How many times can I talk about macarons and the European/Canadian way? Infinite amounts! Jetsetting to Paris for a macaron may not be realistic if you’re in New Jersey and have work/life obligations so where IS the next best place to visit that might feel a little like Europe? Just 9 hours North of New York City, travel to Quebec, Canada and staying at bed and breakfasts is not going to break the bank. European flair is so close in North America and Old Quebec offers the most historical real estate dating back over 400 years and features gorgeous scenes every step of the way. Travelling to Quebec Canada and staying at bed and breakfasts is one of the coziest and charming ways to make new friends with the hosts and the other guests. Bonus–the hosts often give you the real deal of where to visit and you get mom like home cooking!
Is it possible to fall in love with Quebec? Yes pretty much. Yes, jokes have been made every time I go somewhere new I’m always checking out real estate as a potential vacation or second home. Why not? It’s doable if that’s what you’re looking for. Old Quebec charms you with flaky croissants, fresh organic produce, lovely views by Saint Lawrence River (and just about everywhere you walked), fresh ice wines, chocolates, fromages (cheese)–really really romantic cobblestone streets with street performers. (Cirque Du Soleil originated in Quebec, Canada). That fact alone supported my trip to Quebec Canada! We experienced so much that I thought this post should be about the bed and breakfast experience, food highlights and the architecture. Stay tuned for our Top 10 roundup of MUST SEE–and yes will include the “tourist” spots (after all you’re a tourist in a new area right) and non-tourists spots to feel like a local! PLUS, I share a too good but it’s true lunch/dinner savings tip costing less then $20/pp! Let’s go and read on…
ENTRANCE INSIDE THE WALLS
Let’s start with this, Old Quebec is a walkable city where you can toss out your street map and just walk the streets aimlessly because every turn unveiled a new discovery! In case you got lost, whomever you stop to ask for directions were friendly as they were quick to share their love of Quebec.
BED & BREAKFAST: B & B Saint Louis
We stayed at a local bed and breakfast, B & B Saint-Louis hosted by Madame Balti and husband (which also is a taxi cab drive–convenient) right by Rue Saint Louis and within minutes of Frotenac and Old City. With a cheery breakfast and comfortable stay, expect to pay less then $150 per night (includes tariffs, etc). NOTE: the bed and breakfast accepted CASH only! Parking IS tricky in the area, however, IF you have a compact car–you might have a spot in the rear of their bed and breakfast, otherwise you’ll need to park at their sister B & B (complimentary) which quite honestly was a trek back to the Old City. Public transit was reasonably priced and offered sightseeing opportunities and took less then 15 minutes to get back. We only needed the car to travel to Ile D’orleans and for the drive back home so it was convenient for us.
Let’s make this clear–if you’ve not acquainted yourself with lodging at bed and breakfasts then the amenities pale in comparison to Starwood Hotels and other boutique hotels. Don’t expect fitness facilities here because all of your fitness activities will be in the form of walking!
B & B SAINT LOUIS
*NOTE: property is not for sale, but the one next door was on the market and listed by RE/MAX. If you’re interested in purchasing bed and breakfasts in the area–let me know, I’d be happy to connect you to a real estate consultant in Quebec Canada!**
Madame Balti, our hostess was ever so gracious, congenial. chatty and quick to serve us yummy breakfast once we checked in. It was a long drive and the cup of coffee perked us right back us. She prepared us home made breakfast: crepes, roll, eggs with fresh fromage (cheese) and served fresh juice every morning with a smile. We were fortunate as the other vacationers were sociable and we swapped travel stories–it left me dreaming of the next destination!
And fresh homemade rolls…
ARCHITECTURE
At first we were armed with our street maps as we strolled about town, but within hours we set aside the maps and soaked everything in by walking freely because every single building had a story to tell. Imagine architecture over 400 years old and lovingly restored in vibrant yet classic colors. While I can share photos of all the buildings–it’s not possible! But here’s a few to give you perspective at how beautiful it really is there. Imagine walking and street after street you stumble upon this!
And then this…
FAIRMOUNT LE CHATEAU FROTENAC
FAIRMOUNT LE CHATEAU FROTENAC
Regarded as the oldest landmark hotel dating back to the 19th century and the creme de la creme of pampered European luxury. With breathtaking views of Saint Lawrence River, I was in awe with its beautiful restoration.
