CANADA REOPENS CRUISING AFTER TWO-YEAR ABSENCE: HOLLAND AMERICA"S KONINGSDAM ARRIVES IN VICTORIA AND VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Holland America's Koningsdam plies the waters of Vancouver's Burrard Inlet en route to the Port of Vancouver, its homeport for the summer Alaska season.

Holland America Line is the first cruise line to return to Canadian cruising following a 2+ year industrywide pause due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.  

On Saturday, April 9, 2022 the Koningsdam was the first ship to return to Victoria in 905 days. And on the following Sunday, April 10, the Koningsdam arrived in Vancouver, the first ship back in port in more than two years. The day was filled with events that included a pier side celebratory ceremony and an onboard plaque exchange to commemorate Koningsdam's first-ever call at Vancouver. 

In 2022, six Holland America Line ships will call at Victoria and Vancouver for the Alaska cruise season. In total, the six ships will make 45 calls at Victoria and bring nearly 75,000 guests to the port. In Vancouver, 76 cruises will begin or end in the city, welcoming approximately 140,000 guests. 

For Canada and New England cruising on the East Coast, two ships return in May, cruising between Boston, Massachusetts and Quebec City or Montreal. The Nieuw Statendam and Zaandam offer itineraries ranging from 7-24 days to more than a dozen Canadian ports.

Koningsdam's Grand Dutch Cafe

VICTORIA'S OAK BAY BEACH HOTEL VOTED TOP HOTEL IN CANADA

Victoria's Oak Bay Beach Hotel has been recognized with Conde Nast Traveler's 2021 Reader's Choice Award: 

#1 Hotel in Canada

#19 Hotel in the World 

 “It is a great honor to receive this recognition from Condé Nast Traveler’s esteemed readership. Personalized service and meaningful connections are at the core of everything we do. This award recognizes the best in the industry and is a great testament to the dedication, passion, and resilience our employees have embodied every day during this challenging year. From intimate getaways to wellness-inspired weekends, conferences, weddings, or events, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel is a beloved home-away-from-home for local and international guests alike. We look forward to celebrating this recognition with our team members and valued guests from near far over the coming months. Thank you!” 

Madone Pelan ~ General Manager

©SueFrausePhoto

I was a guest at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel several years after its opening in 2012. The 100-room luxury boutique property overlooks the Strait of Juan de Fuca and features the full-service Boathouse Spa and three heated outdoor mineral pools. Dining options include The Snug Pub for indoor/outdoor dining and the new FARO Handcrafted Pizza and Tasting Room. 

©SueFrausePhoto

OAK BAY BEACH HOTEL

1175 Beach Drive, Victoria BC

250.598.4556

Oak Bay Tourism

Conde Nast Travelers 2021 Readers' Awards 

Top 15 Hotels in Canada as selected by Conde Nast Traveler's 2021 Readers' Choice Awards

1. Oak Bay Beach Hotel - Victoria, BC
2. Fairmont Waterfront Hotel - Vancouver, BC
3. Hotel 71 - Quebec City
4. Hotel Gault - Montreal,
5. Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile - Montreal
6. Fogo Island Inn - Newfoundland & Labrador
7. Rosewood Hotel Georgia - Vancouver, BC
8. Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac - Quebec City
9. Manoir Hovey - North Hatley, Quebec
10. Le Germain Hotel Quebec - Quebec City
11. Fairmont Pacific Rim - Vancouver, BC
12. The Magnolia Hotel & Spa - Victoria, BC
13. Loden Hotel - Vancouver, BC
14. Auberge Saint-Antoine - Quebec City
15. Pan Pacific - Vancouver, BC

LE GERMAIN HOTEL MONTREAL UNVEILS COLORFUL MURAL

Le Germain Hotel Montreal recently unveiled a major project collaboration with the MURAL Festival of Montreal, North America's largest urban art festival. The boutique hotel now displays a permanent mural on its front facade, designed by Canadian artist Michelle Hoogvelt. 

Following its reopening after extensive renovations, Le Germain Hotel Montreal pursued its innovative relaunch by bringing an elegant touch to downtown Montreal. The initiative is part of the 2021 Mural Arts Program by the City of Montreal to revitalize its neighborhoods. It also contributes to the revival of the downtown area, at a time when art provides solace and gives hope for a desired return to normal. 

