Road Scholar : Home
Quebec, the Four-Field-Trip Way!

Program Number: 2746RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/2/2013 - 6/7/2013; 9/1/2013 - 9/6/2013; 9/8/2013 - 9/13/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Quebec City, Quebec
Price starting at: $978.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: History & Culture Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 13; 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 5 Dinners    

Auberge du Mont invites you to take learning on the road! Four all-day field trips allow you to experience Quebec firsthand. Begin by exploring the walled city of Old Quebec by bus and then meander along these 17th-century streets on your own. Visit the world-class Museum of Civilization and trace the story of Quebec from New France to today. At St-Jean-Port-Joli, the Wood Carving Capital, meet a wood carver, visit carving exhibits and enjoy a meal at a maple sugar shack. Along the Beaupre Coast, the Cradle of New France, witness the inspiring architecture of the Basilica of Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre, experience the rural heritage of the Isle of Orleans and see geology in the making at Montmorency Falls.




Highlights

• Explore the cobblestone streets of Old Québec with experts as you admire the Colonial-era buildings and the rich culture.
• Visit the Museum of Civilization and then wander on your own down Rue du Petit Champlain, the oldest street in North America.
• Experience a real Québécois family meal and maple syrup at a cabine-à-sucre and a woodcarving demonstration at St.-Jean-Port-Joli.



Activity Particulars

Walks from a few blocks up to one mile over cobblestone.




Date Specific Information

6-2-2013, 9-1-2013, 9-8-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.




Quebec City

The towers and turrets of Chateau Frontenac dominate the skyline of this 400-year-old walled city on the St. Lawrence River, the only fortified city north of Mexico. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage City, Canada’s oldest city is known and loved for its European charms and narrow, cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old homes.
Accommodations
Ski lodge turned conference center offering the serenity of nature in the wooded Laurentian Hills.
Meals and Lodgings
   Auberge du Mont
  Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier 5 nights
 Auberge du Mont
Type: Conference Center
  Description: Set amidst the maple forest of the Laurentian foothills, this site offers the serenity of nature in close proximity to Quebec City. Originally built as a ski lodge, the Auberge du Mont is now operated by and located on the same site as a private secondary school celebrating 50 years of educational programs. The log-cabin style meeting room provides a charming environment for group activities and free-time mingling. A beautiful lake reflecting the color of the surrounding trees and hiking trails through the maple forest embellish this exceptional site. (See "Free Time" for further description.) Although "Auberge du Mont" literally means "Inn of the Mountain", we are best described as a conference center whose primary mission is that of education. Almost all our clientele come as part of a group, most for educational programs created by our staff. These include Road Scholar, outdoor education programs for school groups, and cultural programs for French immersion students from as far away as British Columbia. Creating outstanding educational experiences offered in an ambiance of friendship and warmth is our main goal.
  Contact info: 200 Boul St. Sacrement
St-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, QC G0A 4S0 Canada
phone: 418-844-3771 x30
web: www.aubergedumont.qc.ca
  Room amenities: All rooms have a private bathroom (Toilet, sink, shower). Radio alarm clocks and wireless Internet is available in all rooms. Cable Internet hook-up available in some rooms (cable RJ45). Bring your own hair dryer or you may borrow one of ours.
  Facility amenities: Guests have access to a computer with Internet access, a television in a common room, laundry facilities, shared refrigerator space and daily newspaper. Wireless Internet is available in all rooms. Cable Internet hook-up available in some rooms (cable RJ45).
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior:  While we do not offer additional nights before or after the program, we can usually accommodate a weekend stay over between back-to-back programs. Prices vary depending on the number of nights and meals included. Call for more information.
  Check in time: 2:00 PM
  Additional nights after:  While we do not offer additional nights before or after the program, we can usually accommodate a weekend stay over between back-to-back programs. Prices vary depending on the number of nights and meals included. Call for more information.
  Check out time: 12:30 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Inn. Welcome and introductions at 4:30 p.m. You will be staying at Auberge du Mont that night.
  End of Program:
Independent departures from the Inn after morning wrap-up. Check out is 12:30 p.m. You will be staying at Auberge du Mont the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Passport requirements are subject to change. Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for up-to-date info.
  Parking availability:
Free parking on site.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier
  Nearest city or town:  Quebec City, QC
  Nearest highway: Highway 573 North
  Nearest airport:  Quebec City: Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) 20 miles from site.
  From End of Program
  Location: Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Quebec City

