Quebec City Port - Which One?

Just like my earlier blog about which pier do we go to in Brooklyn.  The same issue arises when talking about Quebec City. 

Quebec City has two cruise piers.  Pier 22 which is right in the lower town - where we use to always dock.  And Pier 30 (Quay 30 in French) which is further away  - and where we now dock.

The port building is huge and is new.  Buses pull right up to the pier.  Taxis and Uber can deliver you right here.  When leaving you can easily call a taxi right from the phone at the base of the escalators that connects you directly to the taxi company.

not far from downtown but further away

Princess operated (in 2023) a free shuttle from the pier to the end of the swing bridge (about 5 minute ride). On the map below it is the blue line.  From terminal to shuttle stop.  You then need to walk about a mile across the bridge - marked in red - to Lower Town.  It is all flat but you can experience cobblestones on many streets in Quebec.

Once in Lower Town you can explore the historic, oldest area of Quebec.  Or take the funicular or stairs up to the Upper Town to Dufferin Terrace, Chateau Frontenac and so many other sites.

Note you can also easily walk right from the ship to Lower or Upper Town.  Takes about a half hour in total and the walk is through some nice park areas.  Note if you are going to Upper Town you will have to climb a steep road.  

And don't forget you can easily grab a taxi or Uber from town back to the ship if necessary.

Hope this helps.  Please share to others.

Boarding and First Day

So boarding at pier 30 goes like this. You can make your way to the port:

- taxi

- uber or left

- princess transfers

- head to pier 22 and there will be shuttles that will take your bag and you and go to the pier.  They run continually.

- or you could walk, which would take at least a half hour but it is level ground but in areas there are cobblestone and not always a sidewalk to walk on.

Check itn was quick and staff were super friendly.  All spoke English and French.  I will add that this is the first time Princess has stopped here and the staff were not up to date on things like people in transfer (those on from last cruise). 

The terminal is new and flows great.  Also free wifi!

Note we had to pick up our medallions here and it was very quick.

Once on board I unpacked and started making my rounds.  So many people to check in with.  Get my schedule, chat with staff re lecture times, meeting cruise staff, shorex etc etc.  Figure out desk hours, where my desk is.

And I help the guests.  Although no guests know who I am, although I had a few who ran into me and were on some of my previous voyages and it was lovely to reconnect.

The ship I believe is close to full.  I don't know the numbers.  There are quite a few families.  It is so lovely to see these groups.  Young and all enjoying Princess and Canada New England.

The staff are amazing!  So patient and helpful.   The first few days are always crazy but they make it work.  

We overnighted in Québec and many got off on the 2nd day.   You could walk to town, again about a half hour.  There was a shuttle again but it drops you off at the end of the swing bridge then you have to walk about a mile to old town.  Of course you can still take a taxi or uber/left.  I do wish the shuttle ran to pier 22 all the time as it was much better for access to the city.  Note if you are not able to walk much you should take a taxi.

Of course ship's tours come right to the pier for pick up.

The pic below is for after you have checked in and there are just shuttles for those wanting to explore Quebec not for check in. 

If you want to walk 

I didn't get off the 2nd day here.  I just had too much to do. I am back a few times this season.

I don't know how often I can put up a blog, but when I know something can be helpful for others I will try and report.

I am on this cruise with my sister.  We celebrate our birthdays me August 4 and Lynette August 8.  She lives in British Columbia and I hadn't seen her since 2018!  

First Day in Quebec With Travel From Airport Info.

After almost no sleep the alarm sounded at 2 am.  I am renowned for not sleeping before any trip.  My mind just wouldn't shut off.  We were on the road just before 3 for the drive to the airport.

Flights went smoothly.  First plane was so small that almost all carryon roller bags had to be checked as they don't fit in the overhead compartments.  So I had to pull out my laptop, hard drive and put in knapsack.  I can manage without my clothes if my bag goes elsewhere but laptop is necessary for my lectures.

A short flight to Montreal then a 1,5 hour layover before my very short flight to Quebec,

Thankfully both my suitcase and carryon were there when I got to Quebec. Although my android airtags gave me peace of mind as I checked their location and knew they were nearby.  Definitely worth getting for peace of mind.

