use and keep.
(Thats Rainbow Bridge in the background).
Check out the soupy suds in this picture! Sure isnt a very appealing view, is it?
We were heading in there
past the American Falls first
and a (foggy) glimpse of where we were heading to next.
Even the camera got W-E-T.
(more gratuitous bahookie shots)
Anyone for Singing in the Rain?
And this is going to be such a fashion statement shot sometime in the future!
We finally got to the destination and held stationary there for about 5 minutes.
before it was time for someone else to have their turn.
(Continued in Next Post)
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
(Continued from Previous Post)
Behind the Falls and more
The Behind the Falls attraction is located at the Lundy Lane end of Niagara, or nearer the Fallsview hotels. We caught the bus over to this end yes, we could have walked.
It was then our turn at yellow; and again we got another souvenir to wear and keep.
This time, we were heading underneath in long tunnels .
to behind the falls
(I dont think the cleaners have been doing a good job here. Look at that slime!)
We headed out on the platform to check out the view.
and to take a corresponding shot of the Maid from the platform.
DH decided that he would brave his head to the elements.
(I dont think his hair got w-e-t .much)
We emerged from the tunnels and took the chance to get up close and personal with the Horseshoe.
(There really is a significant amount of smoke on the water!)
The funicular is located at the Lundy Lane end of town. I cannot remember if this was part of our Adventure Pass ticket or not but we did end up catching it up to the top and back down again. I suspect that it must have been included in the Adventure Pass because I dont want to believe that I forked out MORE money to do this attraction!
(More views of the falls!!)
And it was time to head towards the Butterfly enclosure.
We caught the bus to the Niagara gardens, which are located about 15 minutes down the road.
Moving from the heat of the outside to the humid heat of the inside was a challenge that we all managed to bear...particularly when such pretty butterflies were flittering around for us to enjoy.
And I am pleased to say that we have the opportunity at another rare species here
a glimpse of food porn!
Time for our next exciting destination
You go down this really old elevator .and come out in another tunnel
keep on walking and eventually, you get out to the Niagara River .
.and Boardwalk.
The scenery is stunning!
Feel like a swim?
(You first!)
By the time we finished all these activities, it was late afternoon. We came out and caught the bus transport back to Clifton Hill.
Our day was not over .not by a long shot!
(Continued in Next Post)
Behind the Falls and more
The Behind the Falls attraction is located at the Lundy Lane end of Niagara, or nearer the Fallsview hotels. We caught the bus over to this end yes, we could have walked.
It was then our turn at yellow; and again we got another souvenir to wear and keep.
This time, we were heading underneath in long tunnels .
to behind the falls
(I dont think the cleaners have been doing a good job here. Look at that slime!)
We headed out on the platform to check out the view.
and to take a corresponding shot of the Maid from the platform.
DH decided that he would brave his head to the elements.
(I dont think his hair got w-e-t .much)
We emerged from the tunnels and took the chance to get up close and personal with the Horseshoe.
(There really is a significant amount of smoke on the water!)
The funicular is located at the Lundy Lane end of town. I cannot remember if this was part of our Adventure Pass ticket or not but we did end up catching it up to the top and back down again. I suspect that it must have been included in the Adventure Pass because I dont want to believe that I forked out MORE money to do this attraction!
(More views of the falls!!)
And it was time to head towards the Butterfly enclosure.
We caught the bus to the Niagara gardens, which are located about 15 minutes down the road.
Moving from the heat of the outside to the humid heat of the inside was a challenge that we all managed to bear...particularly when such pretty butterflies were flittering around for us to enjoy.
And I am pleased to say that we have the opportunity at another rare species here
a glimpse of food porn!
Time for our next exciting destination
You go down this really old elevator .and come out in another tunnel
keep on walking and eventually, you get out to the Niagara River .
.and Boardwalk.
The scenery is stunning!
Feel like a swim?
(You first!)
By the time we finished all these activities, it was late afternoon. We came out and caught the bus transport back to Clifton Hill.
Our day was not over .not by a long shot!
