Wedding Ile d''Orleans in Quebec

[zoebartlett]

Hi Anchor,

I hope you see this, as you are my connection to QC and the surrounding area.

First of all, how is your mom? I''m sending best wishes her way and yours.

I have a question about Ile d''Orleans (translated to "Orleans Island," I''m assuming). If we took a cruise over to the the island from the Old Town of QC, how much time should we plan on spending there? I''m not sure what we''d do once we got there but I found a website that I''ve book marked.

We need to get a map out and check out the area more to decide how far away from the city we want to venture and what we want to do. I know we''ll want to check out the festival(s) and soak up the atmosphere of the city, but we''ll also want to get away to a quieter area at times. I was thinking that the island might be a good place for a quiet get-away.

Is swimming allowed at any parts of the St. Lawrence? We''re not sure if we should bring our suits (our hotel doesn''t have a pool). We''d love to go swimming a few times if possible since it will be summer time.

Thanks for any suggestions you can give, if you have the time. I know it''s a crazy time for you. By the way, how were your finals? I''m sure you must be glad to be finished.

 

[Independent Gal]

Just on the swimming question, the St. Lawrence is a HUGE, deep, fast moving river. It ain''t no lazy summertime river.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Lawrence_River

I gather some people do swim in it, but I sure wouldn''t! I''m betting it''s cold, somewhat polluted, and altogether unpleasant.

But maybe Anchor should chime in here.

Have you considered visiting one of the lakes in the foresty areas around QC City? That would probably be nicer!

 

[zoebartlett]

Thanks for chiming in Indy! I knew that in general, the river isn''t swimmable, but I didn''t know if there were ANY tame/clean spots. Guess not. I''ll have to check around to see what other lakes are in the area.

Thanks!

 

[zoebartlett]

Bump for Anchor. I hope your finals are going well.

 

[allycat0303]

Hi Zoe,

I''m not Anchor, but I am also from Montreal, so maybe I could answer your question.

I''ve been on Ile d''Orleans and I would not recommend that you spend more then an afternoon there. Perhaps an afternoon and a night if you really want to. Basically it has some nice scenery, nice building especially and would be good for an afternoon stroll. The whole island (circumfrance) takes about 20 minutes. Preferably if you are limited time, I would get there early, around 10:00 am and plan to leave around 4-5 o''clock. And maybe have dinner in the old port.

I was born in Quebec city, and my guy and I went to Quebec city 2 summers ago. We were there 2 days, and that was the amount of time it took to really enjoy the old port. Some great french bistro restuarants there, and fondue is especially good in the old port.

I would also suggest St Anne de Beaupré (a really beautful basilique) if you can get transportation there.

As for the St Lawrence....I have seen people swimming in it, but this is VERY, VERY rare. General consensus is that it is very, very polluted and the current is immense.

Enjoy your honeymoon! (Quebec city is beautiful...but I am a little sad you won''t get to know Montreal.)