We started the first morning in Quebec with a Happy Birthday pancake breakfast to celebrate Francine's birthday. We just knew it would be a great day!!!
Our first stop was to visit the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre and to tour the exquisite Bascilica reconstructed in 1923 after a fire destroyed the first one.
Mass was being conducted in the huge main cathedral on the upper floor and we were amazed to find a huge second cathedral on the lower floor as well.
The basilica is filled with a multitude of magnificent paintings, mosaics, stained-glass windows, and wooden and stone sculptures.
We continued our drive and stopped to see Montmorency Falls where we took a tram to the top of the falls and walked across a bridge above the water. It's huge, and loud, and beautiful, and amazing!
After a trip over the skinny bridge across the St. Lawrence River we arrived on the 24 mile long island of Ile d'Orleans to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of the farming community of the island. We stopped to visit a maritime museum, bought some very tasty cassis vinegars, tried some local cheese and pine tree beer (wouldn't buy a six pack though), and found some great tasting smoked fishes.
We ended our day by celebrating Francine's birthday at the restaurant Cochon Dingue whose specialty is mussels two ways. Delightful!!!
It's not hard to eat two pounds of mussels.
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