The WakaNahannis at Sea: Big City Life: Montreal to Quebec City

We reached the big city in Montreal and wasted no time in getting around. We decided to keep Nahanni V across the river in Longueuil which was easier for navigation. We used various modes of transportation to cross the river to Montreal; one day across the river by boat, another day taking the Metro under the river.

On shuttle boat across the St. Lawrence River

As noted in the last blog Welcome to Bomeschool, we had an educational binge at the Biodome, Planetarium, and Botanical Gardens. The next day, we went to explore the sights of the big city. I had grand plans of poking through art galleries, reading historical plaques and being immersed in the French language.

Crossing the river

Upon reaching the shore, it quickly became apparent that my agenda needed revision. We walked right into the YULEAT food festival. Hundreds of food trucks offered a plethora of delights and many companies had free sample booths. There were so many freebies in fact, that we did not have to buy lunch (except that I had to buy a pain au chocolat and croissant from a gluten-free baker.)

As we munched along, we could hear screams overhead from the zipline crossing the waterfront. Wavey decided she felt zippy, so we went to investigate. There, we happened upon an aerial adventure course called Voiles en Voiles (http://www.voilesenvoiles.com/en). The kids both suited up with harnesses and helmets and went aloft for an adrenaline rush. Phys ed: check.

After all this excitement, we still had a wee bit of time to explore. We ate a snack outside the Notre Dame Basilica (instead of waiting in line to see the cathedral), watched four wedding parties take photos, fed little sparrows, and visited an art gallery. (I got to read at least one historical plaque.)

Watching street performers is always a priority for us in big cities. Wavey got her moment onstage with a street magician before our hunger led to fine dining on Place Jacques-Cartier.

Wavey assisting with a street magician's show

After our dose of city life, we left Montreal for Sorel. We planned to have school underway which would have been possible if it had not been the Sunday of the long weekend. There were more power boats on the St. Lawrence than we have seen this entire trip so far. The wakes from some of these boats were so huge, it was impossible to keep the books on the table! We rocked and rolled and motored down river past Sorel to a quiet anchorage just off the river. We spent two nights here decompressing, reading and schooling before moving on to Trois-Rivieres.

When John and I were in Trois-Rivieres almost exactly 16 years ago, it was cold, rainy, and miserable. This time, we arrived in balmy weather to a much refurbished marina. The kids enjoyed the beach and park close-by.

After Trois-Rivieres, it is important to pay attention to tides and currents when travelling. There is a formula you need to follow so you get the benefit of the tidal current as it ebbs back down the river. If you ignore this local wisdom, you could end up fighting the current and wasting time and fuel. We left for Quebec City seven hours before high tide in Quebec City to catch the maximum ebbing tide, and arrived on schedule around suppertime.

We stayed one night at the lovely Yacht-Club de Quebec before moving on to the Port of Quebec Marina. This marina in Old Quebec is one of my favourite marinas in the world. You can only access it by transiting a lock at the entrance. The people are friendly and the facilities are immaculate. The best part is that you are nestled in the old city with a fresh market two minutes away.