Contemporary painter and mural artist Michelle Hoogveld, a Calgary native turned Montrealer, stayed at Le Germain Hotel Montreal for one week prior to beginning the project and throughout the completion of the piece. "It allowed me to soak up the energy of the hotel and add these new feelings to my mural," said Hoogveld. "It's even more emotionally charged," added the artist, who utilizes color to convey her emotions. 

Towering at more than 171 feet, the artist had to work on a platform suspended from the roof of the hotel to apply the 80 different colors. The mural dramatically transforms the hotel's exterior.

Hoogveld's colorful works may be seen around the globe, in both the private and public realm. She creates her work on canvas and walls, and in Canada they may be seen in Montreal, Quebec, Charlevoix, Ottawa, Toronto and Calgary. Her work is also on display in the United States, Mexico, Peru, England, Portugal and Germany. 

Germain Hotels, pioneer of the boutique hotel concept in Canada, is a family-run business founded in Quebec in 1988. Its portfolio includes 18 properties across the country under the Le Germain, Alt and Escad banners.  

Vancouver Island's Wolf in the Fog named Canada's Best New Restaurant by enRoute magazine

A Vancouver Island restaurant came out on top in enRoute magazine's annual Canada's Best New Restaurants. Wolf in the Fog, located in Tofino on the "wild side" of Vancouver Island, bested nine other restos in enRoute's annual roundup of top restaurants in Canada. For those not familiar with enRoute, it is Air Canada's award-winning inflight magazine (and one of my favorites).

Selecting the best restaurants was the mission of food writer Andrew Braithwaite, whose month-long culinary journey took him across Canada from Tofino, BC to St. John's, Newfoundland. The ten winners represented seven of Canada's provinces: British Columbia 2, Ontario 2, Quebec 2, Alberta 1, Newfoundland 1, Nova Scotia 1, Saskatchewan 1.

Chef Nick Nutting of Wolf in the Fog in Tofino on Vancouver Island
 ©JohnCullenPhoto courtesy enRoute magazine 



CANADA'S BEST NEW RESTAURANTS 2014 | Air Canada's enRoute magazine 

1. Wolf in the Fog (Tofino, BC) | "On the extreme west coast of Vancouver Island, where rainforest meets ocean, you stumble up a flight of stairs and into a soaring cedar-clad room above a surf shop where chef Nick Nutting leads a crew trained in the precise details of fine dining." 

2. Farmer's Apprentice Restaurant | Vancouver | "Each small plate -- more often, a bowl -- conjured by owner David Gunawan is a precise jumble of textures and flavours. Digging in is a sort of black magic." 

3. Le Vin Papillon | Montreal | "Long-time Joe Beef guru Vanya Filipovic fills massive chalkboards with organic wines to run with a vegetable-focused cuisine from boyfriend and chef Marc-Olivier Frappier." 

4. RGE RD | Edmonton | "The heart of Blair Lebsack's kitchen is a wood-burning oven that consumes birch and maple at 700F, curing honey ham and smoking Salt Spring Island mussels or even dehydrated local milk during the off-hours."

5. Mallard Cottage | St. John's | "Todd Perrin spent two years restoring a heritage property in Quidi Vidi Harbour for this brilliant mash-up of fine dining and comfort cuisine on the outskirts of St. John's."

Canadian journalist and author Andrew Braithwaite at work.

6. Bar Buca | Toronto | "Rob Gentile's restaurant likes to pretend it's a simple bar for sipping Barolo. You're here to drink, sure, but you're also here to eat things like tiny fried smelt dusted with fennel salt."

7. The Chase | Toronto | "Chef Michael Steh doesn't lean on molecular trickery or audacious ingredients to wow. His food is more direct and more delightful than that, in an atmosphere that makes you want to say yes to things."

8. Ayden Kitchen & Bar | Saskatoon | "Top Chef Canada winner Dale MacKay gambled that Saskatoon was ready for lime- and lemongrass- and ginger-dusted chicken wings. Ayden isn't about showing off Prairie cooking to the world -- it's about bringing the world home."

9. Restaurant Legende | Quebec City | "Northern Quebec is the culinary hunting ground that Frederic Laplante mythologizes at his capital-city bistro. Cornish hen gets a boreal accent from balsam fir fleur de sel."

