“Near her grim citadel the blinding sheen
Of her cathedral spire triumphant soars,
Rocked by the Angelus, whose peal serene
Floats over Beaupré and the Lévis shores.”
Seen from the river, Quebec is noble, grand, and superb. Its cupolas, minarets, steeples and battlements give it the appearance of an Oriental city. Some find here a resemblance to Angoulême, Innspruck and Edinburgh; and the surrounding scenery has been likened to the unsurpassed views of the Bosphorus. The whole prospect of mountain, river and citadel-capped city cannot be surpassed in any part of the world.
The great interest excited by a near approach to the old capital is heightened as one steps ashore, thrilled by the novelty and beauty of all the surroundings. It is a city of striking contrasts; and full of the quaint and curious sights that make Old World travel so delightful.
The environs, too, and the whole surrounding country are rich with historic, romantic and picturesque interest.
It is related that a touring party in an automobile arrived recently at Quebec at 8.30 in the morning. They had breakfast, ‘did’ the city and surrounding country, had luncheon and were off for other parts by 1.30. This is surely a ‘record’; but...... poor Quebec! or rather, poor travellers! ........ for pity should be theirs.
A stay of a month will bring daily joys to the one that loves legend and romance, and all that is quaint and beautiful. The walks and drives and boating trips, the numerous pretty lakes, the fine rivers Chaudière and Jacques Cartier, as well as the Ste. Anne and smaller streams, supply constant incitement for healthful exercise; and above all there is the story of Quebec that will call him daily in every direction to drink at the fountain head of historic lore.
