Pine Grove’s Grade 8 Quebec City Graduation Trip- A Cultural Experience by our own gr. 8 students A.B., A.D. & Mrs. Avsec
This year, Pine Grove’s graduating class experienced a four day trip to the beautiful city of Quebec, full of fun, adventure, and memories that will last a lifetime. It is safe to say that the trip was a huge success, as the students learned and experienced the one-of-a-kind French-Canadian culture.
After an eleven-hour bus ride, students arrived at their overnight accommodations in the Hotel Palace Royal, giving them just enough time to settle into their rooms with their roommates. Just after that, they were whisked away to a long-awaited dinner along the St. Lawrence River. Afterwards, students were able to experience a guided tour of Old Quebec City, and attended a multimedia presentation about the city’s great history at the Museé du Fort. The fun never ended after that!
The next day, students attended a historic tour of lower Quebec city, and learned more about the city’s vast history. After students were given free time to explore the lower town on their own, they headed to the Canada’s head military base, La Citadelle, and learned more about the many wars and battles that changed the course of our entire country. Students also explored a different perspective of history by attending a tour of a Huron First Nations village. To end off the day, they went bowling and enjoyed time with their friends.
The day afterwards was spent exploring the Beaupré Coast. Students visited a woodcarver’s studio and were told about the legends and stories of Quebec. The artistic theme was continued when they made their way to a copper shop and museum, and even got to try making their own copper art themselves! The students then had a guided tour of the beautiful St. Anne Basilica church, where they witnessed the classic architecture of the New France era. The last stop before dinner was at the gorgeous Montmorency Falls, where plenty of pictures were taken right above the 84 metre roaring waterfall. The last night in Quebec ended with a long anticipated grade eight dance back in the hotel.
Before the students left Quebec City the following morning, they had an early breakfast at the luxurious Chateau Frontenac. Then, the class boarded the bus once more, heading back to Ontario with lasting memories, and further knowledge on our great country.