10. Edna Restaurant | Halifax | "Jenna Mooers' North End bistro digs up treasure from the fertile soils of Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley and hauls it out of the brisk Atlantic waters."

Ayden Kitchen & Bar was awarded the 2014 People's Choice Award, and all the winners are profiled in the November issue of Air Canada's enRoute and online. There you can also find out where the top chefs travel, drool over a "dream menu" and take a quiz to find out where you should eat (I got Chase in Toronto). The top 10 restaurants will receive their official awards during the annual Canada's Best New Restaurants Gala celebration in Toronto on November 20, 2014.

Quebec's Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac to Reveal $70 Million Makeover

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac on a summer night.  Photo by Sue Frause.

It seems a bit risky to rehab a grande dame such as Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. For more than a century, this castle in the sky has loomed high above the St. Lawrence River in Quebec City, welcoming guests from around the world. The hotel got its start in the late 19th century, when Canadian Pacific Railway began construction to create the ideal stopover for its train travelers. Fairmont Le Chateau Fronteac's name is from the flamboyant French goverenor Louis de Buade, Count of Frontenac, who led the New France movement from 1672-1698. His coat of arms may be seen on the entry arch of the outside wall and in other areas throughout the hotel.

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac rises high above Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo by Sue Frause.

Although there have been numerous expansion projects over the years, the hotel is currently undergoing a $70 million revitalization and modernization. An important element in the renovation is the preservation of its heritage. The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac sits on the sites of the Saint-Louis Forts and Chateaux that were the official residence and seat of power of the French and British governors for more than 200 years. While transitioning the hotel's interiors to a more contemporary style, designers will be respectful of the hotel's history while combining historical and modern elements. That will be showcased through heritage elements and positioning of 400-year-old artifacts within specially designed windows.

Sunrise on the St. Lawrence River from the Fairmont Le Chateau Frotenac. Photo by Sue Frause.

Among the major areas being revitalized and modernized are:

• Transformation of the main lobby.
• Renovation of the hotel's 611 guestrooms. Of those, 354 will have a more contemporary design, while the other 257 will offer a classic Chateau style. 
• Construction of a new floor of Fairmont Gold rooms, increasing the number from 46 to 60. The Gold Lounge will also be expanded.
• Addition of a luxury spa and expansion/renovation of the health club.
• A reinvented Champlain restaurant.
• Opening of the new 1608 Wine & Cheese Bar, featuring 250+ local cheeses and an expansive wine menu.
• Le Sam, a newly created bistro-style restaurant.
• Continuation of masonry and roof replacement work.

It's anticipated that the project will be completed by June 2014. "Inspiration renderings" and other details of the renovation are available at nouveauchateau.com and a virtual tour may be found here.

Notre-Dame de Québec's 350th Jubilee Celebrated with Only Holy Door Outside Europe

Photo by Sue Frause

When I first visited Quebec City during Carnaval de Quebec in 2002, I made a point to visit Notre-Dame de Quebec. The Sunday mass was in French, as was the singing by the children's choir -- it was magical. A dozen years later, the cathedral is celebrating its 350th anniversary. Notre-Dame de Quebec is the first cathedral built in North America, and the first Catholic parish established in the Americas north of the Spanish colonies. 

Photo by Sue Frause

In addition to the many activities marking the 350th Jubilee, Notre-Dame de Quebec has also been honored by having the only Holy Door in the Americas and the first one outside Europe. It opened December 8, 2013 and will remain there until December 28, 2014. Even though I was raised Catholic, I'd never heard of or seen a Holy Door. Simply put, it's a symbol of oneness with the universal church. It's also a symbol of convocation, an invitation to persons of good will to enter, no matter what their religious domination. 

Photo by Sue Frause

To visit the Holy Door, begin in the Garden of the Jubilee to the left of the Cathedral-Basillica. From there, follow the walkway leading to the Holy Door, and go through it. You'll now be in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, which houses relics of "forebears, the saints and blesseds of Canada who blazed a path of faith for us to follow." When leaving the chapel, a guide will stamp your pilgrim's credential with the seal of Notre-Dame de Quebec. 

Vue panoramique du Vieux-Québec | Panoramic view of Old Québec
 Luc-Antoine Couturier

Tim Hortons Celebrates 50 Years with New Logo and Packaging

Timbits and coffee at Jean Lesage International Airport in Quebec City. Photo by Sue Frause.

