Québec City
A perfect day in Québec City
If you ’ re a first-time visitor to Québec , it may be worth writing on your hand : ‘ I am in Canada ’. The cobbled streets , 17 th century houses , the walled clifftop location above the Saint Lawrence River and conversations taking place in French all around you – you may start to wonder which continent you are on . With typically Gallic flair , the predominantly Francophone locals have created a year-round carnival atmosphere with street performers , festivals and exhibitions .
Start your day by taking a wander around Old Québec . Here you ’ ll find quaint old stone buildings and narrow , winding streets clustered around the city ’ s harbour . This historic neighbourhood ( and a UNESCO World Heritage site ) houses some of the city ’ s most notable attractions including the Notre-Dame Basilica .
Now it ’ s time to eat ! Québec City ’ s cuisine has strong French ties , which can be found in its hearty stews , meat pies , speciality chocolate shops , bakeries , crêperies and cafés that fill the streets . A popular dish to try is poutine : French fries smothered in fresh cheese curds and topped with a hot gravy ( a lot more delicious than it sounds ). For a distinctly Canadian meal , head to La Traite where the menu features ingredients that have been locally caught or picked .
Work off your lunch by climbing the Breakneck Stairs . Over 30 sets of stairs that link the Lower Town with the Upper Town that were built in 1635 .
Our favourite places to stay :
• Hotel Château Bellevue
• Hotel Manoir Victoria
• Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Our favourite things to see and do
Dufferin Terrace – Overlooking Old Québec from its perch just below the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac , this is the perfect place for spectacular views of the St . Lawrence River . If you ’ re game in the winter months have a go on the ice slide .
Quartier Petit-Champlain – The oldest shopping district in North America with narrow cobblestone streets , boutique shops , bistros and cafés spilling out of restored buildings .
Place Royal – A small square with a big history . It was here that the city was founded in 1608 . Today Place Royale takes visitors back in time with the help of the oldest stone church in North America and a massive mural that traces 400 years of Québec history .
Montmorency Falls Park – About a 15 minute drive from Old Québec , along the St . Lawrence River , you ’ ll find Montmorency Falls an 82 metre tall waterfall . This is a great place to head to escape the city as there are many hiking and biking trails in the park . You can head to the top of the falls by a staircase , or for the more leisurely option , take the cable car to the top .
Battlefields Park – If you have an interest in colonial history you need to spend time exploring Battlefields Park . This park witnessed the sealing of Canada ’ s fate in the Battle of Québec in 1775 . Battlefields Park also offers stunning views over Québec City .
Ice Hotel – About 40 minutes drive from Québec City , from January- March , you ’ ll find the Ice Hotel . Just about everything here is made from ice and you can either stay a night or two or take a 30 minute tour .
Museums – From historic convents dating to the mid-1600s to art , military and culture , Québec City has a museum for any interest .
Fortifications of Québec – Québec is a walled city – North America ’ s only remaining one . The fortifications are around 4.5 kilometres in length and are part of a defence system , built between 1608 and 1871 . Take a tour along the walls to learn their history and enjoy views of the historic city and St . Lawrence River . Follow the walls right to the Citadel , a star-shaped fortress where you can see the Changing of the Guard ceremony and watch muskets being fired .
Parliament Hill – Standing prominently on top of the hill , the building is home to Québec ’ s parliament and a beautiful piece of architecture , inspired by the Louvre in Paris . It ’ s especially pretty at night when it is lit up .
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