Touring Tigers: Montreal and Quebec City Christmas Markets - The Final Chapter
As we embarked on the final day of our Canadian adventure, there were still a few experiences left to savor. One of the most wonderful aspects of traveling with the Touring Tigers is the freedom to explore at your own pace. For instance, while some of the group attended Sunday mass at the local Catholic church, others enjoyed a morning of shopping.
Some chose to sleep in and enjoy a leisurely late breakfast, while others (ok, it was me) decided to embrace a 140-year-old Quebec tradition – the Dufferin Terrace Toboggan Slide. This iconic run, one of the town's oldest attractions, has been thrilling riders since 1884. With speeds reaching up to 70 km per hour (that’s about 43 mph for those of us in the USA), it was an exhilarating way to experience the town’s rich history!
We boarded the buses once again, heading to the sweetest stop on our journey: the charmingly named Sugar Shack. The Erablière le Chemin du Roy is a true gem, a 1920s-era Sugar Shack where maple syrup is still crafted using traditional methods. Our delightful host, Rose, walked us through the entire process before treating us to maple taffy on snow – a classic Quebecois indulgence that was nothing short of melt-in-your-mouth bliss. Naturally, there was an opportunity to purchase an array of maple delights: syrup, butter, sugar, flakes, liquor, and even maple tea – all produced on-site at the Sugar Shack.
Sticky fact of the day: It takes 40 gallons of sugar maple sap to produce just 1 gallon of maple syrup.
Back at the hotel, we had one last chance to raise a toast to the final day of our Canadian adventure. I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to reflect on the incredible friendships we forged throughout this journey. A special thanks goes to our exceptional tour director, Micky, and our wonderful bus driver, John, whose dedication and passion made this trip truly unforgettable. Their efforts went far beyond expectations, sharing their love for Canada and ensuring every moment was special.
As the moon rises, marking the end of our final day in Quebec, I’d like to share a quote that perfectly captures the essence of our unforgettable time here:
'Quebec is a captivating blend of timeless charm and natural splendor, where cobblestone streets whisper stories of the past, and the majestic landscapes unfold like a living painting, bathed in the golden glow of each season.'
As Micky would say, “Beauty.”