Although princess had transfers for me to a hotel and a nights accommodation I told them I did not require it and would stay with my sister at her airbnb.

After collecting my bags I went out looking for transport to Vieux Quebec.

I originally was going to do Uber but when I pulled it up and saw the price of $74 I quickly closed the app and decided on a taxi.

For those of you coming into Quebec, there was an information booth right outside baggage claim and they assisted guests with info.  Note there was also a Princess table set up for those on ship's transfers.

The taxi stand is at the other end of the terminal, but there was no wait.

Taxis are regulated and travel from airport to the city is a fixed price of $41.50 and they take debit and credit cards.

Once at her airbnb and big hugs I was able to have a good nap that left me refreshed and ready for the day.

It is raining off and on.  But still warm so a light rain jacket worked.  

The first thing I needed to figure out was how to get to the ship.

Normally the ship docks right in town at pier 22.  But today it docked at pier 30 which is further away and more industrial.  

So I had a few questions.  Do we check in at pier 30 or pier 22?  Do we need to take a shuttle to the ship from the terminal?  Can we walk back and forth from pier 30 to town or is the shuttle mandatory?  

The ship is overnighting in quebec.  All guests get off tomorrow the 4th and we board, then we have another overnight and leave at 5 on the 5th.  

I did see guests walking to the area with blue circle and catching a shuttle bus.  Lines were long.

We walked over to the cruise terminal to see if I can ask anyone but it was all locked up and no one was there.  I may head out early tomorrow to ask at the cruise terminal, where to go for check in.

In the meantime I took my sister Linette and her husband Al on their own private tour of the city showing them lower town and the sites.  Then we walked all around upper town and found a spot for dinner called shakers.

It was a lovely day and night and was topped off with fireworks.  

Quebec

We wake up rested and ready to take on the day.

I wanted to touch base on the Medallion.  Yes I can actually get in my cabin with it.  You may remember that on my last two cruise it was never allowing me to open the cabin.

I did download the new app and was excited that it encompasses the four separate apps that we use to have to use. But using it is not very fluid.  Doesn't flow.  Now I am quite techie and found I was searching for the options.

Then I wanted to add our friends to my contacts.  But to do that you have to go into Ocean Compass and what do they want me to do?  But download the Ocean Compass App!  Gee I had just deleted that app when I downloaded the newest app that was suppose to replace all the others.

So I open the newly downloaded app and then try to add my friends.  There now is a search function for us to find our friends by name.  You still have to have them approve you.  You can even opt out of them tracking you with the wayward function.

Also finding your bill is not the best either.  When you choose to see your account it downloads a pdf file.  I hate that.  So I just went back into my browser and logged in to Medallion.net there and checked out our account.

So far I do like it, especially being able to have my cabin door unlock.  I like the option of knowing where Bernie is on board.  But sadly I find it is really lacking and needs improvement.

So back to our day.  We grab a light breakfast and head ashore.

Walk to one of our favorite coffee shops and enjoy a coffee drink and pastry.  Some shopping and lots of walking.  I stop in and buy some wine (there was no issue bringing it back on - they didn't even say anything).

Here is a list of the tours

Make sure you check out the National Park's tours.  Really inexpensive and very good.  They have a kiosk right at Dufferin Terrace right beside the Chateau Frontenac.

it is just before Halloween and check out this cool display

View of the ship from Dufferin Place

In front of Chateau Frontenac

A unique poutine ad Le Chic Shac

We meet up with Barb and Craig for lunch at Le Chic Shac restaurant.  Great food!

After wandering around for four hours we head back for the ship.

I should say we are in an inside cabin forward.  We have a lovely cabin steward Larry, and the cabin looks lovely.  Bed is very comfortable, although Bernie hates the pillows and it seems we can not find an alternative, but we are working on it.

Bernie realized he forgot his ipod and earphones.  But hey we are sailing into Sydney on Sunday so we are having our nephew deliver it to the ship.  Now that is handy.

Stay tuned for sail away and dinner in Sabatinis.

Embarking Caribbean Princess

After very little sleep the night prior, and waking at 3 am to catch our 6 am flight we are groggy. 

