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ead North on Rue Notre Dame to find bustling tasting beckoned. It’s a rustic and beautiful island where
Rue du Petit-Champlain, considered the old- time almost seems to stand still. Its wondrous farms,
est commercial street in North America. Art churches, produce stands and quaint shops offer a won-
H galleries, clothing stores, souvenir shops and derful respite from the urban port.
quite a few cafes line the pedestrian street.
In spring, sample strawberries; in fall, pick apples off
For a touch of culture, head to the Musee de la Civili- heavily laden trees in the orchards of apple cider makers.
zation just across the street from the port. Here you'll (Remember cider here, as in Europe, is an alcoholic bev-
find a mixed bag of exhibits including a model of Samuel erage.) Many of the growing number of wineries offer
Champlain's early dwelling on the shores of the St. Law- samples in tasting rooms overlooking vineyards. Com-
rence; a longboat, the transportation of choice by the bine a gourmet lunch with wine tasting at Vignoble de
early Amerindians; and the Olympic Torch. If you want Sainte-Pétronille vineyard, permanent home to a “food
to rest your tired legs go right next door to Le Cafe du truck” run by Auberge Saint-Antoine’s top-rated restau-
Monde for mussels. rant Panache.
We drove to the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency where
Dufferin Terrace above the Old Town and the River of-
fers a one-stop experience blending history, show biz the cascading falls are one and-a-half times higher than
and commerce: It's close to great restaurants, charming Niagara. Stunning mountain and river views accompany
shops, the Old Town and street performers -- mimes, a cable car ride up to the top of the cliff where walking
jugglers and the like. trails and a suspension bridge take you to lookout points.
Before heading back, we stopped in the elegant Manoir
Montmorency where you’ll find view restaurants, a gift
History buffs will love to stroll through the Plains of
Abraham - also called Battlefields Park - where the Brit- shop and interpretation center.
ish and French fought in 1759. Today it’s Quebec City’s
equivalent of Manhattan’s Central Park, home to con- If you’re interested in local history travel just 15 min-
certs in summer and cross-country skiing and sledding utes from Quebec City to enter the fascinating world of
in winter. Enjoy the tranquil gardens and river vistas the Huron-Wendat Indians, the first peoples to live in
while envisioning the hard-fought battles there. There's this part of Canada. The Huron traditional site, located
a multimedia show and more than 30 regimental uni- on the reservation, features guided tours that visit long
forms in the Discover Pavilion. houses and a museum to explain tribal life in the 17th
century.
At Musee du Fort, conveniently located near Chateau
Frontenac, visitors can learn more about the battles at Interactive activities, native food sampling and dance
the Plains of Abraham and Benedict Arnold's march to presentations provide a glimpse into nation's culture
Quebec a historic recreation of the six sieges of Quebec. and traditional know-how. A short walk through sce-
nic natural surroundings leads to Kabir Kouba Falls by
Rivière Saint-Charles. The center includes a hotel, gift
On day two we left the city to visit the Ile d'Orleans, just
25 minutes from the Le Vieux Port where wine and cider shop and restaurant that’s open all year, with hours and
shows vary depending on the season.
Wine Dine & Travel Summer 2014 15

