If you'll recall, several years ago my family and I
took a trip to Quebec City. We loved every minute of exploring the quaint, centuries-old village that is Vieux-Québec. We went in the fall, when the vast array of maple trees had exploded with fiery colors, boutiques with lively-painted shutters opened their doors to beckon the warm-yet-crisp air inside, and vibrant flowers spilled out of every nook and cranny of stone facades.
We frolicked through the streets, (as much as you can frolic with all the kid gear in tow) soaking in the unique French Canadian culture and stunning architecture. But we also
made sure to take special trips to playgrounds so that the kids could enjoy themselves.
(I had a wee bit of fun too, as you can see.)
With its tantalizing charms and playful, romantic air, La Ville de Québec had certainly cast a spell on my husband and I; we couldn't wait to come back. But the next time we visited, we decided wholeheartedly, it would be without the little ones.
(Who, I might add, are not so little anymore.)
And so, return we did.
Entranced by dreams of bewitching French Canada, The Mister and I suddenly found ourselves booking a room in a delightful auberge in Quebec.
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| This is supposed to represent me and The Mister |
However, this time there would be no frolicking through the sunny streets. No radiant flowers or colorful leaves or warm, breezy days. No sir, this time we chose to immerse ourselves in the frosty, snow- laden month of January. So while most rational individuals would choose to sneak off to vacation in the hot and steamy tropics with umbrella drinks, steel drums and swaying palm trees, we were beckoned to to go where the average high in January is 9° F. (And -13°C sounds even worse, doesn't it?)
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| Bienvenue! |
We really debated this decision, though. We were worried that we'd be miserable in the cold, and did we really want to risk feeling as if we wasted our one precious annual getaway alone shivering in freezing temperatures?
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But, as you can see, winter brought its own magic to Québec,
with snowy pines, sculpted icicles and roaring fires.
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Wintry bouquets replaced geraniums.
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Apparently a different perspective- even a cold and wintry one- can be pretty spectacular too.
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Montmorency Falls- stunning.
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| On the bridge. |
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"I don't even feel that icy cold spray, do you, Honey?"
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We climbed to the top of the falls (the tallest in Canada- even taller than Niagara, as locals were quick to point out) up to the bridge. We certainly warmed up after that hike!
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Outdoor ice skating by the fortifications.
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Decorations from Christmas still adorned the entire city.
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| A store filled with maple syrup... everything! |
Petit Déjeuner
The L'Auberge Saint Antoine displays recovered 18th century artifacts throughout the inn with a decidedly modern flair. One of the most inventive interior designs I've seen.
And, before I sign off, it wouldn't be a proper Grow blog post without a picture of...
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| An adorable dog dressed for snow!! |
I hope you enjoyed our pictures. We had a truly marvelous trip.
Scandinavia, here we come!
À bientôt!
-Katie
