Montreal to Quebec City Via Rail

Leaving Montreal to Quebec City Via Rail:

Last night we did an evening walkabout and discovered a very nice local park. In the park was a decorative fountain. The architecture of the houses in this are is harkens to a time of elegance. I now know why this Sherbrooke area is known as the Golden Square Mile. Interspersed among the residences are murals on the full sides of some of the buildings. These, along with the vibrant colors on some residences, just adds to the funky vibe of this area. 

The diversity of this area is so very evident in it’s food scene, there is scarcely an ethnic food offering we did not see. Name it and it will be within a block of where you are. 

As we neared McKibbins the Irish pub, I asked Lynn if she wanted a ginger beer, her favorite. So we went in and the music was starting, I enjoyed a Sunday Pint of Guinness as we enjoy the music. 

Simply put, we enjoyed our time in Montreal and could envision a return. There is so much to do and see here. The people of Montreal are warm and friendly and really added to our time here. We felt very welcome. 

Today we packed our bags and walked to the Metro so as to make our way to the main rail station. As it was rush hour the trains were packed and we had to wait a bit for a space on the car for us and our bags. We finally got on board and traveled to Gare Central. We checked our bags and checked out what provisions we could purchase for our rail journey.  We scored a couple really nice deli sandwiches. 

At about 1225 we were cleared to board our trip and found our reserved assigned seats and settled in. Nice comfortable seats, power outlets, and WIFI. 

After we pulled out of the station we crossed the St. Lawrence and a nice lady with a trolley came by offering food and drinks for sale. A Molson was in order. And so our east bound odyssey begins as we roll through well kept villages and fields of corn. 

I am sitting in an emergency exit row and have been briefed on how to bust out the window. Lynn is not letting me play with the window breaking tool.      

As this train ride is only 3.5 hours, we opted for coach seating. The seats are cosy and very comfortable, the rail car is clean and tidy, with plenty of carry on storage at one end of the car. 

A hostess comes by with a trolley of various snacks and drinks twice during this journey and twice to collect trash.  Station stops are made in French and the repeated in English. 

When we arrived at Quebec City the checked luggage was off loaded and as ours was the first on it was the last off. Thus we were the last to get in line for a taxi. I decided Uber would be much fasted and punched in our request.  Six minutes later our Uber arrived and wisked us away ahead of 40 - 50 other waiting passengers. 

In a few minutes we arrived at Aux Annees Folles (we were told this translated to the roaring 20’s), Lynn says more like the crazy years. Our Uber driver was from the Congo and appreciated the cash tip, I guess that is a good thing for them. Our host, Jean, greeted is with pastries, fruit and refreshing juice. 

Aux Annees Folles is a three bedroom B&B with a Husky as a mascot. His name is Yusky and he is eight years old and all dog of the north. We did bring treats for him and he took to us in no time. 

This property is amazing with it’s Art Deco theme. All of the furniture and decorations are from the 1920’s.  No elevator and a shared bath are par. There are two other couples here tonight and they will depart tomorrow. We will then have the run of the house for one night. Breakfast is staggered and our time will be at 0700. 

After we settled in, we went for a walk about of the neighborhood and discovered where to purchase a bus pass. There is a couple Vietnamese restaurants, a take out chicken place, and a couple pizza places and the obligatory Tim Hortons, all near our lodging. 

Looking forward to tomorrow as we will first head to the old city area.