(Continued in Next Post)
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
(Continued from Previous Post)
Somewhere over the Rainbow…bridge, that is
We decided that we needed to head over to the American side of Niagara. You’ll need your passports for this! And we moseyed on down to Rainbow Bridge.
On Rainbow Bridge, you’ll cross the border. DS decided he needed to camp on both sides.
Father and Son in different counties!
We made our way to the viewing platform
For yet more breathtaking views....
And got up close and personal again…this time with the American Falls.
Before heading back across the border crossing (which cost 25 cents) towards Canada.
But wait….there’s more!
Remember that bundle ticket of attractions that we bought earlier in the day? It might have been way past 9 pm at this stage but we were all determined to use the tickets to the fullest.
(I’ve always thought that she was gorgeous…just a little bit too plastic for my tastes.)
(Do you see the Light? It’s Dark and we’re wearing sunglasses!)
(Cowabunga!)
(I’ve been frozen for 30 years. I’ve got to see if my bits and pieces are still working.)
(Look Ma! I sooo blend into this set!)
We headed into one of the video arcades where DS had a whale of a time. And then it was time for this.
It was close on 2 am in the morning when we finally got back to the hotel room!
The next day, we took a slow…very slow…and out of the way detour past Niagara-On-The-Lake. It is where the Niagara River empties out to Lake Ontario. This is one pretty little town but we were all too tired to spend any time here.
Besides, we had a plane to catch in Toronto to our next destination!
Somewhere over the Rainbow…bridge, that is
We decided that we needed to head over to the American side of Niagara. You’ll need your passports for this! And we moseyed on down to Rainbow Bridge.
On Rainbow Bridge, you’ll cross the border. DS decided he needed to camp on both sides.
Father and Son in different counties!
We made our way to the viewing platform
For yet more breathtaking views....
And got up close and personal again…this time with the American Falls.
Before heading back across the border crossing (which cost 25 cents) towards Canada.
But wait….there’s more!
Remember that bundle ticket of attractions that we bought earlier in the day? It might have been way past 9 pm at this stage but we were all determined to use the tickets to the fullest.
(I’ve always thought that she was gorgeous…just a little bit too plastic for my tastes.)
(Do you see the Light? It’s Dark and we’re wearing sunglasses!)
(Cowabunga!)
(I’ve been frozen for 30 years. I’ve got to see if my bits and pieces are still working.)
(Look Ma! I sooo blend into this set!)
We headed into one of the video arcades where DS had a whale of a time. And then it was time for this.
It was close on 2 am in the morning when we finally got back to the hotel room!
The next day, we took a slow…very slow…and out of the way detour past Niagara-On-The-Lake. It is where the Niagara River empties out to Lake Ontario. This is one pretty little town but we were all too tired to spend any time here.
Besides, we had a plane to catch in Toronto to our next destination!
DisneyFirefly
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2009
I've never been to those falls, but those are just beautiful... 
skier_pete
DIsney-holics Anon
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2006
Man it's been ages since I've been to Niagara Falls...let's me think, when was it...oh yeah...Tuesday!
Actually DD had a 1/2 day on Tuesday, and we went across the border to the Bird Kingdom of Niagara. We bought season passes there so we've gone over quite a bit. It also gives us free parking there. DD loves eating at that Rainforest Cafe!
Funny thing is, on the way back over the rainbow bridge the other day, we were talking about the Maid Of The Mist...turns out my wife's never been on it! Neither has DD - so I said this summer we have to rectify that. We actually haven't done most of the things you showed (the Skywheel, the "Behind the falls"). I've really been waiting for DD to get a bit older to try some of them.
I always comment that we should be more impressed that people come from all over the globe to visit something that's in our backyard. That's why we do try to get up there a lot. We actually spent the night before our wedding in Niagara Falls, Canada. We had the rehearsal dinner in Niagara Falls USA and the Hard Rock Cafe (in the Elvis Room) and then a bunch of us walked across the border to check out Clifton Hill. Niagara Falls is historically a big honeymoon destination - not so much anymore, but it still is to a degree - and it tickled my funnybone to spend the night BEFORE our wedding in Niagara Falls....yes, I have a pretty weird sense of humor!