My brother in law picked us up right at 4:15 and we were at the airport by 4:50.  Sydney airport is small with only two gates.  But it has proven to be a difficult airport to fly out of, or in.  So we may have to look at other options - like driving to Halifax to fly out of there.  The local airport is just runs into so many issues.  With so few flights out of here, that if there is one small issue we are stuck.

But our flight to Montreal was right on schedule and we board the small plane and squished into our seats for the 2.20 hour flight to Montreal.  We had a short wait for our next flight, and in fact we board the exact same plane to get to Quebec City.  This flight was pretty much nothing.  30 minutes top, and most of that was taking off and landing.  The drive would take normally 3 hours tops.

Once we arrived we gathered our bags and called for an Uber.  Yes both Montreal and Quebec have Uber.  It is rush hour right now so it did take a bit longer but in total maybe 30 minutes.  The cost was $33 Canadian, which is  less than one person for the Princess Shuttle.

We dropped off our bags at the pier and then went off to explore a bit.  The sites are right beside the pier so you don't require transportation if you are able bodied. 

Both of us were hungry and asked one of the port staff for a recommendation.  He sent us to a great restaurant called Buffet deL'antiquaire.  Great breakfast, but a cool place to go to for a meal in the evening too.

We wander around doing some window shopping but we are both bagged!  We need some rest.  It is just before noon so we figure we should be able to board now.

It is a lovely terminal here in Quebec.  A lot of walking to get on the ship, so be prepared and if necessary ask for assistance. 

We had to pick up our medallions at the pier as they do not send them out to Canadian addresses.  But there was not a single person in the priority line (and few in the regular line).   In fact the line for persons with Medallions was longer, but it moved fast.

Once on board we dropped our bags in the cabin as they technically were not ready for us although ours was, we did not want to occupy the cabin until we were allowed to. 

But by noon there was an announcement that we could occupy the cabins.  We went back to lay down.  And we tried to sleep but it was impossible.  Embarkation day noises (banging doors, talking in the hallway, cabin steward introducing themselves and passengers chatting in the hallway).  There was no way I could sleep.  I gave up and got up. 

Since we are over nighting here in Quebec we don't have Muster drill until tomorrow.  I take advantage of this time to wander the ship and explore.  I love all the new changes and can see some new changes since we were on last summer. 

Officers on board are:  Captain - Marco Fortezze, Staff Captain - Sebastiano Azzarelli, Chief Engineer Officer - Neil Graham, Hotel General Manager - Ralph Dsouza, Senior Doctor - Jacobus Rupping, Staff Engineer Officer - Emilio Ginevra, Food and Beverage Director - Peter Priestley, Associate Hotel General Manager - Simone Smith, Guest Services Director - Sofia Faria, Business and Brand Director - Gerhan Joubert, Entertainment Director - Bernie Fuentes, Cruise Director - DuVaul Gamble, Executive Housekeeper - Rafael Ocana Perez, Executive Chef - Jerry Briones, Maitre d'Hotel - Oscar Perego.

Production shows are going to be Fantastic Journey; Born to Be Wild; Broadway Ballroom; Bravo.
Comedian - Scott Wyler
Instrumentalists:  Branden & James
Comedy Magic: Naathan Phan
Juggler:  Dan Bennett
Vocal Impressionist:  Greg London

Now remember we are surprising our friends on board.  When we arrive at their cabin we cover the peep hole and knock loudly.  

They were surprised to see us, but they thought for a while that we were just on for the day.  They thought we had driven down to come on for the day.  It is a two day drive to Quebec City so there is no way we were on for just the day.  When I explained that we were on for the whole cruise they were surprised and excited.  We got them!

We all head down to Explorer's bar for some drinks.  They have a brand new menu here (I posted it on my Facebook page click here for the link).  Lots of great options on that menu and I try the Aviator.

After a few drinks and being so darn tired I know we have to go get something to eat. 

The Horizon Court here is called the World Fresh Marketplace.  It is one of our favorite spots and lots of great options.

Right after dinner we both agree we need to go to bed.  Yup we were in bed by 9 pm.  I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.  And I don't remember even waking up!

