Quebec City - arthritis / mobility problems

[binkysmom]

My parents will be on a Canada/New England cruise in June and have stop in Quebec City. I know the city is very hilly and mom has arthritis in her knees. She is ok with flat walking and going downhill but has a problem with inclines and stairs. Is it possible to take a taxi from the pier to the peak of Old Town and walk their way down?

 

I know she really wants to be able to experience the charm of Old Quebec and she does like to walk - just not suffer for it later that night!

 

Any suggestions?

[Twickenham]

Old Quebec is basically divided into Upper Town and Lower Town. Other than walking, you have 3 choices for getting up the hill:

-Taxi - they should be available at the terminal building

-Ecolobus - this is a small free electric bus that runs between Lower Town and Upper Town; you get it at the city bus stop in front of the dock area

-Funicular - this is an elevator-like car that goes up and down the cliff. You do have a bit of a walk from the dock to reach it, but it's relatively flat.

[Host Caroline]

You should consider the horse drawn carriage tour in the "upper town" if mom has some difficulty walking... it is a great way to get an overall view.. the area isn't that big but it's relaxing and much easier than navigating some of the uneven streets.. You can walk up Dufferin Terrace to the Citadel w/out difficulty though.. very "smooth" walk.

[maryann ns]

Take the caleche "horse and buggy" in the upper town. From just outside the Chateau Frontenac Hotel (the spectacular one with the copper turrets), take the stairs or funicular down the hill, and then later take the funicular back up.