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Auberge du Mont Taxi Share
phone: 888-317-3771 x30
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$70, price decreases with additional riders
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
   

We organize a taxi share (using commercial taxis) for participants who want to share a ride from the airport. The total fee is divided among the riders. Sign up for this service at least two weeks prior to your program. Commercial taxis are also available at the airport, no reservation needed. Some people fly to Montreal and take bus or train to Quebec City (3-4 hours). Or fly into Manchester, NH and rent a car for a beautiful and traffic-free 6 hour drive.
 

Quebec City

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Auberge du Mont Taxi Share
phone: 888-317-3771 x30
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$70, price decreases with additional riders
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
   

We organize a taxi share (using commercial taxis) for participants who want to share a ride. The total fee is divided among the riders. Sign up for this service at least two weeks prior to your program. Commercial taxis are also available at the bus station, no reservation needed, for those who prefer to make their own arrangements. For information on bus service from Montreal go to www.orleansexpress.com.
 

Quebec City

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Auberge du Mont Taxi Share
phone: 888-317-3771 x30
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$70, price decreases with additional riders
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
   

We organize a taxi share (using commercial taxis) for participants who want to share a ride. The total fee is divided among the riders. Sign up for this service at least two weeks prior to your program. Commercial taxis are also available at the train station, no reservation needed, for those who prefer to make their own arrangements. For information on train service from Montreal, go to www.viarail.ca or 1-888 842-7245.
 

Quebec City

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$70, price decreases with additional riders
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
   

We organize a taxi share (using commercial taxis) for participants who want to share a ride to the airport (and bus/train stations). The total fee is divided among the riders. Sign up for this service at least two weeks prior to your program.
 
Driving Directions
  Manchester NH or Boston MA Take either 91 north through Vermont or 93 north through New Hampshire to 91 and travel north to Canada. At the border continue onto Autoroute 55 north. Take 20 east. Take 73 north (Aut. Henri IV) across the bridge "Pont Pierre LaPorte". Approx. 7 km / 4 m after the bridge, continue straight onto 573 north toward Shannon. (Don’t follow 40 east / 73 north as it exits to the right. Continue straight and the highway becomes 573 north.) In approx. 8 km / 5 m you will arrive at a traffic light at the intersection of Ave. Industrielle. There is a McDonald’s, gas station, etc. to the left. Continue straight ahead to the next traffic light at the intersection of Montolieu (approximately 3.5 km / 2.2m). Turn right (east) at Montolieu toward 371 Valcartier. Continue 3.3 km / 2.0 m and turn left (north) onto Boul. Valcartier. Continue for approx. 8.7 km / 5.4 m through the town of St-Gabriel-de-Valcartier and cross the bridge. The road is now called Redmond Road. Continue for approx. 1.3 km / 0.8 m, then turn left onto Boul. St-Sacrement. Boul. St-Sacrement jogs to the right and continues for approx. 2.5 km / 1.5 m until it ends at the Auberge du Mont.
  Montreal Autoroute 20 Take 73 north (Aut. Henri IV) across the bridge "Pont Pierre LaPorte". Approx. 7 km / 4 m after the bridge, continue straight onto 573 north toward Shannon. (Don’t follow 40 east / 73 north as it exits to the right. Continue straight and the highway becomes 573 north.) In approx. 8 km / 5 m you will arrive at a traffic light at the intersection of Ave. Industrielle. There is a McDonald’s, gas station, etc. to the left. Continue straight ahead to the next traffic light at the intersection of Montolieu (approximately 3.5 km / 2.2m). Turn right (east) at Montolieu toward 371 Valcartier. Continue 3.3 km / 2.0 m and turn left (north) onto Boul. Valcartier. Continue for approx. 8.7 km / 5.4 m through the town of St-Gabriel-de-Valcartier and cross the bridge. The road is now called Redmond Road. Continue for approx. 1.3 km / 0.8 m, then turn left onto Boul. St-Sacrement. Boul. St-Sacrement jogs to the right and continues for approx. 2.5 km / 1.5 m until it ends at the Auberge du Mont.
  Montreal Autoroute 40 Take 40 east / 73 north (Aut. Henri IV). Continue straight ahead onto 573 north toward Shannon. (Don’t follow 40 east / 73 north as it exits to the right. Continue straight and the highway becomes 573 north.) In approx. 8 km / 5 m you will arrive at a traffic light at the intersection of Ave. Industrielle. There is a McDonald’s, gas station, etc. to the left. Continue straight ahead to the next traffic light at the intersection of Montolieu (approximately 3.5 km / 2.2m). Turn right (east) at Montolieu toward 371 Valcartier. Continue 3.3 km / 2.0 m and turn left (north) onto Boul. Valcartier; Continue for approx. 8.7 km / 5.4 m through the town of St-Gabriel-de-Valcartier and cross the bridge. The road is now called Redmond Road. Continue for approx. 1.3 km / 0.8 m, then turn left onto Boul. St-Sacrement. Boul. St-Sacrement jogs to the right and continues for approx. 2.5 km / 1.5 m until it ends at the Auberge du Mont.
  Old Quebec Take 175 north to Autoroute 40 west / 73 south. Exit onto 573 north toward Shannon. In approx. 8 km / 5 m you will arrive at a traffic light at the intersection of Ave. Industrielle. There is a McDonald’s, gas station, etc. to the left. Continue straight ahead to the next traffic light at the intersection of Montolieu (approximately 3.5 km / 2.2m), Turn right (east) at Montolieu toward 371 Valcartier. Continue 3.3 km / 2.0 m and turn left (north) onto Boul. Valcartier. Continue for approx. 8.7 km / 5.4 m through the town of St-Gabriel-de-Valcartier and cross the bridge. The road is now called Redmond Road. Continue for approx. 1.3 km / 0.8 m, then turn left onto Boul. St-Sacrement. Boul. St-Sacrement jogs to the right and continues for approx. 2.5 km / 1.5 m until it ends at the Auberge du Mont.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Check-in/Introductions/Program Overview
(Sunday, September 8)
   
