QUéBEC CITY |
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DAY THREE |
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MORNING The last day calls for a little road trip. Hop in a rental and strike out for Montmorency Falls— aim to get there as early as possible to avoid crowds. These majestic cascades are 98 feet taller than Niagara Falls; in the winter, the great white mound of frozen mist at its base is known locally as the pain de sucre( sugar loaf). Whatever season you visit, the views from the gondola that whisks you to the top are always spectacular. Once there, visitors can walk across the suspension bridge that floats above the falls, feeling its powerful whoosh underfoot. After taking it all |
in, it’ s back into the car for the next destination— Île d’ Orléans. This diminutive island is a favourite mini escape from the city, located only three miles east of downtown. Its six historic municipalities provide a window into rural Québecois life as it was when French settlers arrived in the 17th century, building many of the stone farmhouses and churches that still survive today. Cross the Pont de l’ Île to join Chemin Royal and begin a counterclockwise loop, choosing to stop in the quiet waterside village of Saint-Jean— one of the most picturesque on the island, with its distinctive row |
of whitewashed houses topped with colourful metal roofs. On the drive, look out for roadside farm shops hawking whatever is in season. The Île d’ Orléans is nicknamed the Garden of Québec since almost 95 % of the land is dedicated to agriculture, and the produce grown here is the best in the province— particularly the sweet, plump strawberries that fill punnets in summer.
AFTERNOON There’ s another local specialty no one should leave the province without trying— poutine. In its most basic form, this beloved dish consists of thick-
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Clockwise from top left: Montmorency Falls; Boutique La Cabane on Route 368 on Ile d’ Orleans; the marine cemetery in Saint- Jean-de-l’ Île-d’ Orléans; poutine at La Monnaguette |
images: alamy; La Monnaguette |
24 • pos t c a rds |