Up early, we were off to Quebec City and soon found a beautiful bike trail that led us down the shore of the St. Lawrence on the narrow strip of land with the raging river to our right and the cliffs of Quebec City and the Plains of Abraham above us to the left.
352 years ago Gen. James Wolfe sailed his British troops unnoticed past the fort on a dark September night. They soon landed below the cliffs and climbed up to the Plains, suddenly appearing behind the fortifications. Though the French outnumbered the British 3 to 1 overall, they panicked and attacked poorly with only a part of their forces. They were defeated in 20 minutes. Through a long series of errors and bad luck on the French side and clever tactics by the British, Quebec was lost and this proved to be the pivotal battle in the war that resulted in the ceding of all French colonies to the British in North America.
We pondered all of this as we arrived in the old city and climbed up the hill to the Chateau Frontenac (if our Deep Hollow hill at home is called "Murder Hill" by some bicycllists, we would call this one "Kamikazi Hill" - the steepest of the trip).
We found the best bakery in the city and we wolfed down (no pun intended) incredible French pastries. After a wonderful week in Quebec, we asked how things might be different in Canada (and maybe in the US) if the French had won that battle and gone on to win the war. Our answers:
- There would be great bike paths everywhere. Quebec wins the provincial prize hands down for best bike paths and Quebec City is the best of the best, nothing else anywhere is close.
- There would be wonderful fresh bread pastry and cheese everywhere everyday.
- The roads would be lined with flowers and everyone would take pride in the look of their homes and communities.
- There would be beautiful catholic churches everywhere, mostly not being used except as tourist sites.
- Stephen Harper, or anyone with a similar political philosophy, would not have been elected Prime Minister.
- Overall there would be a stronger communal and community emphasis relative to individual rights above all, a greater focus on quality of life.
- and... Alan would have to speak French...
Needless to say, we have come to really appreciate "La Belle Province". We ended the day with a beautiful foggy ferry crossing of the River from the base of the old city.
25 km later we befriended some enthusiastic Quebecois farmers who graciously gave us water and a beautiful place to camp for the night (we sure are glad that Ginny speaks French well).
Distance: 58.79 km
Time on bike: 3:43:05
Average speed:15.8 km/h
Distance from Vancouver: 6054 km
Start: 8:15 am
End: 6:15 pm
Wind: east (head-light)
Conditions: foggy then overcast with sunny breaks
Cheers
- The Warpotay Team
Location:St. Michael de Bellchasse
What a lovely post and description of quebec's charms. I am glad you are taking the time to smell the fresh baked goods en route. We are sorry that we cannot join you but very much look forward to welcoming you back to the maritimes. Enjoy the rest of Quebec and acadie.
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