Bon Voyage.

Day 42 - Happy Saint -Jean Baptiste

After a restful night we wake and take our time.  I have to write up my blog from yesterday and it takes awhile to write.  Bernie makes us breakfast and we don't really get out the door until 11.  That is okay no big plans for today.  

After two days of intensive touring we need a down day.  With experience comes knowledge that you have to pace yourself.  Sure we could of toured a lot more things today but we both knew it was better to have a "go at your own pace day".  

Today is Saint-Jean Baptiste Day.  It is a holiday celebrated on June 24 in Quebec and by French Canadians across Canad. It was brought to Canada by French settlers celebrating the traditional feast day of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. It has been declared a public holiday in Quebec and is celebrated all over with a variety of events.  Many stores, restaurants etc are closed today.  

This is my first Saint-Jean Baptiste Day in Quebec since 1981.  We put on our temporary tattoos and we are set.

We walk to the festivities happening in our community of Limoilou.  First thing I notice is it does not appear to be as a big an event as it was in the 70s.  

Events are happening in  Cartier-Brébeuf park only a few blocks from our apartment.  This park is also a Canadian Historic site.

This park is designated a National Historic Site.  In 1535 Jacques Cartier, guided by the two Iroquoians he had taken back to France on his previous voyage set out on a second expedition of Canada.  

He was accompanied by 110 men aboard three ships.  Throughout the summer he explored the St.Lawrence river.  Of course in the winter he needed to camp over and he chose this spot at the confluence of the S. Lawrence and the St. Charles Rivers. 

This location was chosen because he believed it would provide a suitable haven for his ships and crew and an easy spot to leave from in Spring.

A monument dedicated to Jacques Cartier

A cross that was erected because Jacques Cartier declared the 

region French and Catholic in honour of France.

We take some time relaxing in the now iconic Red Chairs that is symbolic of the Canadian National Parks.

It is overcast today, which makes us happy. It has been so darn hot and muggy recently we are happy for a reprieve.  But it does look like we may encounter showers so we decide to just stay in the neighbourhood.  

We stop at a local coffee shop for a croissant and coffees and chat and reflect on this voyage.  Hard to believe it is almost over.  We will be in Cape Breton in one week.  

Yes next Thursday we will be home.  Originally we were going to stop in spots all over Nova Scotia including the Bay of Fundy and Halifax but the costs for places to stay just skyrocketed starting the long weekend of July 1st.  

Since we are now retired we have to be conscious of the costs so we both said we will head home and we will return to these spots at another time when it is cheaper.  Heck it is only a few hours from our new home.

After our coffees we start walking and we spot a local barbershop.  Bernie needs a haircut.  This is perfect!  We stop and Bernie is getting his haircut and I start chatting with a guy who is good friends with the owner.  He is from India and him and his family immigrated to Quebec 8 years ago.  He said he spoke no French when he arrived but took intensive French classes the first year.  

I asked why did you choose Quebec and not an English Province.  He responded he wanted to go to Alberta as they did have some family there but his parents made the decision (as he was still not an adult at the time) to come here.  Alberta was too expensive and his parents found Quebec to be a better option for cost and they wanted to learn French.

This man now has a family and a business and loves it here. 

I shared our story and we spoke for a good half hour while Bernie got his haircut.  We said our goodbyes as I shook his hand and I commented I am so glad he chose Canada and welcome.

Later we gathered our dirty laundry and did some wash at the laundromat is located just around the corner.  Again a man arrived and started chatting with Bernie.  They spoke for awhile and he found out this guy has travelled and worked all over British Columbia.  He has been in Quebec for the last 12 years. 

You know sometimes you need to be open to what is presented to you.  Today was one of those days.

We decide to have a quiet evening in - a bit of normalcy.  Plus I am finding eating out all the time to be way too much food and heavy.  I miss the simpler healthier meals.  So we have a lovely meal at home and tonight we are going to enjoy a quiet evening.  Tomorrow we are off and travelling to New Brunswick.

Day 41 - We Take A Cruise

We are up early after a very restful night.  We are dressed and on our way by 9 am.  Taking the bus here is very easy and it saves us from driving and finding and paying for parking.

