A Visit to Quebec
Published: March 5, 2011
By Suzanne et Paul Fuller
Should you want to make a different visit to the province of Quebec during the Labor Day weekend (2nd to 5th September, 2011) we have just what you would like. A hot air balloon festival is held in Gatineau each year is a great reason to come and visit the Canadian Capital region. Gatineau is Located about 90 miles to the West of Montreal in the province of Quebec and just across the Ottawa river from Ottawa, our Canadian National Capital. This festival is one of the largest in America with over 75 balloons of all shapes and forms coming from all over Canada and the USA. You can see the flights every day morning and night, weather permitting. You can enjoy a flight and chase the balloon through the countryside to its landing site. You can visit the launch site and talk with the crews to get a real feel for the sport. A whole slew of activities will keep you occupied on site the whole week end long.
The best museums in Canada are just a stone’s throw from here in Gatineau and in Ottawa. Worth the trip are the Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, the Royal Canadian Mint, the Military Museum, the Arts Museum, the Canadian Air Museum, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Academy and Stables for the RCMP Musical ride and many more. Our Canadian Parliament, the seat of Canadian Politics and power, offers free guided tours and a nightly sound and light show. Most of these attractions are free or at a slight cost. There are city Bus tours and boat tours down the Rideau River to enable you to see Ottawa from a very different perspective. Walking around the parliament buildings, going to the war museum, visiting The Mint and the By Market are just short distances in one of the safest cities in the country. There are some of the best biking or walking trails available anywhere should you be athletically inclined,
Camping is available on site for the Balloon Festival and allows you to be in the midst of all the activities and entertainment within a short distance in Gatineau or Ottawa. A short phone call will get you all the info and reservations you need to enjoy a great stay in some of the most beautiful areas in western Quebec or eastern Ontario.
Suzanne and I have visited this part of our country many times and still look forward to our next stay, we are sure you will be happy you took us up on our invitation.
Nous vous souhaitons la Bienvenue!