We were interested in our French-speaking neighbor to the north, and so over the New Year of 2006/2007, we drove to Old Quebec for some exploration. We discovered a vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, exquisite cuisine, and frigidly cold temperatures. An excellent place to spend our second anniversary!

Old Town Quebec has been around since 1608. It's a fortified town with a wall that's still quite sturdy.

Its narrow streets and stone buildings probably helped deter marauding intruders, but today they add to its charm.

The city provided protection for ships on the St. Lawrence below it.

The ramparts surrounding Old Quebec are the only fortified city walls in the Americas north of Mexico.

These mortars look like they might still be able to do some damage.

An imposing array . . .

Walking the park outside the city walls.

On the Terrasse Dufferin, with Chateau Frontenac in the background.

Above the St. Lawrence, shivering.

Madame presents . . . La Maison!

Old Quebec's main gate.

Boulevard sans pomp.

Boulevard avec Pomp.

Stairway to heaven (from the river up to the city). Took us forever to climb.

Stately manses along the St. Lawrence.