From the Pacific to the Atlantic - Crossing Canada by Train
2 October - 5 November 2024

Canada 2024
28 October 2024: Day 27

Quebec City

Introduction

Our cabin attendant, Peter, had noted we were departing at Sainte Foy for Quebec, which required us to be ready to jump off at 0700. He knocked on our door about 0630 to tell us we were running a few minutes late, and I should walk down to the lounge car and get coffee - which I did. We arrived at Sainte Foy at about 0710 and off we hopped. It was dark and -4C but the shuttle to take us into Quebec was waiting. Off we headed at tremendous speed, exceeding 90 in 60kph areas so we arrived at Quebec Gare du Palais at about 0745. Nothing was open, no taxis, so we found the cafe inside the station and warmed up. Procuring a taxi was problematic - the only phone numbers we could find were 4-digit and would not accept calls from a "foreign" phone. Eventually a tqaxi turned up and we were headed up the hill into old Quebec to the Hotel Chateau Belle Vue. We climbed the steps to the hotel, fully expecting to store our luggage and explore Quebec for the day. "You may do that if you wish" said the very helpful concierge, but as it is very early maybe you would like to settle in to your room and sleep for a while. Well, no dispute from us there!

A few hours later we ventured forth into old Quebec. We walked along Dufferin Terrace, down the many steps to find Rue St Famille (where Daniel Keith had his school) than past many art galleries and interesting shops and back to the hotel. A block away were many restaurants, mostly of Italian theme, we chose Parmesan for a nice meal.