We enter the old city via Porte St-Jean and walk along Saint-Jean and find a coffee shop to sit and enjoy it and watch the people go by.  Lots of tourists here and a lot of English.  No worries if you do not speak French here in Quebec City, many speak English.  But of course it is respectful to at least try and speak a few words.  I always say it is like as if I visited your country and expected you to speak my language.  A few words go a long way on creating a respectful and friendly experience.

Ironically I speak French everywhere I go here and even though they understand thoroughly what I am saying they hear the English accent and offer menus in English to me as well.  

Bernie is talking to his sister in Calgary, he 

forgot about the time change - sorry Karen

If you are interested in the Hop on Hop off bus you can pick it up in numerous spots.  The most popular spot is in the Place d'Armes Square where the Dufferin Terrasse, Chateau Frontenac and the Tourist Information is.  

I personally would say that if you are physically able to walk around (including up hills) forget about the Hop on Hop off bus.  The area it covers is not that large and it does not run that often and traffic in the Old Quebec City is a pain.  The cost for the Hop on Hop Off bus would be better used towards a good walking tour (see yesterday's post).  

We walk to the Terrasse Dufferin to the Parks Canada Kiosk.  Look for the Beaver symbol that represents Parks Canada 

Parks Canada has sites all over the country that they have deemed National Historic Sites.  Entry to many is free or very minimal and if you have been following my blog you will see we have visited many.  They offer great information, and often they have free tours or very minimal cost tours.  Note children under 17 get in for free - or at least this year they do.

At the Kiosk here you can visit the Fortifications of Quebec City or the Saint-Louis Forts and Chateaux.  

Note it is called a Chateaux because it is where the Governor of Canada stays.  The iconic Fairmont Hotel is called Chateaux Frontenac but it is not a real castle, it is called that because it looks like a castle.  

If you are coming to Quebec City make sure you check out there tours they offer thru Parks Canada.  Here is the link to their site.  But I personally found it a little confusing so I am going to try to explain the sites they offer here and the tours.  Note they have a great brochure at the Kiosk that you can pick up that is helpful.

Saint-Louis Forts and Chateaux National Historic Site that you can visit on your own for a cost of $3.90.  This site is where the second settlement of the Governor of Quebec set up his home.  It is currently a National Historic Site and an Archaeological site.  The offer a tour called Under the Terrace: a Chateau Tour.  Benefit from the experience of our guides on one of our guided tours and get special access to the secrets of the archaeological crypt.  The cost of the tour is an extra $3.90.

Another tour they offer is:  From Lord Dufferin to Today.  From St. Louis Gate to St. John's Gate, follow the evolution of these mythical structures.  By walking on the ramparts, you will understand how one man's vision forged the very identity of Quebec City and how his work continues even today.  Cost is $3.90.

They also have a Musket Firing demonstration and for the kids The Legend of the Talking Walls for kids ages 6 to 12.

One tour I would of loved to do but is only offered August 1st to September 2nd is the Quebec by lantern light.  Quebec in the year 1847.  Follow your guide along this unusual tour.  See the city as if you were a newly arrived immigrant.  Meet several colourful characters from the 19th century and discover unique places.  Cost is $18 and it is 90 minutes.  

Today we are going to do the Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site Tour.  Of course you can walk along the fortifications on your own for free if you wish but a tour explains a lot.  We just went to the kiosk and signed up for the English Tour.  Our Family Canada Parks pass covered the $3.90 fee each.

The tour description says:  As you enjoy the magnificent views along Quebec's 4.6 km of fortifications, you'll understand why the Historic District of Old Quebec is on UNESCO's World Heritage List.  The numerous activities available will help you learn more about the decisive role the fortifications played in the colony's defense.  

We meet with our guide Delphine who is working for Parks Canada for the summer.  She is a University student about to start her second year.  Her English is wonderful and I love the accent.

We are 8 in total for the tour.  We are the only Canadian couple a father from Washington DC with his three kids and a couple from Boston are with us.  

The tour takes us all over and Delphine explains about the canons, the wall, the defense, and the Citadel.

