The Petit Champlain district was completely overcrowded during the day on Sunday. Around 7,000 tourists arriving on five ships flooded the area, to the delight of traders, for whom the high season lasts until November thanks to maritime transport.
“This is a nice bonus after a good summer tourist season. “We’re really seeing a difference in store traffic,” says Andrée-Lise Langlois, a saleswoman at Le Forgeron d’Or jewelry store on Rue du Petit Champlain.
Others, like a souvenir shop employee met by Le Journal, even believe that there are five ships at the dock, “that’s a lot for the capacity of the district.” The passage of the Quebec Marathon near Place Royale added a little salt to the traffic.
Photo Vincent Desbiens
“There are so many people stepping on each other’s heels. It is a day rarely seen in October, with the sun and pleasant temperatures, which is why it also attracts people from Quebec to come for a walk. That’s good for the atmosphere and sales, but it’s also a lot of management. »
Many cruise passengers wanted to go to the Dufferin Terrace to admire the Château Frontenac. When Le Journal passed by you had to wait several minutes to ride the funicular.
Photo Vincent Desbiens
Tourists were impressed
During a stopover in Quebec, passengers of the Mein Schiff 6, a 295 meter long colossus, fell under the spell of Quebec. Two members of the tourist swarm arriving from New York were happy about their first visit to the capital.
Photo Vincent Desbiens
“We feel like we’re in Europe,” remarks Michelle Simons on her husband Jim’s arm. It’s an architectural style and atmosphere not normally found in America [du Nord]. »
Photo Vincent Desbiens
Her partner highlighted the good, pleasant atmosphere that existed in Old Quebec under the bright sun. In Quebec in October, the two retirees didn’t think they needed their summer clothes.
peak season
Even if the number of ships that will call at Quebec will not reach the 150 in 2019, the Port of Quebec still sees this as progress compared to the years 2020 to 2022.
Last year, 100 cruise ships stopped in the state capital. Between April last year and November next year, 124 boaters are expected to go ashore.
Quebec Port Authority communications director Frédéric Lagacé claims tourists coming by sea account for “around 10%” of Quebec’s tourist growth.
Cruise ships docking in Quebec:
2018: 156
2019: 150
2020: N/A
2021: N/A
2022: 100
2023: 124
My Ship 6:
- 295 meters long
- 15 High-altitude bridges
- ability to 2700 passengers
- In total 1000 Team members
- Built-in 2017
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