So it was Ms Randall’s idea…. “I want to go dog-sledding.” So we went. It was -22C, and twilight, when we arrived at the unbearably delightful Hotel Bonaparte in Old Montreal, where they had just received a good 18″ of fresh snow. It was absolutely beautiful. Another of those wonderful, amazingly romantic scenes, shared with a bestie….lol !!!! Old Montreal, the Basilica still in holiday mode, amazing restaurants, the London Eye in Montreal, great jazz bars and everyday, an amazing breakfast at the hotel, also one of the best French restaurants in Montreal, made Montreal a great stay. The waterfront is charming, ice skating is on, the underground allows you to transit quite well to shopping, museums, and other areas of this lovely city. Four days later, we picked up the rental car and headed to Quebec City, the old quarter.
Again we found, that in this lovely time between the holidays and Carnival, reservations can be had at the best restaurants, and the post Christmas shopping cannot be helped while one is exploring the only walled city in North America. the more one explores, the more the magnificent the feat of building this city on this bluff above the river. The food, ambiance, people, the Hotel Frontenac (most photographed hotel in the world) and the Citadel provide so much to do. I went to the military installation. I was not prepared for the quality and perspective of the museums within. Really, shockingly interesting North American and world history from a different view, literally and figuratively. Its a must do visit for any history buff. And then finally, dog sledding at a balmy 32 degrees….”much too warm” said our guide… :-). The Floridian in me quietly smiled. I cannot remember having so much fun, laughing so hard, putting on my big girl panties to lift up stuck and arguing lead dogs….. It was a great, great experience. Little kids and big kids alike will delight in no kidding, driving or riding in their own sled!!! So if the holiday crowds are too much, January is your time to visit beautiful Quebec. And I thought Ms. Randall was crazy….
