Saguenay Fjord to Alma and back

As we started the day it was misting. Just enough to make it difficult to see through the windshield but not enough to get us wet. Rode to Anse de Roche (Rock Cove) where you can see for miles up and down the fjord as it is on a corner. Beautiful picturesque little village as we expect to see for the next few months as we explore the coastlines of Quebec, New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia and New Foundland.

Anse de Roche, Kayakers going out whale watching

Up the Fjord

Nice little village

As we rode west up the fjord, the vegetation and road remind us of the Kootenay, Good road with road work and long sweeping corners. Very surprised with the amount of people that live here and the size of the towns. Had no idea of this region.  The Fjord is tidal all the way up to Saguenay.  Makes for very good fishing while the water is brackish as the river water mixes ocean water and that why this area is great for whale watching.

Old town, Saguenay

Saguenay Bridge over the Saguenay River

Drove around Tadoussac when arrived back. Found large sand dunes and a fabulous overlook of the St Lawrence River. The sky had cleared enough for us to see the south side of the St Lawrence River from the dunes. Didn't see any whales, but locals say they are around. Whale watching tour in a zodiac costs about $60+15%tax per person. 

The dunes, looking east

Tadoussac with a freighter

Tadoussac, Entrance to the Saguenay Fjord

Travel day to Tadoussac

Woke up to rain. Rained most of the day as we traveled to Tadoussac, on the fjord of The Saguenay and St Lawrence River. After setting up camp, walked into town. Pretty little town with a lot of history.

From the free ferry across the Saguenay

St Lawrence coast

Île D'Orleans and Parc De La Chute Montmorency

Because we are camped across the river from Quebec City in Levis, people told us to drive Rue St Laurent to the ferry and cross to old town. Fabulous view of the north bank as we drove along. Arrived at the ferry terminal. The wait for the ticket was longer than the boat ride. 

Side loading ferry

View of old town from ferry

Drove to Île D'Orleans as we were told of its beauty. Is a farming community on the river just down the river from Quebec. Drove it slowly as there were constant vista views, dotted with quaint little towns. Stopped at a winery. Their wine was cool climate wine, at best only fair, but nice atmosphere. Down the road, stopped at a cafe/chocolatier, had lunch and drooled over the chocolate, but maintained will power.

After the island tour, headed for Montmorency Waterfall. Hiked up 490 stairs and then over a suspension bridge to the top of the cable car tram. Fantastic vistas, this waterfall is 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls. Watched some people zip lining. Thought about it, but had to buy tickets at the entrance..  Then walked back down all the stairs. Great stairmaster!

La Chute Montmorency 

View of bridge over to Île D'Orleans

490 stairs and zip line landing

St Lawrence River,  3 bridges

Drove through rush hour traffic back to camp.

Old Town, Quebec

Found our way to Old Town this morning. Beautiful, Clean and totally touristy! Got up to the Citadel (Small city). Still used as an Army Base. Turns out that the Commandant is being changed tomorrow, so they troops were practicing drills in preparation for the ceremony. Pictures tell the story.

Hotel Frontenac from the river area

Lady of Victories Church, oldest stone church in North America

Rue du Petit-Champlain, narrowest street in North America

Hotel Frontenac

World Heritage site emblem in 3D

Troops Practicing @ the Citadel

Troops practicing with the top of the Hotel Frontenac in the background

Tanks preparing to practice

View from the Citadel

Julie and her big gun...

More big guns

One of the Entrances to the fortification of the fort

Lots of restorations at the Citadel. Workers stopped to pose for the pic.

Lots of art around the city, very cool stuff....

Recommended Restaurant

Lunch!

A cool street.

Bombardier

Headed north to Quebec City.  It is simply called "Quebec" by the province and locals, like Montreal or Toronto,  They are not called Montreal City or Toronto City.... Took a while to figure this out..

Stopped for gas and saw signs to the Bombardier Museum. After a little deliberation, a detour was decided. Had no idea that BRP was started in a small town called Valcourt. New museum, opened this year, quite cool and interactive. We have been noticing alot of Can-Am Spyders (trike) being ridden in this area. As we rolled into town, there were thousands of crates at a warehouse facility. Immediately became apparent that they are manufactured in this small town. So cool! But, as a motorcycle purest, I still wouldn't own one.

J. Armand Bombardier's first shop

Entrance to the Museum

B-12 snowmobile

Concept Spyder

Later version of the Spyder

Note these were hanging on a wall so the pics were hard to take

Clay model concept

They built the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Torch

Traveling back to the highway, another cover bridge. (still in use)

Driving into Quebec (city)