STORE FRONT ARCHITECTURE
When I tell you every store front was unique designed and well kept, I literally mean everyone one we walked by. The supermarkets, produce, and retail establishments — literally every retailer had the most charming potted plant awnings/signs. Here’s J.A. Moisan, a must see and arguably the oldest grocery store in Quebec, Canada!
J.A. MOISAN-GROCER
FOOD-WILD GAME, FRITES, CREPES, AND MORE
Depending on your budget, when travelling to Quebec Canada driving with friends is a safe way to stretch your dollar (catch up on a good audiobook, and friendly chat). Chip in on gas, take turns driving and with what you’ll save, use some of those savings and allow yourself to indulge and dine well. Note: if you’re accustomed to dining Michelin style and fully acquainted with dining “large”, then the prices won’t shock you! If dinner normally means spending no more than $20/per person for a 3 course meal–then you must check out Aux Ancien. That’s right you can enjoy an authentic Quebec cusine 3 course meal including starter, main course, dessert & a glass of wine/beer. Here’s the deal–it’s a lunch deal but if you head there BEFORE 5 pm and it’s still $20/pp. Alright, did it feel a TAD bit touristy? Of course it did but the food was NOT. The meals were modest not oversized so feel free to add an ala carte course or pipe in another appetizer. It’s nearly impossible to have a 3 course dinner for $20/pp–it’s close to $60 elsewhere, so this was a pleasant penny pinching savings dinner!
DINING AT AUX ANCIEN FOR $20/pp
AUX ANCIEN RESTAURANT
We tried everything and wanted to go gastrocrazy here because it was too easy to at this prix dinner!
The crepes with fresh organic raspberries for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack!
And the Frites (fries)–might I add their sauces were rich and layered.
We have long heard that travelling to Quebec Canada meant making a trip to Marche Du Vieux-Port–the grand daddy farmers market. If you’re mad for fresh produce, sausages, fresh baked goods, dressings, macarons, fresh flowers–gosh ANYTHING fresh, then you MUST visit. I admit we went back 3 times because we loved it so much. It reminded me of an indoors Union Square and San Francisco’s market. Heck, a ton of countries have their indoor/outdoor markets/bazaars. There’s just nothing like a gastronomy adventure!
MARCHE DU VIEUX -PORT
Imagine picking out fresh produce here that look like this every single day and making a vegetable soup minus the pesticides!
ILE D’ORLEANS
We also drove to Ile D’Orleans, the quaint country side and dropped into Domaine Steinbach and sipped on Ice wines, picnicked with tasty sandwiches trimmed with brie and duck confit while overlooking the Saint Lawrence River. Heaven might mean this!
PICNIC AT DOMAINE STEINBACH, CHEMIN ROYAL
SAINT LAWRENCE RIVER
Travelling to Quebec Canada and trying their fromage/cheese was another item on our bucket list. Clean fresh made like the old days without the extra processing .
FROMAGE/CHEESE
To sweeten the trip more, we had to have macarons but a trip to Chocolaterie where home-made chocolates to the Quebec Canada way of life is much like drinking water daily–it’s a necessary “nourishment”!
CHOCOLATERIE–FRESH AT ILE D’ORLEANS
ENTERTAINMENT–night life
After you’ve walked all day long, you really forget how tired you “COULD” get–but catch a cat nap and please head back out and enjoy the night life! Old Quebec city doesn’t sleep so you may as well join in the fun and check out a street performer by the river. How do you find them–don’t worry a crowd will assemble and pretty soon you’re watching. The street performers are wonderful entertainment, be sure to honor them with a tip to support their craft!
STREET PERFORMER
Imagine having dinner outdoors–it’s lively, romantic and ah there’s music in the air! We caught a FREE outdoor concert too!
Overall, the trip was so wondrous, with winter coming–they have winter wonderland where the city is converted into a snowy paradise, but for now am so grateful to say, “Life is Good”–everyday is a great day no matter what!
Your turn, have you been to Quebec Canada? Of course we’ve seen so many more landmarks and have an even longer list of excursions to share with you, but tell me what was yours? Share you comments below!
