Quebec
We left our temporary home for the past few nights and headed into Quebec.
Last few minutes in Ottawa, crossing a lock to get to the bike path
Cross the bridge from Ottawa into Gatineau and all of the sudden you are transported into a world where the English language seemingly disappears from all signs and Tim Horton's menus. Having been so recently immersed in Spanish our instinctual reaction to someone speaking to us in French was to reply in Spanish. This led to several embarrassing exchanges and probably to a few people thinking we were complete idiots. Fortunately, having forgotten all my high school French, all the rumours we had heard about Quebecers being hostile to English speakers were completely unfounded. Everyone we met was extremely friendly and would willingly switch to English even if they only knew a little bit.
The start to our trip in Quebec was great with designated bicycle routes to follow along quiet roads. We also experienced cycling in the rain for the first time in months. It's a refreshing novelty when it only occurs every once in awhile.
A bit wet on the way to Montreal
After only two days of cycling we had already reached Montreal and another couple of days off to have enough time to check out the city. Thanks to the advice of my cousin who spent a few years living in the city we had a lengthy list of spots to visit.
Around Montreal
One of the highlights to our time in Montreal was eating. There was of course the obligatory visit to Schwartz's for smoked meat sandwiches as well as Ty's first time trying poutine. Throw in some wood fired bagels, ice cream and wash it all down at the free pour cocktail bar where your drink comes in a mason jar and you have the recipe for two happy cyclists.
Smoked meat at Schwartz's
Our next stop was Quebec City which was only another few days down the road following along the mighty St. Lawrence river. The more time we spent in Quebec the more we understood why it is constantly listed as a top cycle touring destination. There are thousands of kilometres of marked bicycle routes that take you on spectacular quiet backroads and designated bicycle trails topped off with some of the most courteous drivers I have experienced.
One of the many quiet country backroads
We enjoyed cycling in between the small towns that were always announced a few kilometres in advance by a set of twin spires of the local church looming on the horizon.
Typical small town church
Typical night for us, the only tent surrounded by trailers
Crossing to the other side of the St. Lawrence
On the outskirts of Quebec City
Quebec City was a place we were both excited to get to see and it was quite interesting seeing the old city complete with cobblestone streets so well preserved, but the crush of tourists soon dulled our excitement. Nevertheless, it was great to see a place that contains so much Canadian history.
Quebec City
From Quebec City our route took us eastwards for our final few days in Quebec.
Leaving Quebec City still following the St. Lawrence River
As we continued along the St. Lawrence river became the Gulf of St. Lawrence and all of the sudden we were at the ocean. Life was simple, ride, eat, camp and repeat.
Trying to find the elusive slow leak
The ocean!
We were already thoroughly enjoying Quebec, but little did we know the province was saving the best for last. A 130km continuous section of perfectly maintained rail trail that took us into New Brunswick. The scenery was amazing and riding without have to worry about cars is always a bonus.
Our last night in Quebec was pretty amazing too.
