All good cruises must come to an end, and this one ended today in Quebec City.

Despite spending four years of college 20 miles from the Quebec border with New York, I’d never made it to this city. (Montreal was only an hour away and provided baseball, hockey, and bars where a 17-year old could go without needing ID 🤣).

Quebec City was a major reason I booked this cruise, and once I dropped my bags at my hotel, I set out to explore. All roads seemed to lead to the Chateau Frontenac, a castle-like giant hotel perched on the cliff separating upper and lower Quebec City. There is a long boardwalk promenade overlooking the St Lawrence in front of the hotel which was a nice stroll in light rain drops.

The chateau is such a symbol of Canada that a replica is part of the Canada pavilion at Epcot Center (which that street scene from lower Quebec reminded me off).

I visited the Citadelle of Quebec, still an active military installation and home of the vaunted 22nd Regiment

After a delicious smoked meat sandwich at Restaurant MûrMur, I signed up for a guided walking tour of the old city. One of the best walking tours I’ve done – the guide was incredibly informative, funny, and didn’t shy away from controversial topics.

By the time the three hour tour was over, I realized that a cold I woke up with was getting somewhat worse. So I took it easy at the hotel afterwards. I still made it out to dinner in the evening (again to Restaurant Mûrmur – it was so good for lunch) and got some good night shots.

I’m so glad I decided to book this somewhat impromptu adventure. From my weekend on Long Island to this 8-day cruise of New England, the Maritimes and Quebec, it’s been a lot of fun. But it will be good to return home tomorrow. Florida weather permitting 😐