Quebec CityCirque du Soleil & More!by Robert PainterThere are five fabulous reasons to visit Quebec City in the summer. Each of those reasons begins with Cirque du Soleil. Unless the schedule changes you can attend a free Cirque du Soleil each of five nights from Wednesday through Sunday. This takes place for five years, but I have to tell you the first year was 2009 so you can figure out how many years are left.  So, you wonder, if it’s the same performance five nights in a row, why would you possibly want to see it five times? Well, maybe you wouldn’t, but maybe you’d be missing something if you didn’t. Yes, there is a lot more to do in Quebec City and I’ll tell you about that, but right now let me explain why I would happily visit this event five nights in a row.
 First of all, there are three tribes that begin in different parts of the city and proceed to the Ilot Fleurie under the Dufferin-Montmorency underpass. Each tribe, representing one of the three primary colors, takes different roads to the gathering place. The Fog, Fire and Sand tribes (Brumes, Brasiers & Sables) meet the fourth tribe, the Embarrassants at the underpass. Each of the three tribes begins at an encampment which they have set for their rituals which are rich in sound, images and movement.
 From each of the encampments begins a procession which you may follow to the meeting with the Embarrassants at the underpass. As you walk along with the procession you will feel the spirit of your tribe and become part of the event. You are free to take photos, video or record as you wish. It is all great fun and when you reach the meeting place the show really begins. Having followed your tribe into the very crowded “arena” you will then see performances on different stages. You will be tempted to move from one stage to another and that is part of the excitement of the performances, but it will likely be difficult to maneuver through the crowds. You will be able to see everything, almost, but sometimes you will wish you were closer.
 It would be wonderful to begin with a different tribe each night and end up near that tribe’s stage to watch them perform. A fourth night I would go directly to the underpass and plant myself near the Embarrassants and watch the three tribes arrive. And the fifth night? Towards the end of the 60-70 minute show at the underpass, the performers all migrate toward the large stage which you won’t even have noticed as you enter the first night, but later discovered is at the other end of the overpass and difficult to reach through the crowds. The fifth night I would station myself for a terrific view of the main stage and the finale of this exceptional event.
 On the off chance that you have never heard of Cirque du Soleil let me explain that it is an extraordinary performance group made up of circus acts, buskers, highly skilled acrobats, dancers and others who are highly skilled, exceptionally well choreographed and amazingly talented. I’ll include a link at the end of the story for you to view some excerpts from their performances.
Cirque du Soleil began in 1984 with about 20 street performers and now employs 4,000 or so people in over 40 countries. In Las Vegas there are now a half-dozen different productions. I’m hoping on my next visit to see the new Elvis version. Of course, the Vegas shows are not free. They are worth whatever you pay, but why not head up to Canada and see five free nights of great entertainment. Believe me, even if the show were exactly the same every night you would see something different each time you went. Of course, there is another problem with seeing Cirque du Soleil five nights in a row. What else are you missing in fabulous Quebec City? There is a lot going on anytime you visit and especially in the summer.  Imagine a screen the size of 25 IMAX screens. The Image Mill has put together a production that is projected onto a series of grain silos that is more than 600 meters wide and 30 meters tall. Best viewed from the Old Port docks, it can be seen from many vantage points around the city, but the sound cannot be heard as well from some of the more distant viewpoints. From the Image Mill webpage: The Image Mill transports us through four centuries of Québec City history in four movements: waterways (recounting the days of Québec’s discovery and exploration), road building (the period in which the land was cleared, then developed), rail expansion (the years of industrialization and railway construction), and air travel (the era of balloons, airplanes, and communications). The silos are transformed—as if by magic—as one image after another appears!
 It runs in the summer, and for some reason, the same nights as Cirque du Soleil. It’s only 40 minutes long and a terrific way to catch up on a little Quebec history while you’re there. And, the technology to create this show is simply sensational. When you see this production and watch a train coming along the screen beginning 600 meters away you will be duly impressed. Not only that, it is free and easily accessible. You can stand and watch, bring a folding chair, a blanket, a pillow, anything you want. It is outdoors so make yourself comfortable. There is reserved seating in one section for a fee and no problems for the mobility impaired.
 There is much more to see and do in this cradle of French civilization in North America. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the old city of Quebec with its narrow streets and beautiful architecture is a perfect city for walking tours. Much of the old city can be seen from a stroll along the top of the walls surrounding much of the old city. If you walk the lower part you can reach the upper level by way of the funicular that drops you off at the beginning of rue Saint-Jean where you’ll find exquisite shopping, art galleries and sidewalk cafes.