 Arrive To: Check-in: 2:00pm - 4:00pm Coffee, tea and snacks are provided in an area conducive to mingling. The short walk around the lake is a great way to unwind after your travels. Reading materials are accessible for browsing, and the television and internet are both available. You will also have access to refrigerator space if you need to keep things cool. Laundry facilities are available after 4:00pm. Once you are here, the hard part is over and you can relax and start enjoying the week!
 Afternoon: Welcome and Introduction to Site: 4:30pm - 5:30pm Brief introductions of all the participants and coordinators. A short slide presentation will let you know all about the site as well take you on a "virtual hike" through the trails.
 Dinner: Dinner is at the Auberge du Mont. Served cafeteria style, dinner includes a salad bar, soup, choice of two main dishes, vegetables, dessert, tea, coffee, etc. Wine is not sold on the premises, but there is a good selection at the local store and you are free to bring your own. We can provide a corkscrew and wine glasses. We do not organize a "happy hour" before meals, but participants may organize something if desired.
 Evening: Overview of Week: 7:30pm - 9:00pm We will take a look at the whole week ahead; speakers, field trips and other activities. We will also let you know how to make the Auberge du Mont your "home away from home" for the week (laundry, phone, newspapers, internet, etc.)
   
Accommodations: Auberge du Mont
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Historic Overview/Old Quebec City
(Monday, September 9)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is at the Auberge du Mont. Breakfasts are served cafeteria style and offer a variety of choices: cereal, muffins, eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, pancakes, etc. The only thing lacking is willpower! Early morning coffee is available. The newspaper generally arrives shortly after breakfast.
 Morning: Your day begins with a brief overview of Quebec history. This program, jam-packed with information delivered in a light and humorous way, will offer the background needed to prepare you to get the most out of the field trips.
 Lunch: Lunch is at the Auberge du Mont. Served cafeteria style, lunch includes a salad bar, soup, choice of two main dishes, vegetables, dessert, tea, coffee, etc.
 Afternoon: We depart from the Auberge du Mont after lunch on a coach bus. Your learning starts right away as the field trip coordinator tells you about the area as we travel to Quebec City. Once in the city, a "step-on guide" will present a two-hour bus tour including stops in Old Quebec and in the beautiful city park, the Plains of Abraham. Following the tour, you will have time to explore Old Quebec on your own. The field trip coordinator will be with you all day to answer questions, direct you to specific locations, and offer any help needed.
 Dinner: Dinner is always at a well-known restaurant in Old Quebec. Usually we go to "Aux Anciens Canadiens" which is located in the oldest building in Old Quebec, a short walk from the bus drop-off/pick-up point. The ambiance of Old Quebec and choice of menu items, including traditional Quebecois cuisine, make for a delightful experience.
 Evening: The bus leaves Old Quebec at about 7:15 pm, permitting a brief after-dinner stroll along the 18th century streets or upon the terrace overlooking the scenic St. Lawrence River.
   
