Fort William Historical Park
This place transports you to the fur trading days in Canada, when the North West Company was competing with the Hudson’s Bay Company. The staff are not only all dressed in period outfits, but they act the part as well. For me it sometimes feels a bit cheesy but there’s no doubt I learned a ton here and had a lot of fun doing things like throwing axes, petting baby goats, and firing a musket!
PRO TIP: Take advantage of rest stops, especially scenic ones, like Old Woman Bay on Lake Superior.
Ottawa
Although not big city people, we couldn’t think of anywhere better to be on Canada Day. If you’re in the area on July 1, 2017 you’ll especially want to partake in the celebrations here as it will be Canada’s 150th birthday. While we were there this year they were already in construction mode for next year’s big event. The Rideau Canal is a great way to explore the city by bicycle (or get in the canal in a kayak).
Rideau Canal
Awesome place to go for a long and easy bike ride while taking in the city and the great outdoors at the same time.
And then you may want to replenish yourself with a big burger…
Quebec to Edmunston, NB
I didn’t realize this at the time but once you cross the Ottawa River into Gatineau you’re in Quebec, and the difference is night and day. Immediately you stop hearing English being spoken, and all the signs are in French only, so be prepared. Our only stop in Quebec was to visit Quebec City. The Gaspe Peninsula was on our list but due to time constraints we decided to save it for another trip. If you have the time to do a loop of the peninsula, do it. I’ve only heard good things and it looks stunning.
We camped in Levis across the St. Lawrence River from the old city, then parked at the ferry terminal and walked on. I don’t recommend driving in Quebec City.
Traverse Québec-Lévis
The ferry from Levis across the St Lawrence River is a great way to approach old Quebec City. Good views of the iconic Chateau Frontenac and Cap-Diamant with its funicular.
Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site
It’s fun to cruise around the old #ramparts in Quebec City. There are unexpected green spaces on top of the stone walls, and great #views down onto the street. These ramparts are the only remaining fortified city walls in North America, outside of Mexico. The oldest gates were first built in 1694.
As we were leaving town we stopped at Parc des Chutes-de-la-Chaudière and were pleasantly surprised. They’re worth a stop for sure.
Parc des Chutes-de-la-Chaudière
Super cool park across the river from Quebec City. There’s a path you can walk that takes you over a suspension bridge and get good view points on the falls. But make sure to go down the steps to the water… There are a lot steps but don’t let them dissuade you it’s well worth it to go down there. It’s a pretty special place.
