It was a rough night. Always seems to be the last night we are somewhere. Neither of us feels like doing much and we have dinner in and just relax the entire evening. I had such a hard time sleeping too. Too many emotions I guess.
When we do wake we shower, eat breakfast and then pack up our stuff.
We have really enjoyed this Airbnb. It has felt like home and we have been very comfortable. Not to mention a great price of only $70 a night. Hotels in the area were twice that and here we have the entire place and it was perfect for our week here.
It is shocking how we have such a routine and know exactly where everything has to go and it quickly gets packed and loaded in the car. It is down to a science now.
Feels odd as we really have just over a week left of this amazing adventure.
We are on the road by 10:30 and stop at the new Cafe Morgane at a new location that opened this year. Very lovely shop, we usually visit the location downtown but this spot is bigger, brighter, and free parking.
Today we are heading to Quebec City for four nights. But since we can not check in until 3 pm we decide to head to the Levis Forts in Levis, Quebec.
Levis is a city just on the opposite side of Quebec City on the St. Lawrence River.
Back in the mid 1800s the British Government used this are to build three forts to use for protection against the United States.
You see the American Civil war was happening and Britain was concerned that the Northern states would try for new possessions should the Confederate Army push them out.
A relatively new rail line from Maine to Levis was a concern. This rail line made the British stronghold at Quebec City especially vulnerable to a potential attack. So the British brought in defense experts.
It took seven years (1865-1872) to build three south-facing forts on the St. Lawrence.
Meanwhile the American threat subsided. In the end no wartime shots were ever fired for any of the three forts.
Later the forts were used as munitions warehouses during the two World Wars.
This fort was even part of a Canada Post Stamp collection of forts. Here is a picture of the stamp I found online.
What was funny was as we read many of the displays we noticed that today's trade issues are not new and go back a long time.
The poster below reads: The Province of Canada and the American Connection. Deprived of a preferential market in Britain, the Province of Canada turned towards the US. In 1854, the Reciprocity Treaty was signed, eliminating duties on some agricultural products and raw materials and thereby strengthening ties between the two neighbours. But these amicable relations proved to be short-lived.
Not sure if you can read the above but it says: Abraham Lincoln says: Stay calm, dear neighbours, and don't waste your money! In the future, peace must reign between us! You are afraid of seeing my large army with nothing to do! Don't worry, I am going to use it to clean the streets of New York, and it will be kept busy for the next fifty years. So you can demolish all these fortifications that are suffocating you." Jean Baptiste's response was "Don't bother me with that! Do you think I'm crazy!"
We drive along the river after we leave the park and stop at the port where you can catch the ferry to Old Quebec. This area would be a great spot to stay if you were in town for a longer period and wanted to save money on accommodations as they would be much cheaper on this side of the river. But you would have to travel to the ferry (although great transit here) and then just walk on the ferry (cost $3.60 for walk on and car and driver is only $8.50). But if you are coming here pre cruise this really would not be an option. Just take a hotel on the north side of the river closer to the walled city.
We enjoy a sandwich here and the beautiful views and walk along the river admiring the stunning views and enjoying the lovely weather.
Our place is the blue dot in the upper left side
Our Airbnb is a short drive from the walled city in the community called Limoilou. The place has free parking and it is a unit on the ground level of a three story home that has been in the owner's family for many generations. Her family came here in the 30s as Italian settlers and have owned the block since.
Here is the Airbnb link to it, but I have some pictures here too.
It is perfect. The community surrounding it is vibrant and reminds me of some of the communities in Vancouver. Lots of people walking, cycling, around. Numerous stores, cafes, restaurants, bars and well everything you could think of.
There is a school across the street and the kids are excited because Friday is the last day of school.
We are greeted by Bernard the co owner of the Airbnb who proudly shows us around. He explains all the features of the place and where things are around here. How to get into town and which restaurants he recommends.
One thing I can say after staying at many Airbnbs is you can really see those that add a special touch. Little things like having some milk/juice in the fridge to get you started. Maps and tourist information available for you to do research. This place even has a rain poncho and umbrella if you need them. Not to mention a large selection of dvds to watch, books on the area, even bug repellent if necessary.
Bernie ends up having a short nap as I get things settled and relax for a bit.
We decide to explore the area for dinner tonight and 3rd Avenue is a hub and many people are around.
We decide on a Mexican place and sit on the patio and enjoy a very authentic meal. Although the place was packed and service was pretty much non existent. I would come back but maybe when it is not busy.
An IGA grocery store is only two blocks away and we stop and get milk, juice, fruit and bread for our breakfasts. But something tells me I will be sending Bernie to the cafe/bakery at the front of this building facing 3rd street tomorrow.
Oh and we spotted a Nova Scotia license plate!
See history repeats itself.
MooseDeerHitchhikerEagle/Hawk- Licence plates from every Province in Canada - but you can not count the province you are in. So if we see an Alberta plate in BC then it counts, but not if we are in
Alberta.British ColumbiaSaskatchewan,Manitoba,Ontario,Quebec,New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island,Nova Scotia, Newfoundland,Yukon, and North West Territory Skunk - saw a dead oneSheepBeaverGoslingsBuffaloGoatOwlBearLoonCranePrairie DogFisherman fishingCanoeHummingbirdAntique car on the roadOld VW BugCar broken down on the side of the roadHelicopter on the groundAirplane on the ground- Speeding ticket- hopefully not our own
Ambulance with sirens onDump truckLine painting crew at workMail delivery person walking their route- Cruise Ship
- Coyote
RCMP officerHop on Hop off Bus- Sea Glass
Lobster
Driving distance today 200 k
Total distance 7688 km
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