I didn't realize Tim Hortons turned 50 until I arrived at Quebec City Jean Lasage International Airport. It's my size airport, and after checking my bag through to Seattle (via Air Canada to Montreal and Vancouver), there was a Tim Hortons glowing bright right before security. Gotta have my Timbits!

If you're not familiar with Timbits (pictured here before I devoured them), they're the brand name of doughnut holes sold at Tim Hortons. They were introduced in 1976 and available in various flavors that differ from store to store. But I prefer the plain cake doughnut hole.

Back to Tim's golden celebration. First off, they introduced cups featuring the new 50th anniversary logo and 50 Years Fresh tagline. Although it looks like my cup here at the airport is leftover from the holidays, the bag with the Timbits has the new look.

Tim Horton opened in Hamilton, Ontario in 1964 and today they have 4,350 restaurants across Canada, the US and Gulf Cooperation Council (read my post about their restaurant in Dubai). They claim to serve nearly eight out of every 10 cups of coffee served in Canada! The chain was founded by professional hockey player Tim Horton, who died in a car accident in 1974.

Tim Hortons 50th anniversary party will be held May 17, 2014. In the meantime, you can follow them on Twitter and Instagram (@TimHortons) and via #Tims50th on Facebook.

Read more about Quebec City at my EatPlaySleep blog.

Quebec Winter Carnival stars in Belinda Jones' latest romance novel, 'Winter Wonderland'

Author Belinda Jones and friend.

Having attended the Carnival de Quebec (Quebec Winter Carnival) as an invited journalist back in 2004, it was fun to read that a British born novelist hosted during the 2012 Carnival has written a romance novel about it!  Belinda Jones' Winter Wonderland is "a story that plunges readers into the magic of the Winter Carnival." It was launched across Canada on December 12, 2012 and will be distributed in a dozen or more countries, including the United States and United Kingdom (it's already available in the UK).

The folks at Quebec City Tourism, Tourisme Quebec and Quebec Winter Carnival must be thrilled to now have their very own romance novel! According to author Jones, who has written ten bestselling romantic comedy novels set in exotic locales around the world, the carnival was a source of inspiration. "Far and away the most inspirational destination for me was Quebec during the Winter Carnival," said Jones, who has been based in the US for the past ten years. "It is such a magical time to visit this fairytale city, I truly felt as if I had stepped into a snow globe!"

Winter Wonderland is the story of Krista Carter, a travel journalist who roams the globe searching for exciting and original travel ideas to share with her readers. When she lands in Quebec City on assignment, she discovers an enchanting world of ice palaces, snow sculptures, parades, ice canoe races, sugar shacks and friendly Quebecers. And naturally, there's a man -- a French Canadian dogsled driver named Jacques. Winter Wonderland is available at Amazon and select bookstores across Canada.

The 59th edition of Carnaval de Quebec is February 1-17, 2013 in Quebec City. Bonhomme and his buddies have put together 18 days of activities and events for the entire family, combining "glam and tradition." A full calendar of events will be posted online in January.

My Canada: Escents Aromatherapy's aromatic blends inspired by country's six regions

I'm not a big fan of aromatic blends and smelly stuff, as usually they make me sneeze and wheeze and get all teary-eyed. But this is a very cool idea, one I may have to try out. The Canadian company Escents Aromatherapy has come out with a new product line called My Canada. It's comprised of six new aromatic blends inspired by Canada's six different regions: Pacific, Prairie, Metro, Maritime, French and Arctic.

According to Escents founder Jacqui MacNeill, the goal was to capture and share the essence of the country's coast-to-coast "awe-inspiring landscapes" with each scent. Crafted from 100% essential oils, the My Canada line is available in aroma blends, hand and body lotion, wash and bubble, handmade soap and reed diffusers. Artwork that's evocative of each region wraps around each item. Here are the six aromatic blends, along with photos I've taken from each region in Canada during my many travels.

PACIFIC | Fresh | Pine, Cedarwood

Just like the lush rainforests of British Columbia this scent combines clean, crisp pine with earthy cedarwood, creating a fresh scent that is slightly salty—much like the sea air.

Heading to Sonora Resort in BC's Desolation Sound.

PRAIRIE | Indulgent | Cardamom, Davana

Inspired by the rolling hills and wheat fields of the Prairies. Aromatic, smoky cardamom and sweet woody davana blend together—creating a comforting, indulgent scent.