You missed out on spending some time at Niagara-On-The-Lake. A beautiful little town with some cute little shops. Our favorite - Greave's Jams and Jellies. We travel up there once a year to pick up their relish. Not sure if you have what we call "relish" in AUS -> a condiment involving finely chopped pickles and various spices that is typically spread on Hamburgers and Hot dogs here in the US. Greave's relish is FANTASTIC compared to what we get in the supermarket here.
Enough hyjacking of your TR...can't wait to hear more.
Actually DD had a 1/2 day on Tuesday, and we went across the border to the Bird Kingdom of Niagara. We bought season passes there so we've gone over quite a bit. It also gives us free parking there. DD loves eating at that Rainforest Cafe!
Funny thing is, on the way back over the rainbow bridge the other day, we were talking about the Maid Of The Mist...turns out my wife's never been on it! Neither has DD - so I said this summer we have to rectify that. We actually haven't done most of the things you showed (the Skywheel, the "Behind the falls"). I've really been waiting for DD to get a bit older to try some of them.
I always comment that we should be more impressed that people come from all over the globe to visit something that's in our backyard. That's why we do try to get up there a lot. We actually spent the night before our wedding in Niagara Falls, Canada. We had the rehearsal dinner in Niagara Falls USA and the Hard Rock Cafe (in the Elvis Room) and then a bunch of us walked across the border to check out Clifton Hill. Niagara Falls is historically a big honeymoon destination - not so much anymore, but it still is to a degree - and it tickled my funnybone to spend the night BEFORE our wedding in Niagara Falls....yes, I have a pretty weird sense of humor!
You missed out on spending some time at Niagara-On-The-Lake. A beautiful little town with some cute little shops. Our favorite - Greave's Jams and Jellies. We travel up there once a year to pick up their relish. Not sure if you have what we call "relish" in AUS -> a condiment involving finely chopped pickles and various spices that is typically spread on Hamburgers and Hot dogs here in the US. Greave's relish is FANTASTIC compared to what we get in the supermarket here.
Enough hyjacking of your TR...can't wait to hear more.
skiingfast
<font color=teal>Has had no bacon<br><font color=b
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2010
I'm curious, does Melbourne have things like wax museums and Rain Forest cafes?
shushh
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2009
Princess, what an awesome day! Love it how you pack so much in! I am wondering how I am going to take photos when we do get to Niagara Falls...Did your camera survive? There's something about North American puttputt golf that DH loves. We always go when we visit!
You know, I think many Australians are also guilty of this. They travel the world not having seen the great landmarks in their own backyard! Probably because its so much cheaper going overseas...
I have never been to WA at all, and I've not been to Kakadu.
Mental note to stop at Niagara-on-the-lake and try the relish for when we go.
You know, I think many Australians are also guilty of this. They travel the world not having seen the great landmarks in their own backyard! Probably because its so much cheaper going overseas...
I have never been to WA at all, and I've not been to Kakadu.Mental note to stop at Niagara-on-the-lake and try the relish for when we go.
Ms. Shuttergirl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2009
I am thoroughly enjoying this TR PIO, keep em coming.
And your photos are exactly what they should be, happy images of amazing scenery and your smiling family. Please don't ever think you need to make apologies for that. They are perfect.
And your photos are exactly what they should be, happy images of amazing scenery and your smiling family. Please don't ever think you need to make apologies for that. They are perfect.
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
I've never been to those falls, but those are just beautiful...
I just love waterfalls myself. A friend of mine went to Iguazu last year...and it is now so high on my bucket list!
Love the shots from "above" behind the falls and from the viewing platform and rainbow bridge.
Thanks
That viewing platform wasn't there the last time we were in Niagara; so it was really cool being able to stand out there and take in the view.
I have to credit my DS for having incredible stamina.
Man it's been ages since I've been to Niagara Falls...let's me think, when was it...oh yeah...Tuesday!