Accommodations: Auberge du Mont
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Museum of Civilization/Free Afternoon in Quebec City
(Tuesday, September 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is at the Auberge du Mont. If you missed something good yesterday, you can make up for it today, as the same variety of choices is offered: cereal, muffins, eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, pancakes, etc. Early morning coffee is available.
 Morning: We depart from the Auberge du Mont on a school bus refitted with comfortable “captain seats”. We will take a different route to Quebec City, this time traveling along the Jacques Cartier River through the picturesque village of Tewkesbury. In Old Quebec you will visit the world-class Museum of Civilization. We recommend the exhibits, “People of Quebec …then and now”, the story of Quebec from New France to today, and “Encounters with the First Nations” a look at the Native People in Quebec. Other exhibits may attract your attention or you may wish to visit the rooftop gardens. For more information about the museum, visit the website: www.mcq.org (Click the button for the English version at the top right of the screen.)
 Lunch: Lunch on your own. You may take advantage of the museum cafe featuring delicious salads, soups and paninis, or visit one of the many restaurants and cafes in Old Quebec. Don't overlook the option of a sumptuous French pastry and bowl of Cafe au lait!
 Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Quebec City independently. Options include: A 90-minute narrated cruise on the St Lawrence River aboard the Louis Jolliet, approx. $35 (croisieresaml.com Go to cruises - Quebec City - Maritime Excursion); A round-trip ride on the Quebec-Levis Ferry, approx. $3 - takes about 45 minutes and offers a scenic view of Old Quebec and fantastic photo-ops; Exploring Old Quebec on foot - historic sites and shopping; and, of course, staying in the museum to further explore the exhibits.
 Dinner: Dinner is at the Auberge du Mont. Served cafeteria style, dinner includes a salad bar, soup, choice of two main dishes, vegetables, dessert, tea, coffee, etc.
 Evening: A relaxed evening at the Auberge is planned. The coordinator led activity is designed to create an atmosphere of fellowship, fun and laughter. If you have always dreaded the "get to know you" games, rest assured that so have we. This activity, however, is a proven highlight.
   
Accommodations: Auberge du Mont
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Woodcarving at St-Jean-Port-Joli/Traditional Music
(Wednesday, September 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is at the Auberge du Mont. Another chance to give in to desire or be noble as a variety of choices is offered: cereal, muffins, eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, pancakes, etc. Early morning coffee is available.
 Morning: The coach bus departs after breakfast for an all-day trip to St-Jean-Port-Joli, the "woodcarving capital of the world". Your guide for the day is your Road Scholar coordinator who delights in helping you to discover the treasures of his native village. The scenic drive along the south shore of the St. Lawrence River offers a look at the rural life just beyond the city limits. The first stop in St-Jean-Port-Joli is at a woodcarving museum. While half the group tours the exhibits and learns about the history of the woodcarving unique to this area, the others visit with a woodcarver for an up-close look at this art. Groups are then reversed so no one misses a thing!
 Lunch: A buffet lunch is served at a local "Maple Sugar Shack", or as we say in Quebec, a "Cabane a Sucre". After learning about maple syrup production, you will participate in the time honored springtime ritual for many Quebecers, eating traditional dishes and tasting maple products.
 Afternoon: After lunch, we visit the St-Jean-Port-Joli church. Built in 1779, this historical monument houses beautiful sculptures of several master carvers and a unique and fascinating collection of carved creches.
 Dinner: Dinner is at the Auberge du Mont. Served cafeteria style, dinner includes a salad bar, soup, choice of two main dishes, vegetables, dessert, tea, coffee, etc.
 Evening: This evening, we invite you to experience a House Party! With the help of local musicians and members of the community, we will recreate the feel of this very fine local tradition. More than a concert, you will be able to interact with the musicians and learn about the tunes that are unique to this area, tunes that are accented with both the Irish and French musical traditions. Whether a step-dancer or a sit-and-watcher, we hope you will have fun and feel like you have touched a part of this community.
   
