Tolkien said, "No all who wander are lost". That quote seems to sum up our days here in Québec. Thanks for wandering with us.

The central fountain sculpture, entitled Éclatement II, is by Charles Daudelin, a master of abstract sculpture whose work combines movement, volume, and matter. In this piece, the powerful spray of water pays homage to Québec’s hydroelectric heritage. The fountain also echoes the artist’s work at Place du Québec in Paris, entitled Embâcle, highlighting the ties that bind these two capitals of the French-speaking world, one in North America, the other in Europe.

On August 10, 1916, Canadian Pacific and two other rail companies inaugurated Union Station, a new building in their extensive network. Later renamed Gare du Palais, it replaced three obsolete Québec City terminals. Henri-Edgar Lavigueur, then mayor of the city, was very clear about how this major event would benefit Québec City’s economy: The new station, located near the port, would be used to ship goods across the country. It was also hoped that the stature and modernity of the station would breathe new life into the neighborhood and lead to the construction of hotels to accommodate the many visitors.

Hidden behind a tree, I found this plaque interesting and sad. It reads, "This tablet commemorates those in the service of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company (CPR) who, at the call of King and Country, left all that was dear to them, endured hardship, faced danger and finally passed out of sight of men by the path of duty and self sacrifice, giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom. Let those who come after see to it that their names be not forgotten."

The railway was first built between eastern Canada and British Columbia between 1881 and 1885, fulfilling a commitment extended to British Columbia when it entered Confederation in 1871. The CPR was Canada's first transcontinental railway. Primarily a freight railway, the CPR was for decades the only practical means of long-distance passenger transport in most regions of Canada and was instrumental in the settlement and development of Western Canada. The CPR became one of the largest and most powerful companies in Canada, a position it held as late as 1975. This photo, circa 1958, shows just how big this station was. All the tracks, to the left, are now long gone. It was a very quiet station, albeit beautiful.

This kiosk is a mini museum. In 1998, Place de la Gare was fully redeveloped for the 390th anniversary of Québec City, to help revitalize tourism in the area. Archaeological digs carried out on the site uncovered remains of an old royal naval shipyard that dated back to the time of New France. Archaeologists also discovered a 17th century shipwreck and the foundations of the Saint-Paul Market, which had been built over during construction of the first station in 1875. Oh what treasures then discovered.

Our day's last discovery, before a deluge of rain pelted us, was Rue Sous-le-Cap, in the Old Port district. It is one of the most unique here . In the early 1800s, it was just a path along the cliff of Cap Diamant, which allowed pedestrians to travel from the Lower Town to the Côte du Palais at low tide. It was from 1816 that this trail was named rue Sous-le-Cap (Under the Cape).

For a long time, it was called the alley of the Dogs. Rue Sous-le-Cap is more like a lane and only 9 feet wide. It is bordered on one side by the rear of the houses on rue Saint-Paul and on the other by the Cap which falls almost perpendicularly.