Historic Inns of Quebec

Eric L. Swanick is the New Brunswick Legislative librarian and the
author of Hardiness, Perseverance and Faith: New Brunswick Library
History.

One of Marvin Fremes’s initial statements catches the essence of this book — namely, that “My intention is simply to offer interesting historical alternatives to the traveller.”

The book is divided into six parts: Ottawa Valley, Quebec City Region, Montreal Area and the Laurentians, Eastern Townships and Beauce, Lower St. Lawrence and Gaspé, and Charlevoix. Over 100 historic inns are listed, all of which (except two) are over 75 years old.

Each inn has its own description, along with a photo (infrequently a sketch). Each entry also cites the name of the innkeeper, the telephone number, credit cards accepted, and details on the facilities. The entry also provides details on whether the inn is open throughout the year, as well as the specific hours the inn is open. These entries, often a page in length, provide a description and history, and infrequently an anecdote or two as well. Besides an introductory map to each section, the entry includes “directions”. Finally, the author includes a rough cost classification for both accommodations and meals. The book includes six pages of useful French phrases. It would have been useful had the author provided some sort of pronunciation guide.

This is an attractive book. I would recommend it for those people travelling in the province of Quebec who would like to get away from the brand name hotels and motels. And one hopes that that number is increasing.