 If you follow the walls in another direction you will discover the Citadelle where you can explore on your own through this historic fort. Check and find out when the next changing of the guard occurs and plan your next walk to take in the ceremony.
 Should you stay at Le Chateau Frontenac, the monumental Fairmont hotel that dominates the old city skyline, you will find yourself in the center of most of the things you might want to do in Quebec and within easy walking distance of many attractions. The plaza just outside the entrance is host to many and varied buskers (street entertainers) every day and evening and is the top entrance/exit of the funicular. A walk along the Terrasse Dufferin will provide an outstanding view of the St. Lawrence River below and will lead to a series of walks leading up to the Plains of Abraham, a very large and beautiful park, as well as to the Citadelle.
 Le Chateau Frontenac is unquestionably the most visible symbol of Quebec City. When you get home from your trip and look at your photos you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how many times the Frontenac appears. It is a truly magnificent castle that will make your holiday in Quebec a true vacation experience.
 Opened in 1893 this grand hotel has been host to many celebrities. From King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Charles Lindbergh, Charles De Gaulle and Chiang-Kai-Shek to Hollywood types like Alfred Hitchcock, James Cagney, Anthony Quinn, Jane Seymour and many, many more, the Chateau has been a welcome refuge at the end of the day. For me, it was the focal point of my visit. It is very comforting to be able to look up and see your “home” from almost anywhere in the city. Because of my hectic schedule of activities on this trip, beginning the day with a very filling and very delicious breakfast each morning at Le Café de la Terrasse made every day a breeze.
 Before I leave the Chateau I have to tell you about Santol who is probably just at this moment greeting a new guest to the hotel. Santol has the title of Canine Ambassador. If you want to learn more about him he does have his own email address along with an employee name tag and business cards. He is a pretty popular guy, so you may want to schedule a walk with him even before you arrive. But, at least, you can maybe catch him in the lobby for a little petting and belly rubbing! I should mention that he also helps raise money to train guide dogs for young children.
 With all there is to do in the city you still might find a little time to get out into the countryside. If you do, there are a couple of places that should be high on your “to do” list. A visit to the Montmorency Falls can be as short or as long as you wish. At the very least get out of your car, walk up to the waterfront and enjoy the view. But, if you can, schedule a couple of hours and ride the cable car to the top. Walk across the suspension bridge to the elegant Manoir Montmorency and have lunch with a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River and the Ile d’Orleans.
 Next stop – Ile d’Orleans. This is a fascinating area where the city dwellers come for their country fix. With u-pick orchards and wineries there is much to discover here among the six separate and distinct communities on the island. Less than a half-hour from downtown Quebec, you’ll be enchanted by the history. Your task for this trip? When you get to the village of Saint-Laurent see if you can find a chalouperie.
 There are two more things you might like to know about the area. One of the things that I managed to sneak into this trip was a half-day of canyoning – we call it canyoneering in the states, but that’s not important. What counts is that it is an exciting experience that some of you won’t want to miss. Imagine finding a beautiful, high waterfall, not as high as the Montmorency Falls, but it might seem like it when you step off the edge backwards and rappel to the bottom. Then climb part way back up and jump into a deep pool at the bottom. Or, when you get to the next fall, step off the side of the fall and find yourself in the fall before you reach the bottom. Even if it’s not Saturday you’re going to get your bath – and it’s going to be a shower you’ll definitely feel. Just think of tons of water coming down from quite a few meters above. Or, wait till winter and climb up the falls. This time it will be ice, but that’s another story.
My other recommendation is a trip to Wendake, the Huron village close by Quebec City. I’ll be writing a separate story on the village and the hotel and the museum so watch for it here at TravelLady. Meanwhile check out the website listed below. Enjoy your visit to Quebec City and Keep on Traveling! When You Gowww.quebecregion.com: Calendar of Events and Tourist Information for the Quebec area. www.cirquedusoleil.com : Check out all the shows in Canada, the U.S. and worldwide. www.fairmont.com/Frontenac : Le Chateau Frontenac – For Reservations and Information www.lacaserne.net/index2.php/other_projects : The Image Mill- Read about this fantastic production. It will go on for five more years with changes every year.  www.tourismewendake.com/index.php?langue=en : Information for Wendake and the Huron-Wendat Museum.
www.travellady.com/Issues/May06/3247Carnaval.htm : Just in case you want to visit in the winter – highly recommended and lots of fun. www.fairmont.com/EN_FA/Property/LCF/MeetSantol.htm : Learn more about Santol and send him an email – he’s waiting to hear from you. Story and Photos by Robert Painter – Luxury Adventure Travel Editor | 