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his historic city on the St Law- which offers a savory taste of Europe ence in the area. In the 17th and 18th
rence River was our departure without the jet lag and expense. Think of centuries, several historic battles were
port for a 14-day “leaf peeper” it as France without the attitude. Friend- fought there among the French, British,
T cruise on the RCCL Explorer of the ly locals convey that sense of romance Americans and native peoples. Rusted
Seas cruise ship that would take us to and Old World charm found across the cannon balls still can be seen lodged in
exciting eastern Canadian ports, down Atlantic, making Quebec City a wonder- trees and buildings in the Old City.
the New England coast, and winding fully distinctive port of call on Canada/
up in the city of Bayonne, New Jersey New England cruises. Although we timed our trip for the leg-
– the antithesis of Quebec. This was our endary delight of the area’s colorful fall
first experience in this Tres French City, The city is framed to the north by the foliage, cruise ships come to town spring,
majestic Lauren- summer and fall. In
tian Mountains spring and summer,
and to the south Quebec City impresses
by the Appalachian visitors with boughs
foothills and moun- of green, remarkable
tains leading to light and a pleasant
New England. The climate (summer tem-
St. Lawrence Riv- peratures average in
er, flowing beneath the 70s). In the spring
the cliffs of Upper and autumn, jackets
Town dominated by are necessary and win-
the regal Fairmont ter can be extremely
Chateau Frontenac, frosty ... well, this is
flows on into the Canada.
Atlantic. To control
the area of Quebec Our French is reduced
City meant control to merci, bon jour and
of the St. Lawrence a few other phrases
River and naviga- that can get me a glass
tion to the Great of wine or beer and di-
Lakes. rections to the restrooms. But we didn’t
have any issues at all here because,
The effort to control this strategic lo- whereas French is the official language,
cation has led to many battles and was English is spoken at almost all visitor
key to the colonization, or settlement, destinations including restaurants and
of Native Amerindians, the French, the shops. The same goes for money: While
British and finally, the Canadian Confed- Canadian dollar is the currency of the
eration in 1867. It remains the home of
the only walled city in North America. Above: The old post office and the ticket booth for
the Old Quebec Funicular to get between the upper
Quebec's name comes from an Algon- and lower sections of the core of the city. Bottom:
quin word for “where the river narrows.” A street view of our ship, The Explorer of the Seas,
In 1608, explorer Samuel de Champlain docked in the lower city. Opposite: Busy street-side
founded a trading post here marking the dining on a beautiful day.
beginning of a continual French pres-
Wine Dine & Travel Summer 2014 11