Actually DD had a 1/2 day on Tuesday, and we went across the border to the Bird Kingdom of Niagara. We bought season passes there so we've gone over quite a bit. It also gives us free parking there. DD loves eating at that Rainforest Cafe!
Funny thing is, on the way back over the rainbow bridge the other day, we were talking about the Maid Of The Mist...turns out my wife's never been on it! Neither has DD - so I said this summer we have to rectify that. We actually haven't done most of the things you showed (the Skywheel, the "Behind the falls"). I've really been waiting for DD to get a bit older to try some of them.
I always comment that we should be more impressed that people come from all over the globe to visit something that's in our backyard. That's why we do try to get up there a lot. We actually spent the night before our wedding in Niagara Falls, Canada. We had the rehearsal dinner in Niagara Falls USA and the Hard Rock Cafe (in the Elvis Room) and then a bunch of us walked across the border to check out Clifton Hill. Niagara Falls is historically a big honeymoon destination - not so much anymore, but it still is to a degree - and it tickled my funnybone to spend the night BEFORE our wedding in Niagara Falls....yes, I have a pretty weird sense of humor!
You missed out on spending some time at Niagara-On-The-Lake. A beautiful little town with some cute little shops. Our favorite - Greave's Jams and Jellies. We travel up there once a year to pick up their relish. Not sure if you have what we call "relish" in AUS -> a condiment involving finely chopped pickles and various spices that is typically spread on Hamburgers and Hot dogs here in the US. Greave's relish is FANTASTIC compared to what we get in the supermarket here.
Enough hyjacking of your TR...can't wait to hear more.
Thanks Pete. I'm really sorry we didn't have enough time at Niagara on the Lake. Next time, I might be tempted to stay at Niagara on the Lake and at Wolf Lodge....and go visit the locks as well.
And yes, we do have relish in Oz, typically made with onions, pickles and spices. We rarely have the green relish that you find on burgers or hot dogs in the US because burgers and hot dogs are not typical fare for Australians. The relish you find here is more an onion brown colour.
You're going to have to take DW and DD on Maid of Mist and the other attractions....
Cool, I'm all caught up now. Niagara is a fun place, been there once in winter once in summer. Needless to say it was our Summer trip we rode the Maid of the Mist!
I know that some of the attractions in Clifton Hill are incredibly touristy...but it was fun to do them, particularly with DS. Still, all the Niagara Falls activities - Maid of the Mist, Behind the Falls, the Whitewater - were just so spectacular!
I've seen some winter pictures of Niagara...I'm going to have to try to get out there in winter some time. So many things and places to see...so little money!
We have museums and cafe....but not necessarily a wax museum and Rainforest cafe hasn't made it out here (yet). Hard Rock is here.
Princess, what an awesome day! Love it how you pack so much in! I am wondering how I am going to take photos when we do get to Niagara Falls...Did your camera survive? There's something about North American puttputt golf that DH loves. We always go when we visit!
You know, I think many Australians are also guilty of this. They travel the world not having seen the great landmarks in their own backyard! Probably because its so much cheaper going overseas...
Mental note to stop at Niagara-on-the-lake and try the relish for when we go.
This trip was in 2007, before we had the dSLR. We took two Point and Shoots with us. One of them was waterproof to 9m and that was the one we used to take the pictures. We didn't risk the other one and kept it in the bag, underneath the plastic coats.
Thanks!
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
Quebec City La Vie en Rose
We flew out of Toronto on an Air Canada Jazz plane. The service was fantastic and I would have no hesitation flying them again.
We landed in a different world! The airport at Quebec City is not large, so we were off the plane and out in a matter of minutes. And then it dawned on me .it was all French Canadian!
Founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608, Quebec City is one of the oldest European settlements in North America. Its been fought over by the English and the French and is distinctively and proudly French!
We had booked accommodation in the heart of the Old Town and needed to make our way there. I had figured that we would catch a shuttle bus or something but hadnt really done a heap of research on what.
