Upon arriving in Quebec we notice that several roads have barriers at their edges. We soon discover that is because today is the 2024 Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec.

It also happens to be the day the blue collar workers of the city are on strike. Even our guide for our walking tour is thrown off as we try to navigate via striking workers and closed off roads.

It makes for a rememberable morning, as we catch the occasional glimpse of cyclists speeding by and the city is even busier with crowds lining the streets, cheering on the race.

We find ourselves back in what we have dubbed ‘Leonardo De Caprio Square’ (star of Catch Me If You Can). By this point we have also found out 4 cruise ships are in town. The queue for the funaculiar stretching almost back to the cruise ships the crowds have come from.

Today also happens to be the hottest day so far, a high of 25c with no clouds, so we find shelter and a bite to eat at Q-De-Sac, at the Cul De Sac of one of the most photographed streets, we opt to find a way through the crowds back up the steep climb to the upper town.

The bike race is still going, although some riders are slowing down on the steep climbs in what is now the peak of the heat. they still have a few hours to go with 17 laps of the city. We struggle through the crowds to the edges of the walls and climb up to the top of the walls to great views over the race and the city.

By now we’ve had enough of the heat and crowds so make a bee line back to our hotel. Where we spend some time in the pool and relaxing on the ‘terrase’.  This provides some much needed peace and rest before we head back out to our final night in Quebec.

The sun is setting by now but temperatures are still in the 20s. We have one final area we have not visited, which involves climbing again. This time 310 steps at the end of the waterfront board walk take us to the top of the ramparts and again we are treated to great views over the St Laurent river. Despite the occasional runner who must enjoy the challenge of this climb, the walk is mostly deserted and provides a contrast to the hectic day.

We reach the site of the Citadel, a walled compound built by the British who feared the American or French army’s may try to take the city. We could not visit the inside but find a plaque commentating the Queens Jubilee. A reminder of the Common Wealth ties that still exist today.

Vic likes to walk in a loop, so despite not enjoying the crowds earlier, we head down on the busiest streets within the walls. We are rewarded with a first for the holiday, we find a special edition glass bottle Coke, maple syrup flavoured, unique to Canada. Only available in a 4 pack we sit at the side of the street where a crowd has gathered for one the many street performers. One of the best we have seen, performing both covers and original songs in English and French. A change from the usual covers of Hallelujah (I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard this).

Feeling a bit peckish we use the opportunity to visit Queues De Castor once more. This time a pistachio for Vic, and their special Poutail for me. We finish these whilst watching the end of the set by Anthony Roberge. The next performer we are not so sure on. Don-ing an electric guitar and a pair of angel wings, he starts with not the best rendition of Space Oddity I have heared.

An early start for the train to Toronto tomorrow means we head back to the hotel, but not before taking in one last evening stroll by the St Laurent.