Fall trip to Mono Cliff Provincial Park, Orangeville, Ontario

 This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, after considering several other options we finally decided to do just a day trip somewhere nearby. We already have visited many nice spots around the area. One of the provincial parks that we have never been to was the Mono Cliff Provincial park in Orangeville, just about one and half hour drive from Toronto and surrounding areas. So, we decided to spend some time there. Another five of our family friends also showed interest. So, on October 10th around 11 AM we started for our destination. 

  

There was a big surprise waiting for us as we approached the park entrance. 

The park do have a large parking lot, we found out later. However, there were probably around thousand families visiting the park on that day. The line of parked cars had to be several kilometers long. I guess after being stuck or limited by COVID-19 most people felt the same way we did and wanted to get out and have some time with nature. Good thing was, noticed most people wearing masks. 

                                       A view of the parking lot

The park has many trails but most are longer than 6 kilometers. Our party had women and kids who hated hiking too long. So, we picked one of the shorter trails and walked about couple of kilometers.

     

Tadoussac - watching the whales

Last year we visited Tadoussac with the intent to watch whales from the shore, one of the handful of places in the world that allows such an opportunity.  

Many years ago me and my wife had taken a boat tour to watch whales from Plymouth, MA. That was a great experience. We were fortunate to see several Humpback whales, including a mother and child. In Canada, Tadoussac is one of the places from where one can either take a boat tour or just go to some of the spots on shore like Pointe de l'Islet near the Tadoussac wharf. 

The red circle denotes Tadoussac. It is a pretty small but very beautiful place. 

de Pointe-Noir Interpretation center:

It is possible to see Beluga whales from this point but unfortunately we didn't see any. But just the view was unbelievable.  

There is a ferry ride to go to Tadoussac. 

We crossed another ferry going the other way on our way to Tadoussac. 

On our way to Pointe de l'Islet from where whales can be seen from the shore. 

We waited for a little while before things started to happen. We saw several types of whales. Most of them pops up the water for a few seconds to breath and dips underwater again but one can still get a pretty good look at them. We saw several Minke whales and belugas.  

Quebec City - Always fascinating

 Last year, for the third time, we visited Quebec city. We were going to Tadoussac, Quebec, famous for watching whales and dolphins from shore or on a boat. Quebec city, specially old Quebec city, had always been one of the favorite place for us to visit. We stayed in Quebec City and planned to drive to Tadoussac from there. 

Near Old Quebec City. We parked in a small parking lot and walked around. 

Hotel Fairmont Le Chateau in old Quebec city. The huge boardwalk is impressive and the views from there is just out of the world.  

A street performer was showing his acts at the entrance of the boardwalk.

It's possible to walk up a hill from the boardwalk and that provides some more fantastic panoramic views. 

Inside the old city. It is always colorful and lively. 

There was a show going on during our visit. 

Parliament building