Saskatchewan sunset aboard Via Rail Canada.

METRO | Energized | Amyris, Mimosa

Inspired by the complex nature of a busy city. Full of energy, this fragrance combines woodsy Amyris with the sweet floral of Mimosa—creating a citrusy scent that is fun and full of life.

CN Tower in Toronto.

FRENCH | Passionate | Lavender, Black Pepper

Much like the rich culture of the French Canadian region, this fragrance mingles the soft floral of Lavender with the unique, richness of Black Pepper.

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. 

MARITIME | Balanced | Frankincense, Bergamot

The quaint fishing villages and the rolling waves of the sea inspire this calming, balanced scent. Earthy frankincense and refreshing, citrusy bergamot help to ignite a feeling of ease.

Music of the Maritimes at McKelvey's in Halifax.

ARCTIC | Unwind | Anise, Peppermint

This unique scent merges cooling, refreshing peppermint with liquorice-like anise creating a scent that helps calm and unwind. Inspired by the icy, cold weather of the Canadian Arctic.

A cool adventure with Cruise North. 

All photos by Sue Frause. Nos. 2-3-4-5 were taken during my Great Big Canadian Train Adventure.

Quebec well represented at Travel Media Showcase in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Annemarie Heidbuechel and Bard Nordby of Tourisme Quebec. Photo by Sue Frause.

I just returned from the 13th Travel Media Showcase (TMS) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The annual event, produced by J. Vero & Associates of Freehold, New Jersey was held at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center.

Approximately 125 print and broadcast travel media met with destination marketing representatives from the U.S. and Canada over a three-day period. The program included two days of pre-scheduled journalist/exhibitor appointment sessions, local tours, pre and post tours and endless networking opportunities. Among the media attending were editors, staff writers, freelance writers, photographers and video and film producers. Their outlets include newspapers, magazines, television, broadcast/video/film, Internet and travel guide books.

I met with 23 exhibitors, spending about 12 minutes with each one (it's sorta like speed dating). My post-tours included De Smet, the Little Town on the Prairie and home of Laura Ingalls Wilder; Madison, home of the 50th Anniversary Steam Thrashing Jamboree, which included a parade of 140 John Deere farm machines at Prairie Village; and a food and wine tour featuring three South Dakota wineries (beet wine!) plus a stop at the South Dakota State University Dairy Plant (ice cream!) in Brookings. I was also able to spend time in downtown Sioux Falls.

John Deere on parade at the Steam Thrashing Jamboree in Prairie Village. Photo by Sue Frause.

TMS is an easy way to get information and new story ideas on a wide range of tourist destinations, from Quebec to Snohomish County in Washington state. This was my third showcase, having attended previous ones in Kansas City and Palm Springs, California. And obviously the host city is thrilled to be selected. "We are excited to share our community stories with the journalists this week," said Teri Schmidt, Sioux Falls CVB Executive Director, prior to last week's show.

The only Canadian exhibitors in attendance this year were Tourisme Quebec and Quebec City Tourism. Next year's event will be held August 20-23, 2013 in Rockford, Illinois. The announcement was made at the closing dinner of Travel Media Showcase and included a clever video featuring Miles Nielsen, son of Cheap Trick rock star Rick Nielsen.

Richard Seguin of Quebec City Tourism. Photo by Sue Frause.

Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship: Canada takes title

If you haven't heard of Red Bull Crashed Ice, you may think it's some sort of exotic winter cocktail. It is, sort of -- and a physical one to boot. For the seventh year in a row, the Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship was held, featuring 80 competitors from around the world soaring down an icy course. This year's cold competition was held in Quebec City, with the season finale on March 17, 2012. 

The downhill mavericks battle their way to the bottom of a 540-metre urban ice track that contains massive drops, hairpin turns, big-air jumps, drop-offs and gaps. Speeds reach more than 60 km/hour. According to Red Bull Crashed Ice organizers, Saturday's Saint Patrick's Day race was the most dramatic world championship in history, with Arttu Pihlainen from Finland looking to be headed to the title.

