Quebec
Thursday 26th July
It took about 1½ hours to drive from Trois Riviéres to Quebec City, it then took almost the rest of the day to find somewhere to park in order to visit the city! We went to the RV parking and they were charging $65 for overnight parking. The city Walmarts all had no overnight parking allowed, so we headed out to Levis south of the river and parked at Walmart there.
We were surrounded by large RVs parking overnight before heading for the FICC rally which was taking place nearby.
Friday 27th July
We drove to a parking area near to the Aquarium and from there took the bus to the old city centre. We explored the area known as Quartier Petit Champlain. This was where in 1608, Samuel de Champlain began the construction of the first permanent settlement in New France (Quebec).
Next we took the funicular up to the old walled city. The views from the Dufferin Terrace, across the St. Lawrence River were amazing. We walked along the terrace and the Promenade des Gouverneurs up onto the Field of Abraham. We had a quick look at the Citadelle but decided against a guided tour.
After lunch we followed a guided tour through the streets and buildings of the Old Town.
Quebec is an attractive city in a beautiful setting. A most enjoyable day. Overnight at Walmart, Levis.
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Saturday 28th July
Our first stop of the day was to view Quebec from the terrace at Levis – an incredible view of the old town, citadel and harbour.
We then headed along the Route das Navigateurs following the southern shore of the St. Lawrence River. It passed through many unspoilt villages/towns, always with a view to the river and beyond to the northern shore.
A lovely drive.
Overnight at Walmart, Riviére-du-loop.
Sunday 29th July
We continued our travels along the Gaspe peninsula – traffic was much heavier today but the roads were better than yesterday so it wasn’t a problem.
The attractive Victorian era houses along the coast gradually gave way to farms. We had long stretches where the road followed the shore line but there were also inland sections of road. The river estuary views were giving way to more of an out to sea view. There was no real beach, just marsh, boulders and flat rocks at low tide.
Town rules stated that the Walmart at Matana forbade overnight parking there. We had to drive for a further 1½ hours until we found a suitable spot at the harbour Cap Chat, in the shadow of a large wind turbine area.
We continued our travels along the Gaspe peninsula – traffic was much heavier today but the roads were better than yesterday so it wasn’t a problem.
The attractive Victorian era houses along the coast gradually gave way to farms. We had long stretches where the road followed the shore line but there were also inland sections of road. The river estuary views were giving way to more of an out to sea view. There was no real beach, just marsh, boulders and flat rocks at low tide.
Town rules stated that the Walmart at Matana forbade overnight parking there. We had to drive for a further 1½ hours until we found a suitable spot at the harbour Cap Chat, in the shadow of a large wind turbine area.
Monday 30th July
This morning we gradually pottered further along the northern shore of the Gaspe peninsula. In places the mountains reached down to the sea which made the coast road there particularly exciting. In places there were signs warning about waves coming over the road! Luckily the sea was like a millpond all day. We made a number of stops on route just to take in the views.
Mid afternoon we found a lovely spot by a cove and we decided to stop there and relax for the rest of the day. An ideal overnight halt – waves gently lapping to lull you to sleep.
Tuesday 31st July
We were rather reluctant to leave our lovely overnight spot. We headed further round the coast towards the end of the peninsula and Land’s End. We took a short dirt track detour to see the historic lighthouse at Pointe-à-la-Renommee – in 1904 Marconi established North America’s first maritime radio station there.
Our next stop was at Cap-des-Rosiers to view Land’s End, the end of the peninsula – lunch overlooking the beach. Gaspe town was non-descript so we headed on towards Percé.
This morning we gradually pottered further along the northern shore of the Gaspe peninsula. In places the mountains reached down to the sea which made the coast road there particularly exciting. In places there were signs warning about waves coming over the road! Luckily the sea was like a millpond all day. We made a number of stops on route just to take in the views.
Mid afternoon we found a lovely spot by a cove and we decided to stop there and relax for the rest of the day. An ideal overnight halt – waves gently lapping to lull you to sleep.
Tuesday 31st July
We were rather reluctant to leave our lovely overnight spot. We headed further round the coast towards the end of the peninsula and Land’s End. We took a short dirt track detour to see the historic lighthouse at Pointe-à-la-Renommee – in 1904 Marconi established North America’s first maritime radio station there.
Our next stop was at Cap-des-Rosiers to view Land’s End, the end of the peninsula – lunch overlooking the beach. Gaspe town was non-descript so we headed on towards Percé.
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We failed to find any suitable overnight halts so had to book into a campground – Camping Vibert Hotel Coin-du-Banc, Percé. Our beachside pitch had wonderful views but it was tiny and we were squeezed in either side. Facilities were rundown and the site was expensive.
Wednesday 1st August
A late start to the morning as we took advantage of being on a campsite – tidying, airing bedding etc. We drove a few miles to the village of Percé to see the Rocher Percé- very impressive, and the offshore island of Bonaventure. The town itself was very trippery.
The weather deteriorated so early in the afternoon we found a large layby just outside Grande Rivière. Most we had seen recently had “No Overnight Parking” signs on them but this one didn’t. Spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and stayed overnight.
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Thursday 2nd August
We are both still enjoying pottering along the coast, so drove a very short distance today.
We stopped en route to send Fiona a Happy Birthday email – still no mobile reception.
We spent all afternoon on a lovely little campsite at St. Godefroi – a grass pitch overlooking the sea, harbour and landscaped gardens behind us. Decided to spend the night here.
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