Quebec
Gatineau - Gatineau Hills
Mackenzie King Estate - A precious Canadian legacy
This country estate belonged to Canada's 10th and longest-serving prime minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King (1903-1950.
This country estate belonged to Canada's 10th and longest-serving prime minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King (1903-1950.
Pontiac Region along the Ottawa River
Montreal
Elegant Ironwork on Montreal Landmarks
Ironwork by the Wm. Clendinneng foundry, Montreal, 19th and early 20th centuries
Quebec City
Fontaine de Tourny - One of the city's must see landmarks
Fontaine de Tourny: A Historic Treasure in Quebec City The Fontaine de Tourny is a striking addition to Quebec City’s Parliament Hill, harmonizing beautifully with its prestigious surroundings. Designed by Mathurin Moreau in Dijon in 1853, the cast-iron fountain was produced at the Val d’Osne art foundry. It was one of six copies, with one displayed at the Paris World’s Fair in 1855, where it won a medal of excellence. The city of Bordeaux acquired two copies, installing them at either end of Avenue Allées de Tourny in the city's center. In 1960, the fountains were dismantled to make way for an underground parking lot and sold by weight. One was relocated to Soulac-sur-Mer, while the other was left in pieces at an antiques dealer in Saint-Ouen, near Paris. In the early 2000s, Quebec City businessman Peter Simons discovered the disassembled fountain, had it fully restored, and shipped it to Quebec City. To commemorate Quebec City’s 400th anniversary in 2008, he gifted it to the city, which gratefully accepted. The fountain was installed in front of the National Assembly on Avenue Honoré-Mercier, symbolizing the city's resilience and enduring spirit. The fountain's base features an inscription that reflects Quebec’s determination: "Here, Quebec stands tall, loyal and proud, forever courageous, determined to never die"—just like the fountain itself. |
The fountain depicts four children on the upper level celebrating fishing and seafaring, the characters beside the main pool (seen in this photograph) representing the river gods of Ancient Greece and the water nymphs known as Naiads, and the fountain fish, frogs, shellfish, and aquatic plants.
Click on image to enlarge
Chateau Frontenac. & Dufferin Terrace Promenade, 19th century
The Three Terraces of Quebec City
The First Durham Terrace (1838)In 1838, four years after a fire destroyed Château Saint-Louis, Lord Durham, then Governor of the colony, proposed constructing a public terrace. This first Durham Terrace was 50 meters long and 15 meters wide, built on stone pillars.
The Second Durham Terrace (1854)The first terrace was extended several dozen meters toward the Citadelle in 1854, creating what became known as the second Durham Terrace.
The Dufferin Terrace (1879)In the 1870s, Governor General Lord Dufferin, a strong advocate for preserving Quebec’s fortifications, proposed a major expansion of the terrace. His vision extended the Durham Terrace by 300 meters toward the Citadel. The project, completed in 1879, included the construction of six kiosks--Plessis, Dufferin, Victoria, Lorne, Frontenac, and Princesse Louise.
The same year, the first funicular linking Upper and Lower Towns was completed, with its upper station located in the basement of the former Château Saint-Louis. The Dufferin Terrace, with its panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River, remains one of Quebec City's most iconic landmarks.
The First Durham Terrace (1838)In 1838, four years after a fire destroyed Château Saint-Louis, Lord Durham, then Governor of the colony, proposed constructing a public terrace. This first Durham Terrace was 50 meters long and 15 meters wide, built on stone pillars.
The Second Durham Terrace (1854)The first terrace was extended several dozen meters toward the Citadelle in 1854, creating what became known as the second Durham Terrace.
The Dufferin Terrace (1879)In the 1870s, Governor General Lord Dufferin, a strong advocate for preserving Quebec’s fortifications, proposed a major expansion of the terrace. His vision extended the Durham Terrace by 300 meters toward the Citadel. The project, completed in 1879, included the construction of six kiosks--Plessis, Dufferin, Victoria, Lorne, Frontenac, and Princesse Louise.
The same year, the first funicular linking Upper and Lower Towns was completed, with its upper station located in the basement of the former Château Saint-Louis. The Dufferin Terrace, with its panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River, remains one of Quebec City's most iconic landmarks.
Dufferin Terrace: Quebec City’s Royal Promenade
Dufferin Terrace is one of Canada’s most iconic boardwalks, offering unparalleled views of the Saint Lawrence River and Old Quebec.
Historical Development
Architectural Features
Use of Iron in Architecture
The 19th century saw a rise in cast and wrought iron construction, influenced by the Crystal Palace (1851) and American architectural experiments. Architects began incorporating iron columns for structural support and ornamental details. This can be seen in the graceful iron fences enclosing landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral in Quebec City.
Today, Dufferin Terrace remains a majestic public promenade, offering a blend of history, architecture, and breathtaking scenery.
Dufferin Terrace is one of Canada’s most iconic boardwalks, offering unparalleled views of the Saint Lawrence River and Old Quebec.
Historical Development
- 1838: The first Durham Terrace was built on the ruins of Château Saint-Louis, which burned down in 1834.
- 1854: Due to its popularity, the terrace was extended by 35 meters and modernized with lampposts and a cast-iron railing.