But in the end, Canada's Kyle Croxall won the Ice Cross Downhill World Championship in front of 100,000 spectators by taking second place behind Pihlainen. Kyle was helped to the title when his brother Scott crashed into a wall late in the race. Here is Red Bull Crashed Ice organizers' explanation:

"Championship leader Kyle Croxall needed to finish at least second to win the title, but the Canadian firefighter was well behind his brother Scott in third place with time running out as the Finn streaked away from the pack. But Scott Croxall suddenly crashed into a wall after a tricky jump and fell to the ice, allowing Kyle Croxall to leapfrog him into second and give Canada its first world championship in the sport’s history. Kyle Croxall, runner-up in 2010 and 2011, finished the year with 3000 points, just 40 ahead of Pihlainen (2960) with Scott Croxall third (2300)."

Pihlainen was the 2011 world champion, his sixth career victory. But Kyle Croxall ended up driving home the coveted MINI, which is awarded to the champion. Croxall won the first two races of 2012 held in St. Paul, Minnesota and the Netherlands before stumbling at a race in Sweden, where he ended up in 13th place. Canadian Ross Thompson was bestowed with the MINI Rookie award as best newcomer. Go to the Red Bull website to see video highlights of the race. 

Results Quebec: 1. Arttu Pihlainen (FIN), 2. Kyle Croxall (CAN), 3. Scott Croxall (CAN), 4. Adam Horst (CAN), 5. Paavo Klintrup (FIN), 6. Gabriel Andre (CAN), 7. Glenn Bakx (NED), 8. Derek Wedge (SUI), 9. Martin Niefnecker (GER), 10. Jim de Paoli (SUI).

World championship: 1. Kyle Croxall 3000 points, 2. Pihlainen (FIN) 2960, 3. Scott Croxall 2300, 4. Horst (CAN) 2190, 5. Klintrup (FIN) 1660, 6. Mels (GER) 1296, 7. De Paoli (SUI) 1260, 8. Braun (SUI) 1164, 9. Mueller (SUI) 1019, 10. Lavrov (RUS) 760.

Top: The Red Bull Crashed Ice course in Quebec City, located below the Louis S. St- Laurent Building and in the shadow of The Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. Bottom: Racers in action during the 2012 championship. Photos: Sebastian Marko and Joerg Mitter.

Quebec City Christmas Magic: Guided Walking Tours of Old Quebec

One of the most magical places in North America during the Christmas holidays is Quebec City. C'est bon! And a most fun and entertaining way to see it is with Cicerone's Christmas Walk Tour. The two-hour tour is led by a historical figure garbed in authentic attire from New France. You'll walk through Old Quebec and the Quartier Petit-Champlin district with all its colorful holiday decor -- plus learn more about the 400-year history of the city and how local Christmas traditions evolved in Quebec City.

The tour is given in both French and English every Saturday and Sunday during the month of December -- plus daily from Dec. 24, 2011 through Jan. 2, 2012. Meet at Hotel du Vieux Quebec (1190, rue St. Jean) at 11 AM for the French tour and 1:30 PM for the English tour. Rates are $21.95 CAD for ages 13 and up, children are free.

Pictured Above: Quartier Petit-Champlin district of Quebec City and Le Fairmont Chateau Frontenac in Old Quebec. Photos by Sue Frause. 

Who knew? Quebec's Montmorency Falls higher than Niagara Falls

Admittedly, I'd never heard of Montmorency Falls in Quebec until I saw them during a visit to La Belle Province a number of years ago. At the time, there wasn't all that much water flowing from Montmorency Falls over the cliff to the St. Lawrence River below. But during a recent visit in August 2011, they were quite impressive -- as can be seen in my photo above.

I was also impressed to discover that Montmorency Falls, 83 meters tall (272 ft.), are 30 meters (98.5 ft.) higher than Niagara Falls. I finally paid a visit to those iconic falls for the first time during my Big Canadian Train Adventure from Halifax to Vancouver in 2009, so it was fun to compare the two.

It was a hot afternoon when we arrived at Montmorency Falls from nearby Ile d'Orleans, just a quick bridge ride across the Saint Lawrence River. The falls are located in Montmorency Falls Park (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency), a Quebec provincial park about seven miles from downtown Quebec City. An aerial tram/gondola holding 40 passengers links you to the lower and upper portions of the park. At the top, you'll arrive at Manoir Montmorency. Make sure to walk across the suspension bridge that traverses the crest of the falls, linking both sides of the park and with spectacular views below and beyond.

