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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