- 1878-1879: Governor-General Lord Dufferin, along with architects Charles Baillairgé and William Henry Lynn, expanded the boardwalk from 85 meters to 430 meters. They added six kiosks and extended the existing iron railing.
Architectural Features
- Floor Lamps: Inspired by Parisian street furniture from the Napoleon III period.
- Cast and Wrought Iron Railings: Designed by Charles Baillairgé, featuring national emblems beneath the arches.
- Six Kiosks: Named after key historical figures:
- Frontenac, Dufferin, and Lorne (former Governor Generals)
- Plessis (first bishop of Quebec)
- Victoria (Queen)
- Princess Louise (daughter of Queen Victoria, married to Lord Lorne)
Use of Iron in Architecture
The 19th century saw a rise in cast and wrought iron construction, influenced by the Crystal Palace (1851) and American architectural experiments. Architects began incorporating iron columns for structural support and ornamental details. This can be seen in the graceful iron fences enclosing landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral in Quebec City.
Today, Dufferin Terrace remains a majestic public promenade, offering a blend of history, architecture, and breathtaking scenery.
Sections of the Dufferin Terrace Iron fence are attributed to the Wm. Clendinneng Foundry, Montreal, 19th century
Dufferin Terrace: A Historic Promenade
Named after Lord Dufferin, a former Governor General of Canada, Dufferin Terrace was built on the site of the Château Saint-Louis, which was destroyed by fire in 1834.
Notable Features
Named after Lord Dufferin, a former Governor General of Canada, Dufferin Terrace was built on the site of the Château Saint-Louis, which was destroyed by fire in 1834.
Notable Features
- Crimean War Cannons: Two Russian cannons, captured by British troops, are displayed on the boardwalk.
- Electrification (1885): Dufferin Terrace was electrified in 1885, making it one of the first places in North America to have electric street lighting.
- Winter Ice Slides: Shortly after electrification, ice slides were introduced, making the terrace a popular winter attraction.
- Parisian-Inspired Fixtures: The kiosks, benches, and lampposts were designed to resemble those found on Parisian boulevards, helping to create a lively and elegant urban atmosphere.
These photographs show Dufferin Terrace with its ornamental iron railings and row of picturesque kiosks along the footage
Dufferin Terrace: A Centerpiece of Old Quebec City
Dufferin Terrace quickly became a hub of city life in Old Quebec City, offering breathtaking views and a rich historical backdrop.
Construction Timeline
Dufferin Terrace quickly became a hub of city life in Old Quebec City, offering breathtaking views and a rich historical backdrop.
Construction Timeline
- 1838: The first 60 feet of the terrace were built under Lord Durham, beside the Saint-Louis Fort, originally established by Samuel de Champlain in 1620.
- 1854: An additional 170 feet was added, with Henry Hatch as the general contractor.
- 1879: The final 1,400 feet were completed, extending the terrace up to the Citadel Wall.
- The terrace was named after Lord Dufferin, Canada’s 3rd Governor General (1872–1878), who passionately advocated for preserving Quebec’s fortifications—many of which still stand today.
- The kiosks along the terrace were designed by Charles Baillairgé around 1900.
Other important iron elements in Quebec City
The stone and iron fence which enclosed Venner's plot at the Saint-Charles cemetery was put up in 1857-8 and is an exact match with the Charles Baillairge's fence in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral of the same date.
Stained Glass in the English Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Quebec City (c.1800-1804), Palladian architecture.
See more stained glass at Stained Glass Canada section
Morrin College/Former Quebec Prison
Isle d'Orlean
Charlevoix Region along the North Shore
Baie Saint-Paul
La Malbaie, Charlevoix Region
La Malbaie: The "Newport of the North"The La Malbaie region in Charlevoix was once a prestigious vacation retreat for wealthy American families and international celebrities.
Notable Visitors
Notable Visitors
- Mary Pickford (Hollywood actress)
- Charlie Chaplin (silent film star)
- The King of Siam
- William Howard Taft (U.S. President), who first visited in 1892 and praised its exceptional air quality, making it his lifelong summer destination.
- The region, particularly the French-Canadian villages known as Murray Bay, became a luxurious summer resort.
- Dubbed the "Newport of the North," it thrived from the 1870s to the 1950s.
Murray Bay Protestant Church & Its Tiffany Stained GlassThe Murray Bay Protestant Church in La Malbaie is home to a rare and historic Tiffany stained-glass window.
Notable Features
Notable Features
- Dedicated to: Dr. Samuel Beach Jones (1842-1910), a New York City physician and summer resident of Murray Bay.
- Created by: Louis C. Tiffany, the renowned American stained-glass artist.
- Installed in: 1915, thanks to Rose Tiffany, owner of La Rose on Boulevard des Falaises (near the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu Hotel).
- Historical Significance:
- One of only three sites in Canada with authentic Tiffany stained glass.
- A unique example of Tiffany’s artistry in a Canadian church setting.
- One of only three sites in Canada with authentic Tiffany stained glass.
Near Remy, Charlevoix
Near the Mouth of the St. Lawrence River
The Ursuline Monastery at Trois-Rivières
The Ursuline Monastery in Trois-Rivières has been a center of religious and educational life since the Ursuline nuns arrived in 1697. Historical Timeline
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