One of the airport staff must have realized that we were nearly clueless and came up to help us. He advised that the best way in to the Old Town was by taxi. And the taxi industry there had a flat rate from the airport to anywhere in Quebec City and/or Old Town. It was going to cost us CAN $30. So CIVILISED!
I dont have any pictures of the drive in but I remember wide boulevards and Northern European/French architecture everywhere. Sure felt a lot like Europe to me.
I had booked accommodation for Le Champlain Hotel, which is located at one end of Rue St Anne. It was located within the Old City and had been highly regarded on Trip Adviser. The room tariff included continental breakfast and compared with the other hotels in Quebec City, it seemed to be within the ballpark.
The exterior of this hotel is pretty modest and unassuming. It certainly is one of the buildings that seem rather out of place in the Old Town as it is a little bit more modern looking. But I have no complaints!
This is the sitting room downstairs....some sitting more than others.
Our room..
And the very pretty sink
The view from our room was priceless! The Chateau Frontenac dominates the skyline.
One of the most unexpected things about this trip was how much DH and I LOVED Quebec City. In the entire trip, the time we spent at Quebec rates as the highlight or one of the highlights of the trip. It also certainly topped the list for best food .not cheap .but great French style food. For 3 adults and 1 child, we were regularly spending about CAN $120 - $150 for dinner (4 mains and dessert). Despite the cost, it was definitely the best food on this trip.
After settling into our room, we needed to make a beeline for the railway station. We had decided to catch a train from Quebec City to our next destination, Montreal, and we needed to make sure we bought our tickets on the train.
The walk from the hotel to the main railway station just showed us a glimpse into why Quebec City Old Town had been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Treasure. Life is just all roses here!
I think these were the gardens near the train station.
And after getting our tickets, we were all starving.
We decided to have dinner here
within spitting distance of that Chateau.
We waited for a table to be available..
DS saw a sign that he was interested in
We eventually got our table, was outside
Ive already raved about the food but don't have any food porn to back it up....so well move right along.
Looking at the snappy pictures, I think Ill just try and group them to the various attractions we did go back and forward a lot over the 3 or 4 days that we were in Quebec City.
We walked EVERYWHERE and didnt need to take any public transport in this time. Admittedly, we stayed in the Old Town area but we didnt feel the need to go anywhere else.
(Continued in Next Post)
We flew out of Toronto on an Air Canada Jazz plane. The service was fantastic and I would have no hesitation flying them again.
We landed in a different world! The airport at Quebec City is not large, so we were off the plane and out in a matter of minutes. And then it dawned on me .it was all French Canadian!
Founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608, Quebec City is one of the oldest European settlements in North America. Its been fought over by the English and the French and is distinctively and proudly French!
We had booked accommodation in the heart of the Old Town and needed to make our way there. I had figured that we would catch a shuttle bus or something but hadnt really done a heap of research on what.
One of the airport staff must have realized that we were nearly clueless and came up to help us. He advised that the best way in to the Old Town was by taxi. And the taxi industry there had a flat rate from the airport to anywhere in Quebec City and/or Old Town. It was going to cost us CAN $30. So CIVILISED!
I dont have any pictures of the drive in but I remember wide boulevards and Northern European/French architecture everywhere. Sure felt a lot like Europe to me.
I had booked accommodation for Le Champlain Hotel, which is located at one end of Rue St Anne. It was located within the Old City and had been highly regarded on Trip Adviser. The room tariff included continental breakfast and compared with the other hotels in Quebec City, it seemed to be within the ballpark.
The exterior of this hotel is pretty modest and unassuming. It certainly is one of the buildings that seem rather out of place in the Old Town as it is a little bit more modern looking. But I have no complaints!
This is the sitting room downstairs....some sitting more than others.
Our room..
And the very pretty sink
The view from our room was priceless! The Chateau Frontenac dominates the skyline.
One of the most unexpected things about this trip was how much DH and I LOVED Quebec City. In the entire trip, the time we spent at Quebec rates as the highlight or one of the highlights of the trip. It also certainly topped the list for best food .not cheap .but great French style food. For 3 adults and 1 child, we were regularly spending about CAN $120 - $150 for dinner (4 mains and dessert). Despite the cost, it was definitely the best food on this trip.
