I will be spending four nights in Quebec and will likely break up the trip with two nights in Quebec City and two nights someplace else, within a couple hour drive away.

I am currently considering 2 nights at the Fairmont La Manoir Richelieu (in La Malbaie, Quebec) and the other 2 nights at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.

Are there any other places that are worth considering in substitution of La Manoir Richelieu within a two hour drive from Quebec City???

Thanks.

Roccco,

Want to venture to montreal & we can exchange our safari photos??? Good choice with Chateau frontenac-so when are you coming??? Hurry up

Roccco-get this booklet-it's free. Go to www.bonjourquebec.com & just order it or call 1-877-266-5687 for some info

Patty,

Thanks for the invite but I do have my heart set on Quebec City. If I had more than four nights available I would definitely go to Montreal also, but with only four nights I would like to spend two of them in a more natural setting like the Fairmont La Manoir Richelieu and two nights in Quebec City at Le Chateau Frontenac.

My biggest regret is that I am not going in winter. The La Manoir Richelieu actually has a dog-mushing half day trip during the winter that sounds awesome. If I enjoy Quebec, I will definitely have to make my way back during the next winter or two.

Any African holidays coming up for you, Patty??? I don't figure that I will be able to make it back to Africa for a couple years. I will use the rest of this year to get better acquainted with my own continent, North America, with the Quebec trip and a New York City trip in early November.

I will give that website you suggested a try. Thanks.

IF you don't like cold (and I mean bitter, bitter cold), Quebec can be brutal in the wintertime. I have attended Carnivale there and believe me, there isn't much you want to do out of doors - even when dressed for the occasion!

Montreal is really only two to two and one-half hours away and worth the visit. This year we did an evening and morning in Old Quebec city and then travelled to Montreal and spent the best of three days before leaving. Not too much driving or really too rushed. If you haven't visited Montreal before, you will really enjoy it (as well as Quebec).

Dear Roccco, I will be flying to turkey beginning of september until the end-I'll tell you all about the resort I chose at the end-right on the medit.
Perhaps we can meet in NY in november but must go to california to visit my son.
Re my most favoured destination-that is Africa. I want to go to Namibia, south africa(again) & zambia perhaps Botswana as well but would like to take my son with me-I'm putting you IN COMPLETE charge of doing my trip-I don't have the patience but you are fantastic!!!
You must meet my son when I come to california-he's cool(spoken like a true mother). You will freeze to death here in the winter-I intend to start leaving montreal during winters-I've had enough.
Yes, definitely go on the website & call the toll free number

Patty,

I booked my 4 nights at the Fairmont Frontenac. I decided to pass on the Richelieu but will definitely take a daytrip to the area and perhaps do some whalewatching.

I just read too many good things about Quebec City to only stay two nights and I found a package that provided me with a "free" night if I purchased two nights in a Fairmont Gold Room. It still cost an average of about $350 USD per night for my four night stay but at least it is a nicer room, as the basic rooms at the Frontenac seem inadequate.

Let me know when you are serious about going to Africa and I would be happy to help you plan it out. It would keep me sharp for my own African travel planning!

Hi Roccco,
You can get a GST refund on accommodations Roccco-save your original receipts but best of all go to: www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca or call 1-800-668-4748
Seriously, this winter I'm leaving for sunnier climes but the next year-I do want to plan . The wildlife just left me wanting more & the overwhelming beauty of the country-there's just so much to say about it. I "will" consult with you.
Back to quebec-Chateau Frontenac is a celebrated landmark-an imposing castle,they have guides dressed in 19th century costumes & they conduct tours of the hotel's luxurious interior. Vieux-Quebec -Unesco has designated it a World Heritage site. You'll just love it Roccco.

Hi Rocco & Patty,

Ah, would you two like to be alone? lol, Only kidding, actually like reading what you two have to say.

Rocco, I would suggest indeed going to Montreal if you want to go somewhere about 2 hours from QC (it's really like 2 1/2) There is a lot to do in Montreal.

Quebec City is great but I love the Hotel Dominion 1912 in the lower town better than the Chateau Frontenac.

Next week I will be in QC and traveling up to Charlevoix region (Parc Grand Jardin) for some camping and outdoor sports. There is para-gliding at Mont St Annes during the summer. (That's enroute to Manoir Richelieu- off Rt 138)

I would encourage you to go to QC during the winter- it is so much fun. I spent Christmas there last year and it was the best! (was lucky and had only 30 F weather)

However I started the drive to go to Carnival last February and got about to the Catskills and decided to turn around and come home. ( I am from the NYC area)It was 15 below Zero F up there in QC! I was trying to sneak away from the tax season for a weekend and decided taxes were easier to deal with than that cold!

But I have been to Carnival in the past and it was fantastic! And there are plenty of dog-sledding companies around QC. (That was so much fun) Just go into the info center at Place d'Armes.

Have a great time Rocco!

Patty, for Botswana, why not begin by accessing Wilderness Safaris and looking at their offerings. Doing Botswana is quite simple. For example, you could make J'Bourg your entry point, then flying to Maun.

From Maun, private planes to the lodges. WS handles it all for you. Just so easy you cannot imagine.

Among the best, Mombo, Savuti and Duba Plains. But you'll see that many, such as Kavey, will have somewhat of a different take, and her ideas are splendid.

For an agent, try Fish Eagles in Houston - Bert duPlessis. Very reliable and knowledgeable.

If your interests extend to S. Africa, post here again, and lets talk. No, I am not an agent, lol. I just go there for fun.

Hi ffsmiles,
Thank you for your kind offer. There is just nothing like seeing the wildlife-I kept pinching myself; the lodges were heaven on earth. Aside from that magnificence, I just loved the entire country. Roccco is a marvellous planner & has had wonderful experiences there.What is your e-mail address. Thanks

Roccco-I sent you an e-mail. How's scared to death?
For FFSMILES-if you can please give me your e-mail address