Quebec City

 

Ottawa to Quebec City took about 6 hours - we kept our speed at about 100 km/h. The tourist information booth near the border of Quebec and Ontario is a great place to stop. Very helpful people, and they were generous with information. Lots of parking space, and I wouldn't be surprised if one could boondock there and spend the night. 

We stayed at Camping Transit, a family run campground on the south side of the river in Levis, just across the river from Quebec City. I can't say enough about how clean it is and how helpful the owners are. Everything is immaculate. Once again, we chose to have just two services, water and electricity. 

The campground offers a free shuttle to the ferry across to Old Quebec. It was great to be able to leave our vehicle and not worry about parking. The ferry ride is less than 10 minutes and arrives right at the base of the hill below the famous Chateau Frontenac. 

Charming buildings with colourful shutters, overflowing flower boxes, steep roofs, and narrow streets - it's full of atmosphere and history. We spent two days wandering the city. The Plains of Abraham, where the fate of Canada was decided in 1759, is now a very large park extending along the cliff above the river. Its lush green grass and large trees belie the bloody history of this place. Take time to just wander. 

This morning we stayed at the campsite to do laundry, then took our bicycles for a ride along the Saint Laurence River. What fun! There are free parking lots in several places - the friendly tourist information guides can help. 

Tomorrow we're on our way again.