Hiking trails cross-cross the park, and if you're feeling extra outdoorsy, take the staircase from the bottom to the top of the park. All 487 steps! There are plenty of dining options if you work up an appetite. Another thing I discovered during this visit was that the Ice Hotel (Hotel de Glace) was located its first year in 2001 at Montmorency Falls. It relocated from the falls to an area a bit outside of Quebec City, but in 2011 was moved to a new site that's just ten minutes from the capital city. Next year's edition will reopen on Jan. 12, 2012.

I missed the Loto-Quebec International Fireworks Competition while I was in Quebec this year, held at Montmorency Falls July 23-August 12, 2011. Five countries (Spain, Russia, Portugal, Mexico, Italy) participated in the 17th annual event. If you visit in winter, there's snow walking, snowshoeing and ice climbing.

Up, up and away on the cable car / gondola.

Manoir Montmorency serves Sunday brunch.

The waterfall as seen from a lookout point.

Somebody wrote a postcard "To Quebec!"

A suspension bridge crosses atop the falls.

I swear that's somebody standing in the river!

All photos by Sue Frause

If you're looking for a romantic getaway, Quebec City is dreamy

The only thing I have to complain about during my recent five nights in Quebec City was that my hubby wasn't there. Quebec City is my choice as Most Romantic City in North America, and the perfect place to share it with somebody you love. Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain at Place-Royale, Old Quebec (Vieux-Quebec) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the only fortified city in North America, it's a magical place that continues to lure me in.

I've been to the capital of La Belle Province three out of the four seasons: summer, fall and winter. Whatever the month, it's a treat for the senses. During this particular summer adventure, I attended the 15th annual New France Festival held each August. Who knew that dressing up in costumes could be so much fun? Plus, my home base was a perfect match -- the iconic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, high on the hill in Upper Town. The 1893 castle overlooks the Saint-Lawrence River and is said to be the most photographed hotel in the world.

Recommended Restos: Simple Snack Sympathque (SSS) on rue Saint-Paul (lunch and dinner); Savini Resto-Bar on Grande Allee Est (lunch and dinner); Brulerie Tatum on rue Saint-Jean (casual breakfast-lunch-dinner); and the elegant Le Champlain at the Chateau Frontenac for a romantic dinner. For coffee, Les Cafe du Soleil on rue Saint-Paul is a nice spot to sip a morning cappuccino at one of the outdoor tables.

Fun Stuff: Visit the Musee du Fort, with its historic re-creation of the six sieges of Quebec City. Stroll the Plains of Abraham and stop in at the Citadell, which has year-round guided tours and Changing of the Guard in the summer. Walk the nearly 4.6 km that make up the Fortifications of Quebec. Take the funicular from Upper Town to Lower Town, landing in the heart of Quartier Petit Champlain; or take the Case-Cou (Breakneck) staircase. Nearby is Place Royale, with its immense Fresque des Quebecois fresco, and one of the film locales of the 2002 movie Catch Me If You Can. Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church is located here, and is the oldest stone church in North America (1688). The city's most popular museum is Musee de la Civilisation, located in Vieux-Port (Old Port). Back in Upper Town, Parliament Hill is crowned by the Parliament Building and the Fontaine de Tourny, a fountain donated to the city that was purchased by the Simons family for $4 million at a Parisian flea market. Just down the hill is the Faubourg Saint-Jean district, a colorful neighborhood with a variety of cool shops and restos. Shop at the oldest grocery store in North America, J.A. Moisan (1871), which includes a four-room bed & breakfast upstairs. And if you're looking for a new do, book an appointment with Melanie or Vincent at Vincent Coiffeur on rue Saint-Paul.

Free Summer Events: Les Chemin Invisibles due Cirque du Soleil and The Image Mill 3D. I saw both outdoor events, and was impressed by their high caliber of creativity. Bravo! Encore!

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac #5255 has a view of the Saint Lawrence River.

Dufferin Terrace at Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac features a long boardwalk.

Quartier Petite Champlain is a funicular ride away from the Chateau Frontenac.

A creative back door of an art gallery in Quebec City's Vieux-Port (Old Port).

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac overlooks Cap Diamant and glows brightly at night.

The New France Festival opening night parade features costumed characters.

Enjoy a nightcap on the patio at Bar Saint-Laurent at Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.

Top Photo: Strolling along rue Saint-Louis in Upper Town
All photos by Sue Frause