We took the weekend of 3 days of Thanksgiving to explore the wonderful autumn scenery of Quebec.

First, we went to Cape Tourmente a step in the migration of snow goose from late September to October. This place is simply wonderful in its nature already rich, but even more impressive when 80 000 goose were gathered in a setting autumn. We do not expect such a sight! I will not say more images speak for themselves …

The cap tourmente :

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Dazzled by the colors, we decided to continue our drive to the Baie-St-Paul in Charlevoix region, a village supposedly the “most photographed of Quebec.” When you reach the city, as the name of the city indicated, we saw a bay surrounded by hills. The city itself is full of art galleries and art shops, decoration shops, restaurants … The architecture of houses in the main street is very charming, very typical for my taste.

Baie-St-Paul :

En route vers Baie St Paul - 12

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As we had three days, we didn’t stop there, and had time to discover (for me) and re-discovered (for Marek, who had already seen it in winter) the Isle of Orleans. What to say except a good change of scenery and a return to nature. The season is perfect, we’ve seen all round the island of garage sales, self-pick apples, merchants of potatoes, pumpkins … We made some very interesting provisions. The cultures of the island are very diverse as each corner of the island.

Driving around, we stopped in St. Pierre at the tomb of Felix Leclerc a songwriter known for his song “moi mes souliers” (me my shoes), which explains why the shoes are left on his grave.

Hence we had a view of the Cathedral of St. Anne de Beaupre, the Crane Island and Quebec to name the best known.

The ile d’orléans :

Tour de l'ile d'orleans - 06

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To finish our ride after seeing all the colours, we headed to the famous Montmorency Falls, higher than Niagara Falls crossing.

Montmorency Falls :

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“Quebec, I remember”! Whatan emblem  so beautiful!

With this great weather in September, it would be a shame to miss a beautiful ride to Mount Trembant, a station at 1:30 from Montreal.

We were surprised by the architecture of the station that we made some little thought to Disneyland … Let me explain. The buildings seem new, vivid colors and a particular style (in pictures is easier). Down the station we can take a gondola to get to the slopes in winter or summer hiking path. Thus we can see inside their hotel with some great swimming pool… not bad! The station looked very lively and rich enough. Many shops, restaurants, bars … a very cozy place to spend the weekend by cons in winter I think it should be well filled.

Before returning to Montreal, we took the opportunity to tour the lake by car, a haven of tranquility …

Mont Tremblant-1

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Like that, we decided to go in Vermont State, which borders with the province of Quebec. Less than an hour’s drive from Montreal, we arrive at the border and establish the formalities. We must explain why we go to U.S., where, how long … and must, as at the airport, submit to the picture taking and fingerprinting to obtain a green card.

We here in the state of New York! We are heading towards the city of Burlington on Lake Champlain. On the road, we note that the area has numerous lakes and forests that gives a certain charm. Arriving in Burlington, we confirm that the choice was good. A beautiful “small” and charming town that has nothing to envy of the modern skyscraper cities. It all takes: Campus, Beautiful houses, pedestrian streets, restaurants, walk along the shore of Lake … A haven of rest!

After visiting the city, we go back to Montreal for the islands of Lake Champlain, by small roads. We discover a place where people love relax and have fun at the lake shore. Most homes have private access on the lake … to be envious! How do you buy in U.S.? LOL

This tour made us want to return to explore other corners of the region.

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This morning we decided to drive to Ottawa, the capital of Canada by the way, to see the town in summer. Until now, we have only seen it by -10 skating on the canal rideau.

We were nicely surprised because it’s really welcoming in summer version. We took full advantage of the beautiful weather for a walk in parliament. On the 1st july took place here an outdoor concert and the Queen’s speech to celebrate Canada day.

It’s Saturday, the weather is fine, so, the Byward Market is bustling. There are lots of fresh products of local artisans and a few shops offering product from europe… but at what price! Well, we know that the cheese is expensive, but I never thought a bottle of Tesseire would sell $ 12! This is why we need better get used to local products (what we do) than wishing at all costs (this is true to say) to eat like in France.

At a street corner, we arrived in the Irish village.

A little thought for the nostalgic ireland. We found immediately the atmosphere of pubs, and took the opportunity to make a stop at one, the druid, to drink a Guinness and Magners. True, the Guinness does not taste the same!

On this we continue our journey towards the Rideau Canal. A great place for biking, running or skating … when it’s cooler! We will be here again with our skates during the winter.

We left Ottawa on a good overview of the city.

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Today we explored Montérégie located on Montreal south side to drive on the vineyards road.

Straight after Montreal, we discovered Quebec countryside and we were really happy. We drove towards Rougemont to visit our first vineyards: De Lavoie. In opposite the habits the tasting is not free. Why not, it’s maybe like this here. We can taste 4 different sweet white wine, soft red wine, tranquil cider (not sparkling), ice cider and sort of porto. The Ice cider (cidre de glace) was out favorite.

We followed our trip for a pic-nic on the banks of the Richelieu river which is really rich as the house can show it.

For returning to Montreal, we choose to drive to Mont St Hilaire. I think we’ll go back in the reserve during the winter with snowshoes as it looks wonderful ! Following the direction to a chocolate factory we ended in an artisanal cider: CRYO. These ciders are not sold in the SAQ as the cidermakers rather sell it here, in the markets and to some restaurant interested by the unique flavour.

Here is an eventful day we open the doors to other destinations in Quebec!

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