Our Big Fat Canadian Road Trip
For Christmas this year, Rebecca and I decided to embark on a road trip in lieu of gifts. We didn’t want to just drive anywhere, and we certainly didn’t want to go somewhere we had been numerous times before. So, after giving it a little thought, we decided on one bonanza of a road trip. We were going to make a northbound trek all the way to the French-speaking, European-like city of Quebec. Our big fat Canadian road trip would take us through eight states, (SC, NC, VA, WV, MD, PA, NJ, NY), and encompass 1228 miles of open road.
1,228 miles from Greenville, SC to Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
On Christmas Eve, after working an abbreviated shift, we packed up my 2003 BMW X5, put on some holiday music, and began our yuletide drive. The trip began without a hitch and by midnight I was already passing through Gettysburg, Pa. I managed to drive two hours more before deciding on a little shut-eye at a Maryland rest stop.
Early Christmas morning, with over 600 miles already under my belt, I pulled away from the rest area and continued my drive north. We were in New Jersey and bordering New York when I first began to hear it. The transmission in my car started making a horrible grinding noise, like metal against metal, particularly when switching into lower gears.
By the time we reached Albany, NY, my BMW was giving out some serious audible warnings. While I’m no mechanic, I understood that I wasn’t making it more than a few additional miles. Being that it was Christmas Day, and every service station was closed, we got on the phone with Thrifty, acquired a rental, and parked my disabled vehicle in the parking lot of a hotel.
Rebecca moving luggage from our disabled vehicle into a rental.
A rest stop in the Adirondack Mountains, NY
Though the thought of a looming car repair hung heavily on my mind, I did my best to put my troubles behind me and stay committed to our predetermined course.
Our Border Crossing into Canada on Christmas Day
Despite breaking down and ditching my vehicle in the middle of New York, we were still successful in making the Canadian border before nightfall on Christmas Day. In just three short hours after leaving the United States, we were entering the fortified, colonial city of Quebec.
These are some of our favorite pictures of our big fat Canadian road trip. I hope you enjoy the ride.
We encounter our first glimpse of snow at a rest stop in Quebec Province, Canada
The best part of our big fat Canadian road trip was actually making it to our destination.
Assorted cans of maple syrup dress the window of this shop.
She will always my favorite thing to point a camera at.
Rebecca looks as sweet as ever outside the C’ Est Si Bon candy shop.
A glimpse of the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Quebec in background
The interior of the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Quebec
Monument of Francois de Laval – first Roman Catholic bishop of Quebec
A line of cannons point out towards the St. Lawrence River near the Citadel of Quebec.
Old Quebec City set against the mighty St. Lawrence River
A red cross marks the fortress wall surrounding Old Quebec.
Le Chateau Frontenac in all her glory.
She’s beautiful. I look like a swollen squirrel storing away acorns in my cheeks for a long winter.
A final day of fun in the sun before the big snow.
The House of Parliament covered in a fresh blanket of snow.
The Parliament Hill Monument
Rebecca and I shivering in front of the Monument to the First Nations.
Lt. Colonel Charles De Salaberry guarding the frozen grounds.
There is no better way to enjoy our big fat Canadian road trip than a bottle of craft beer – Canadian style!
Preparations for the annual winter carnival (Carnaval de Quebec)
Entrance to the Plains of Abraham (historic Canadian battlefield)
A snow plow clearing the road leading out of the walled old city.
Through rain, sleet, or snow, the horse carriage in Old Quebec is always on the go.
Our big fat Canadian road trip continues on via horse and buggy. It’s much more dependable than the thing we drove in here on.
Snowy Champlain Street in Old Town
The Old Town at night really brought out the Christmas magic.
The city hall of Quebec was all aglow.
Rebecca at the Chateau Frontenac
The chateau looked so sinister under the cold and dark skies.
Rebecca just adored this little Christmas shepherd!
Warmed by the colorful glow against cobblestone streets and snow.
The Musee du Port is a unique museum chronicling the military history of Quebec.
The Aux Anciens Canadiens restaurant was the very picture of Christmas inside a winter wonderland.
More festive window displays in the Old City.
Christmas time in the cobblestone streets of Quebec’s Place-Royale
This immense mural known as Fresque des Quebecois brings the history of Place-Royale to life.
Our last night before leaving the enchanted City of Quebec.
My auto repairs are turning out even more costly than I could’ve imagined. BMW transmissions certainly don’t come cheap these days. In spite of it all, our big fat Canadian road trip was one fun-filled, hell of an adventure. Now, if I could just get my car up and running again, I might embark on another roadtrip without breaking down! Thank you for reading my article and I hope you will visit my site again real soon. Feel free to explore other areas of my blog, post a comment, and show some love on social media.
Merry Christmas and happy travels,
Big John
Posted in Adventurous Places, Historical Journeys, North America and tagged Canadian road trip, Chateau Frontenac, Old Quebec City, Quebec, road trip
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