Here are images of the Citadel that was built by the British; however they did use parts of the French initial City Wall as part of it.  Today the Citadel is occupied by the 22 Royal Regiment and can be toured.

While at the Citadel we are taken within the walls to see how the inner walls were defended.

Delphine explains how a canon was prepped and fired.  This canon was for close range and filled with ammunition that had lots of metal pieces that would fly out and attack those that would be between the outer and inner wall.  You did not want to use a canon as it could potentially damage the outer wall.

Look we spot a marmot 

We spot this sign and it shows the horse carriage rates.  They have set routes they all must take.  Rides are 35 minutes and cost $90 which includes tax.  You are to be let off at the same spot you get on.  I did find this site to book and it does have some detail, but personally if you were wanting to do it I would just book once you get here.  Note horses are not allowed to be out working if it is 32 C and higher.  And I have heard that they will no longer be allowed in future years, but I can not confirm.

After the tour we are needing a bit of a break.  It is quite hot and muggy and a cold drink and lunch is necessary.  We make our way to the lower town and find a cute restaurant to eat at with a great view of the harbour.

After lunch we walk all over the lower town.  It is not as crazy busy as yesterday.  I am guessing the added crowds from the cruise ship have made the difference.

Lower town is just as beautiful.  The shops here are all part of a cooperative type system.  Every store, restaurant, bar, have to be approved and no large brand names are found here.  

You can take the funicular right to or from the lower town up to Dufferin Terrace for $3 per ride.  Strollers are allowed but MUST be folded up.   We did not take it. Both times we walked back up.  First time by the stairs and the second time we just walked along the water and slowly walked up.

The Notre Dame des Victoires.  This church is called Notre Dame of the Victories.  The church is on the spot of the initial home of Samuel de Champlain the original Governor of Canada.  You can still see the outline of his home just in front of the church.  Inside the church it is lovely.  Note the beautiful ship hanging from the ceiling.

love the artistic flair everywhere here - check out these window boxes made of pain cans and brushes

A wonderful museum is here called Musee de la Civilisation - Museum of Civilization. They currently have an exhibit called London Calling.  We visited the last time we were here and really enjoyed.  Note it is right across the street from the cruise pier.

This afternoon we booked a Cruise Tour we booked through Viator for a price of $42 Canadian per person.  It is a 90 minute boat ride along the Saint Lawrence river.  Although I later noticed that if you book directly with the company it is cheaper but then with the taxes it came out $1 more thru their site.  Here is their website - and they offer numerous tours.

It is a perfect day, although quite warm and those clouds are misleading.  The sun is quite strong and both of us ended up getting a bit red.

The boat is huge and offers tons of seating all over, including many spots inside.  They also had a bistro for food and a bar for drinks and even a gift shop.

David our guide, dressed in period costume spoke in both languages and gave an excellent narrative.

The boat is named after Louis Jolliet who was a French Canadian explorer known for his discoveries in North America. Jolliet and Jesuit Father Jacques Marquette, a Catholic priest and missionary, were the first non-Natives to explore and map the Mississippi River in 1673.

It offered amazing views of Quebec

Montmorency Falls.  Here is a link to the park's website.  We visited here a few years ago and it was amazing.  Great site and wonderful trails.  You experience the falls from all angles when you visit there, so try and see it if you can.  

Did you know this falls is higher than Niagara Falls?  But obviously not as wide.  

But for the cruise we get to enjoy it from afar.  

This is the cruise terminal.  As you can see it is right at the Old City.  It is very easy to walk around the lower area but to get up to the top you need to hike up the stairs, take the funicular or a taxi.  Note Quebec City does have Uber but not to the extent we have seen in other cities.

Once we get off the boat we decide to walk along the water and follow the road to Bassin Louise.  Wide walk ways with bike paths beside.  We head towards the local market.  You can easily walk here from the ship (about 30 minutes) and buy some amazing local products, wine, syrup, food items, flowers etc.

We head back to the apartment after a long day.  We are very sticky from a hot day with a ton of walking.  Tonight we decide to stay in.  We have a simple dinner and watch Youtube - we are addicted to The Block New Zealand and currently watching season 4.