After settling into our room, we needed to make a beeline for the railway station. We had decided to catch a train from Quebec City to our next destination, Montreal, and we needed to make sure we bought our tickets on the train.
The walk from the hotel to the main railway station just showed us a glimpse into why Quebec City Old Town had been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Treasure. Life is just all roses here!
I think these were the gardens near the train station.
And after getting our tickets, we were all starving.
We decided to have dinner here
within spitting distance of that Chateau.
We waited for a table to be available..
DS saw a sign that he was interested in
We eventually got our table, was outside
Ive already raved about the food but don't have any food porn to back it up....so well move right along.
Looking at the snappy pictures, I think Ill just try and group them to the various attractions we did go back and forward a lot over the 3 or 4 days that we were in Quebec City.
We walked EVERYWHERE and didnt need to take any public transport in this time. Admittedly, we stayed in the Old Town area but we didnt feel the need to go anywhere else.
(Continued in Next Post)
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
(Continued from Previous Post)
Walking Around the Chateau and Dufferin Terrace
Without a doubt, the Chateau Frontenac dominates the skyline of Quebec City.
We walked through the Chateau and were amazed by the architecture
and smelly socks, which we still dont know why they were there.
Dufferin Terrace is the beautiful boardwalk that is on the St Lawrence River side of the Chateau.
You get beautiful views of the River from here
And there were loads of street entertainers out and about.
At one end of the Terrace is the Funicular, which takes you back up to Rue St Anne. It is certainly better than WALKING back up the stairs!
The view from the Funicular
Petit Champlain
At the other side of the Terrace, is a wonderful old world area of Quebec called Petit Champlain. Petit Champlain is one part of the Lower Town of Quebec city that is completely...well..... charming.
You walk down the stairs to get to this area full of touristy shops, handcraft artist shops and eating places.
We came back to this area a couple of times during our stay purely for ambience and also for window shopping.
(I'm hungry and I wanna eat NOW!)
Another rare food porn shot this time of Canadian waffle that we had at one of the restaurants in Petit Champlain.
We found street entertainers everywhere we went and everyone of them of a very high calibre.
(Continued in Next Post)
Walking Around the Chateau and Dufferin Terrace
Without a doubt, the Chateau Frontenac dominates the skyline of Quebec City.
We walked through the Chateau and were amazed by the architecture
and smelly socks, which we still dont know why they were there.
Dufferin Terrace is the beautiful boardwalk that is on the St Lawrence River side of the Chateau.
You get beautiful views of the River from here
And there were loads of street entertainers out and about.
At one end of the Terrace is the Funicular, which takes you back up to Rue St Anne. It is certainly better than WALKING back up the stairs!
The view from the Funicular
Petit Champlain
At the other side of the Terrace, is a wonderful old world area of Quebec called Petit Champlain. Petit Champlain is one part of the Lower Town of Quebec city that is completely...well..... charming.
You walk down the stairs to get to this area full of touristy shops, handcraft artist shops and eating places.
We came back to this area a couple of times during our stay purely for ambience and also for window shopping.
(I'm hungry and I wanna eat NOW!)
Another rare food porn shot this time of Canadian waffle that we had at one of the restaurants in Petit Champlain.
We found street entertainers everywhere we went and everyone of them of a very high calibre.
(Continued in Next Post)
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
(Continued from Previous Post)
Lower Town (Basse-Ville)
Lower Town is the original settlement of Quebec City. Whilst Petit Champlain is one of the prime areas of lower town, on the other side of the funicular is the Old Port area.
Like everywhere is the Old Town, the views are spectacular.
(I was rather annoyed when this guy ran into my shot...)
(..until he volunteered to take a picture of me!)
There are some killer stairs that take you from around the Old Port to another part of Lower Town.
(DS trying to look tired after the climb up)
There were shops in this part of Lower Town ..
and I remember buying some Christmas decorations from this shop.
