Quebec Trip 2016!! Part One: Quebec City

This summer, we decided to take the kids on a trip to Quebec City and area.  I wasn't really sure how it was going to go but I was excited for an adventure.  It was our first big trip with just the 4 of us so it was nice to embark on some family time.  And we really wanted the kids to learn some French culture and get an appreciation for why they are learning French at school.

And I am happy to say, that by all accounts, the trip was a success!  We had so much fun, did so many incredible things and the kids (and us) even practiced their French speaking!  

We started off in Quebec City.  We stayed right in Old Quebec outside the Chateau Frontenac.  It was like stepping into a European country everytime we walked out of our hotel every morning.  There were buskers and artists and crowds of people everywhere!  It was hard not to get caught up in the action.

The bistro right next to our hotel

A fountain across the street 

Chateau Frontenac by day

Chateau Frontenac by night

Quebec City is a cool town with an interesting history.  The streets are all tight and lined by brick buildings with a very European-esque feel.  It's like visiting a different country without having to leave the country.  Kinda cool :)

         

And every corner you turn, there's something new and interesting to look at!

Like swings!!

And canoes hanging from the sky

So many canoes!

Or a mural covering a wall

Or a fountain

 

Or another swing!

We spent a lot of time on this swing :)

Apart from wandering around the city, which is exciting on its own, we went to the Plains of Abraham Museum to teach the kids a little Wolfe-Montcalm history.  

Small didn't like hearing about the wars and was slightly scared about the whole thing.  But, he was fascinated by the big brick wall surrounding the city.  We also had a fun time trying to find the iconic cannon ball in the tree...

 We also took a horse and carriage tour around the city.  Small likes horses and he hates walking so we thought this would be a win, win :)

And then there was the food.  They take these soft serve ice cream cones and dip them in real chocolate.  Not the waxy Dairy Queen crap.  REAL chocolate.  O.M.G.!!  The kids ate an ice cream cone everyday.  I, on the other hand, ate a lifetime supply of french fries on this trip so I had to restrain myself against the ice cream sadly :(  But, the poutine...oh the poutine....

This was our first of many....

And there were crepes, too!!!

These crepes were filled with apples, ice cream and covered in caramel sauce!  I mean, come on!!!  The kids were in heaven!!!

We shopped, we ate, we saw fireworks, we took in the sights, we hung out.  I was surprised how most people spoke English.  In fact, we really didn't need to speak any French in Quebec City.  That was a bit of a bummer but otherwise, we had a great couple of days!!!

View of the St Lawrence

Chilling on the swing

Hanging out along Rue Champlain

Such a cute kid :)

Afternoon drink while waiting for the other two to bring back the car.  He had about 10 cherries in his drink and thought it was the BEST DRINK EVER!!!!

Next Stop, Montmorency Falls, Beaupre and Mont Saint-Anne