Québec Day 6 (23 July 2018)

We decided to head out early today to be able to see everything we had planned. We drove to the métro station terminus and were on the train by 8:15 a.m.  Our first stop was the Basilique de Notre Dame de Montréal. It has two towers, and was created with grandeur in mind. The square is surrounded by impressive buildings too. 

There is a nominal entrance fee, but it really is stunning!

We probably spent an hour or so walking around and looking at all that there was to see!  I was impressed with so many women being represented throughout the cathedral, in stained glass, paintings, and statues. 

We made our way down to Vieux Port. Oh, I believe you could spend a lot of time and money here!  

The tallest Ferris Wheel in Canada is at Old Port, and, despite a few of our ranks’ fears, we decided to go on it.  We were there early enough for their special that the tickets were only half price. Score!

The views were fantastic.  The attendant said it would take about 20 minutes, but I think it may have been longer. We went around four times in the enclosed and air conditioned gondola. 

As we walked towards the métro station, we found a colorful pedestrian walkway, and it was fabulous!  We came out to a pretty view of the city. You can feel the heartbeat of Montréal as you walk around.  

We made our way to the Botanical Gardens via the métro. We thought there would be these lovely sculptures of women made out of plants. Turns out they stopped that exhibit four years ago. 😐 

However, the Gardens were still beautiful, even in the intermittent rain. It may have been psychological, but the air smelled more refreshing!

We walked through the rose garden first. 

Then we strolled through the Chinese Garden. We were even able to create a scale for the dragon!  (It’s the symbol for happiness). 

We then spent some time in the Japanese Gardens!  We even learned how to make miniature origami Samurai hats!  I learned that bonsai is a way to grow a tree, not the tree itself. The first one pictured is 275 years old. Whoa. 

From the Botanical Gardens, we walked over to the Olympic Park!  The 1976 Summer Olympic Games were held here. Nadia Comaneci scored her perfect 10 in gymnastics at age 14. Bruce Jenner and Muhammad Ali also were Olympians here too. Pretty impressive!

We bought tickets to go up the Montréal Tower’s funicular. This structure holds the world record for being the largest tilted structure at 45 degrees!  (That’s about 40 degrees more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa). 

You could feel the slight sway of the wind. I was grateful the rain ceased, so we could see as far as the eye could reach. 

We then made our way back to the métro, after walking through the Olympic Park. 

Last stop before heading towards the grocery store, was the Biosphère. It was closed today, but still fun to look at it up close!

We needed to go to the grocery store to pick up all of the rest of the food we were supposed to try while in Québec. I saw all sorts of interesting chips flavors too. 

Just a few last- minute things:  The stop lights have both round and square lights on them. They are also really serious about stopping, as there are two red lights! 

Also, KFC is PFK in Québec. 😊

It was a beautiful sunset for a fabulous day!  

It really has been a trip filled to the brim with good experiences and warm laughs. I didn’t know how much I’d enjoy Québec!  The culture is unique, the people are friendly, and there are a lot of great things to see!  Now that I know how much more there is to experience,  I can envision visiting again, and soon!  💕