Author Archives: swan
Final pass through Quebec
With the road trip now on a winter hiatus, I thought I’d put up a few comments on the last leg. Rounding the Gaspésie peninsula, I stopped at The René Bureau Cliff to learn about the Age of Fishes. The park (Miguasha national park) became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007, in recognition of …
Gaspésie
Stay in Mont-Louis for a few days. The camping is convenient with the Gulf of St. Lawrence on one side and the Appalachians on the other, and the restaurants are good. You can also buy delicious smoked fish at Atkins et Frères. Gaspé is a bit dull, but it does boast a museum with public archives, …
Parc National du Bic
The Parc National du Bic is a nice place to stop, but all the provincial parks in Quebec are expensive, so be forewarned. The Rioux family farm was established in the early 1900s, and the family lived here until the land was expropriated in the 1970s. The Rioux were apparently allowed to return each summer until 1981, which …
Along the Route des Navigateurs
Quebec City
We took the ferry into Quebec. The view and traffic are superior to driving. Welcome to Vinland, where you can buy chocolate sausages. The streets are colorful, and lively, and invite exploration. Make sure to visit the citadel; it seems the apples are tasty. And we even found a beer fest in …
Bellechasse region, Quebec
A pedestrian bridge hidden underneath the highway, overlooking a waterfall formed from an old dam. It is now pay only, fenced off as a part of a park. But the trails on either side are still well-demarcated. Perhaps the change was recent; perhaps people climb the fence. Above the old dam is a nice place for skipping …
Saint-Michel, Quebec
Racism and poor taste in Quebec. Incidentally those miniature lion statues are everywhere. And a nice walk along the quay after dinner, to enjoy the sunset, the river, and good company.
Airport side trip
Just south of Ottawa, Manotick has an operational grist mill with tour guides in period costume. They sometimes even host a scotch night. You are free to explore the entire mill. Even entry and tours are by donation. But the equipment only runs every second Sunday of the non-winter months. The Dickinson house next door also boasts exhibits …
Solar aside
Thanks to volunteers, I may have solar now. It started raining immediately after they’d finished. East coast problems.