....and everywhere there is just stinkin gorgeous European architecture; particularly in Place Royale. Place Royale was the main square in the Old Town and is now an area where shopping and museums ring the square.
The building behind me is the French American Museum I was keen to go in; but DS nixed the idea.
I cant even remember what this building was but it could have been significant
We wandered along the town, heading back towards our hotel.
Perhaps we might have even got ourselves lost along the way .
..and our progress was slow, particularly when DS needed to take a few stops along the way.
But when everything is no more than 20 minutes from anywhere
Youll eventually come across some street sign you cant decipher into English.
...Or stumble across the street where your hotel is.
And another building that seems significant and I cant remember why
And yes, there really is a working Port of Quebec .
(Continued in Next Post)
Lower Town (Basse-Ville)
Lower Town is the original settlement of Quebec City. Whilst Petit Champlain is one of the prime areas of lower town, on the other side of the funicular is the Old Port area.
Like everywhere is the Old Town, the views are spectacular.
(I was rather annoyed when this guy ran into my shot...)
(..until he volunteered to take a picture of me!)
There are some killer stairs that take you from around the Old Port to another part of Lower Town.
(DS trying to look tired after the climb up)
There were shops in this part of Lower Town ..
and I remember buying some Christmas decorations from this shop.
....and everywhere there is just stinkin gorgeous European architecture; particularly in Place Royale. Place Royale was the main square in the Old Town and is now an area where shopping and museums ring the square.
The building behind me is the French American Museum I was keen to go in; but DS nixed the idea.
I cant even remember what this building was but it could have been significant
We wandered along the town, heading back towards our hotel.
Perhaps we might have even got ourselves lost along the way .
..and our progress was slow, particularly when DS needed to take a few stops along the way.
But when everything is no more than 20 minutes from anywhere
Youll eventually come across some street sign you cant decipher into English.
...Or stumble across the street where your hotel is.
And another building that seems significant and I cant remember why
And yes, there really is a working Port of Quebec .
(Continued in Next Post)
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
(Continued from Previous Post)
The view from the St Lawrence
Just sit right back and youll hear a tale...
A tale of a fateful trip...
That started from this (not so) tropic port..
Aboard this tiny ship....
The mate was a mighty sailin' man....
The Skipper brave and sure...
Five passengers set sail that day....
For a three hour tour....
A three hour tour!
It wasnt quite a 3 hour tour 2 hours was more like it. But the views from the St Lawrence were excellent!
The Old City Walls
The old city fortifications are impressive. There is about 4.6 kms of wall around Old Town and we just kept stumbling over them
These were on the way to the train station
These were in Lower Town
Two of the Gates that lead in or out of Old Town.
The horse-drawn carriages make it seem so romantic.
Briefly Outside Old Town
We went in search of Place DYouville and briefly headed out of the city through one of those gates. There were heaps of marquees set up and so we missed taking a shot.
But we did find the bus terminus outside Old Town.
Outside the city walls, the city seemed much like any other city.
So, we headed back in to the Old City in search of more history and culture...
(Continued in Next Post)
The view from the St Lawrence
Just sit right back and youll hear a tale...
A tale of a fateful trip...
That started from this (not so) tropic port..
Aboard this tiny ship....
The mate was a mighty sailin' man....
The Skipper brave and sure...
Five passengers set sail that day....
For a three hour tour....
A three hour tour!
It wasnt quite a 3 hour tour 2 hours was more like it. But the views from the St Lawrence were excellent!
The Old City Walls
The old city fortifications are impressive. There is about 4.6 kms of wall around Old Town and we just kept stumbling over them
These were on the way to the train station
These were in Lower Town
Two of the Gates that lead in or out of Old Town.
The horse-drawn carriages make it seem so romantic.
Briefly Outside Old Town
We went in search of Place DYouville and briefly headed out of the city through one of those gates. There were heaps of marquees set up and so we missed taking a shot.
But we did find the bus terminus outside Old Town.
Outside the city walls, the city seemed much like any other city.
So, we headed back in to the Old City in search of more history and culture...
(Continued in Next Post)
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