kak113

My husband and I are making our first trip to Quebec City for a long weekend Sept 3-6. I bit the bullet and booked us at the Auberge Saint-Antoine because we are in need of a getaway and I wanted to be a little bit spoiled.

I've read about the Image Mill and Cirque show but am not sure we are interested in fighting the crowds. I'd be more interested in some good walks, whether there are boating excursions we can take, and some nice finds as far as restaurants go. I do need to get a guidebook but in the spirit of relaxing don't want to get too involved in mapping out our trip.

I'd rather here about the places you would have regretted not seeing when you all visited, even if they are off the beaten path.

The weather seems like it will be mild - 65 degrees or so based on historical averages - does that seem about right?

Thanks in advance!

taconictraveler

Well, you are staying in the right place as far as I'm concerned. DH and I just loved the Auberge St. Antoine, run by Lew Price. Now they have a v. v. good restaurant so I hear but never tried it.
there are good restaurants nearby: try L'Echaudee, down the street. DH is still dreaming about it. Lovely atmosphere, sophisticated but not stuffy. We went back two nights later. and there are other restaurants down there in the lower old town.

Also the Art Museum is lovely, and their restaurant is well worth while.

I would walk way up on the Plains of Abraham and discover all that history.

Maybe a ride up (or is it down?) the St. Lawrence to one of the small towns along the river,on the north side. many of them housing art colonies, would be fun. We loved it.

We went all the way to La Malbaie where the wonderful gardens called Les Quatre Vents (The Four Winds) are located, but they are private (Frank & Ann Cabot) and you need a reservation, at least you did the last I heard.

But even a drive in that direction on the north side of the river is worth.

I would have regretted NOT driving out and all around the large island in the middle of the river, which is really an upscale residential area for Quebec, and has gorgeous views from several parts.

Ask at the desk, as I can't remember the name of the island, but there is a bridge.

Enjoy this wonderful area so close to New York.

April

I agree - GREAT choice of hotel. The Frontenac is a grand-looking landmark but the Saint-Antoine is a much better place to stay!

The butternut soup we had in the Cafe Artefact off their lobby was one of my all-time favourites. For cheap mid-week breakfasts we wandered over to Le Cochon Dingue, not far from the Saint-Antoine.

One of my favourite walks was back from National Battlefields Park along 'Promenade des Gouverneurs' to Dufferin Terrace. Many, many stairs but most or all going down in this direction. Another day we walked back from Avenue Cartier, along Grande Allee, by the Quebec Parliament Building, etc. Every walk we took was thoroughly enjoyable and full of interesting sights. There were surprises too, such as the tree growing around the cannonball.

Along with the tidiness of the streets we marvelled at the artistic design everywhere. Check out, for instance, the figurehead fountain at Place de la FAO with its design continuing right onto the sidewalk and street; the non-plastic children's playgrounds; the chairs around the fountain at the train station.

Did you mean Ile d'Orleans, taconictraveler?

taconictraveler

Yes, Yes, Yes, thank you April, that is it's name - most interesting to drive the road around the island. I remember some lovely views, some historic houses, and roadside stands, very much country-near-the-city,

Cranachin

If you like ice cream, go to Les Chocolats Favoris in Lévis, across the river from Quebec City. They have many interesting hard packed and sorbet flavors, plus several flavors of soft serve (including outstanding strawberry and maple when I was there). You can get them dipped in THICK dark or milk chocolate, too.

If you take the ferry across, it is a short drive or a decent walk uphill from the landing.