Accommodations: Auberge du Mont
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Basilica of Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre/Isle of Orleans/Montmorency Falls
(Thursday, September 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is at the Auberge du Mont. Another full breakfast with plenty of choices: cereal, muffins, eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, pancakes, etc. Early morning coffee is available.
 Morning: We depart from the Auberge du Mont on a coach bus for our fourth all-day trip. After travelling along the Beaupre Coast, the "cradle of New France", we visit the Basilica of Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre. This beautiful and massive church can be likened to Lourdes, a place known for miraculous healings. The numerous mosaics covering ceiling, walls and floor are more than worth a viewing. Over a million and a half tourists and pilgrims visit each year. You will learn about the origins of this church in 1658, the transformations over the years, the stories behind some of the decorative embellishments, and about some of the rites and traditions unique to this important site. On the hillside next to the basilica, the Stations of the Cross wind their way up a beautiful path overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Each station is represented by a life size bronze sculpture. Combining "cathedral grandeur" with the down-to-earth spirit of Quebec, this site speaks to all, regardless of one's personal religious affiliation.
 Lunch: Lunch is at a restaurant either in the town of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre or on the Isle of Orleans.
 Afternoon: During the first part of the afternoon, we will be visiting the western tip of the Isle of Orleans, known as the bread basket of the Quebec City region. We will learn about the importance of this rural island to the earliest European settlement and how it continues to play an important role in the lives of Quebecers today. We will be stopping in one of the six island villages to be treated to a magnificent view of Quebec City. From this vantage point, one can truly appreciate Quebec City's early nickname, "The Rock". Our final stop will be at Montmorency Falls which towers 83 meters above the St. Lawrence River. The view from the bridge over the top of the falls is unforgettable. In addition to its stunning beauty, this site is considered a "Hot Spot" to geologists and you will learn of its geological importance as well as its story within the history of Quebec.
 Dinner: Dinner is at the Auberge du Mont. Served cafeteria style, dinner includes a salad bar, soup, choice of two main dishes, vegetables, dessert, tea, coffee, etc.
 Evening: A relaxed evening of fellowship and fun. The program varies from week to week but always includes a "French Exam" which we guarantee you will pass with flying colors!
   
Accommodations: Auberge du Mont
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Program Wrap-up
(Friday, September 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is at the Auberge du Mont. One last chance to indulge before it's back to toast! Choices include cereal, muffins, eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, pancakes, etc. Early morning coffee is available.
 Morning: Program concludes after breakfast. Check-out is 12:30 p.m.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier Auberge du Mont
Situated amidst the maple forest of the Laurentian foothills, the Auberge du Mont offers a variety of possibilities for walkers of all levels: a quiet morning stroll along the boardwalk encircling the lake, a peaceful walk along the roadside past the neighboring homes, a short hike down to the cascades flowing from the lake, or a good climb up the mountain to a point overlooking the valley of the Jacques Cartier River. The scenic beauty will make you want to play hookey.
  Quebec City
During the field trips to Quebec City, participants always have the option to go off by themselves for sightseeing, shopping, tours of historic buildings (such as the Chateau Frontenac), museums, shows, dining, etc. Some participants will opt out of evening activities and have a "night on the town". It is an easy 40-min. drive to the heart of Old Quebec with parking readily available.
  Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier
The local store is 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the Auberge du Mont. With a post office, gas station, snack bar, alcoholic beverages outlet and well stocked shelves, this small store offers one-stop shopping! You will also get a feel of the local community as you hear the mix of French and English being bantered about. We often stop here on the way back from field trips to accommodate participants without cars.
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Shadows on the Rock


Author: Willa Cather


Description: Fictional story set in Quebec City in 1697, the early days of New France.



A Passion in Winter


Author: Irene Landry Kelso


Description: Fictional story set amidst the ruins of English occupied Quebec in the years 1759-1760.





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