From the Canadian Rockies in Alberta to bustling city life in Vancouver, British Columbia or Toronto, Ontario, each province leaves you feeling charmed. Admittedly I have never phsyically visited British Columbia or Alberta, but many of my childhood favorite movies or series have been filmed there. With one exception: Degrassie: The Next Generation, which was filmed in a borough outside of Toronto.
Nowadays I may find some of my childhood favorite movies or series cheesy, but they sparked my initial obsession with our neighbor to the North: Canada. They include Fly Away Home, Far from Home, Air Bud, and Heartland. Technically sci-fi series like Firefly or Battlestar Gallactica (2004) should count too, despite them being set in the future.
Anyway, on the first long weekend of the year, I decided to explore the province of Quebec. It’s the only predominantly French speaking province in Canada. And Quebec City is a charming and historic. Wouldn’t you want to live (or dream of living) in Canada?
Despite being slammed with a severe winter storm, Quebec City is manageable to walk around and explore, especially if you are staying in the city center. Parking may be a bit of a hassle. (To be safe, I decided to park my car overnight at one of the nearby garages. That way I know I could get out on the Monday morning.) No matter where I go, I consider safety first.
Quebec City is a pretty walkable city; something I was grateful for since I stayed just a few minutes walk to the Old fortified city. On Rue St. Jean, I passed by a charming hotel – I think – with both British and Irish flags overhanging from above.
Are any of you as fascinated by European landscapes and architecture? Considering I currently live in the United States, it’s challenging to find locations that fit into my idea of storytelling. I think it’s because, as a student of history, I grew fascinated more by the Old World than the New. (But that’s a different, albeit boring, story!) The countries, although some technically young in age, have histories that go back centuries.
From Rue St. Jean, you pass a small park square where, if you’re in luck or you want to take a spin, you can choose to go ice skating. At the Parc d’Youville, ice skating can be a great way to blend in with the locals. On my second night when there was less of a crowd, I spent fifteen to thirty minutes simply enjoying the experience. (Sorry guys, I didn’t take pictures while I was skating. A) I’m not that good at the sport. And B) I gotta live in the moment!)
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