Beautiful countryside. Centuries-old fortification walls. Revitalized parks. Gleaming cultural centers. Internationally famous festivals and events. Chic open-kitchen restaurants. And plenty of renowned hotels. This is Quebéc City, Canada, perched high atop a cliff that swoops down to the St. Lawrence River. When French explorer Samuel de Champlain founded in the early 17th century, he could not have imagined what the enchanting Francophone capital of Quebec province would become. In 2008, Quebéc city celebrated its 400th anniversary, stepping rapidly into the 21st century with one foot rooted proudly in the past.
What makes Quebéc city like no other place in North America is that it is the only walled city on the continent north of Mexico, which in 1985 was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name ‘Historic District of Old Quebec.’ Made up of two parts: the Upper Town (Haute-Ville) – the religious and administrative center of the city, defended by fortified ramparts, star-shaped Citadel and other defensive works; and the Lower Town (Basse-Ville), which developed around the Place Royale (a square on the site of the garden of Champlain’s Habitation) and the harbor, the Historic District of Old Quebec is a true retreat of beauty, charm and harmony that
never fails to amaze travelers from different parts of the world. One can find more than 35 hotels within Quebéc City’s walls, while other lodgings include family-run bed & breakfasts, as well as old-fashioned inns, with no two rooms alike.
Who says you only have to visit? An extended stay, or even permanent residency are all wonderful choices when it comes to Quebec, especially when you see how easy it is to find cheap airline tickets from Cheapflights.ca. Many folks choose to pack up their things and move to Canada for the healthcare benefits. Others choose to retire here. Not to mention, Quebec and Canada, as a whole, offer a number of tax benefits, so be sure to talk with an expert as they usually have the latest in professional tax software. Naturally though, based on what has been said above, the natural beauty alone is enough to draw immense crowds to Quebec every year. Perhaps you could be part of the few that stay.
Chateau Frontenac
One of the most popular attractions in Quebéc City with the mighty St. Lawrence River as the backdrop, the awe-inspiring Chateau Frontenac is a unique, heritage urban resort that is sure to provide visitors with the best dream castle experience! Less than one km from Musee du Fort, Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, and Ursulines de Quebéc Museum, this 19th century, copper-domed castle is something to be seen to be believed. Those who plan to stay in this luxurious 5 star getaway will find around 620 renovated guestrooms, all elegantly styled with a touch of historic Europe and antique furnishings. Exquisite dining experiences also add to the charm of the hotel, not to mention the wealth of facilities to make your stay pleasant and inspiring. A visit to take tea in this fairytale-like castle is highly recommended.
Rue du Petit Champlain
Named after the city’s founder, the picture-perfect Rue du Petit Champlain is the oldest street in the city, with pleasant bistros and cozy cafes, art galleries and specialize handicraft boutiques, selling jewelry, decorative arts, clothing, wood and more, all spilled out of restored houses. During the French Regime, craftsmen worked in shops along the street, but in the 19thc century, working-class Irish families made their homes here. Today this pedestrian thoroughfare is tee hart of the Lower Town, a shopaholic’s paradise and a restaurant district close to the banks of the St. Lawrence River.
Basilica Notre Dame de Québec
Built in 1647 on the site of the first chapel constructed by Champlain in 1633, Notre-Dame de Quebéc Church is one of the oldest cathedrals in North America and a must-see attraction in the city that is of great architectural value. The interior of the church is appropriately grandiose, with neo-baroque elements, and incredible works of art and many treasured artifacts. The stunning stained-glass windows with scenes of the lives of various saints and the Virgin Mary, as well as the gold-plated altar and episcopal canopy are majestic sights to behold. The crypt is another highlight of the church that serves as the final resting place for most of Quebéc’s bishops, cardinals, as well as many priests and lay people. Admission is free for those visiting for prayers or mass, while guided visits of the Basilica and the crypt must be reserved beforehand and last one hour (the fee is $3 for adults and $2 for children and students).
Aquarium du Quebéc
Ideal for family vacationers, the newly revamped Aquarium du Quebéc is a 16-hectare facility in Quebéc, promising a fun and educational adventure for children and adults alike. Within a stone’s throw from downtown and the major shopping centers (Place de la Cité, Laurier Quebéc and Place Sainte-Foy), Aquarium du Quebéc is a groups of aquariums and tanks, showcasing the biodiversity of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Nearly ten thousand fresh- and salt-water fish specimens, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and marine mammals are on display, as well as two polar bears (Eddy and Tijuak), huge Atlantic and Pacific walruses and the very interactive seals. Visitors will also find a restaurant, children’s playground, picnic area and free outdoor parking facilities.
When to Visit
Quebéc is a year-round travel destination, thus any time of year is good for a visit. Summer draws loads of tourists, as it’s when the Summer Festival, held in July, turns much of the Upper Town into a festive outdoor stage and the crowds create exclusive street life and a buzz in every corner of the city. Those interested in winter wonderland should visit the city in February, when the Carnaval d’Hiver (Winter Carnival) is in session and there is no shortage of winter sports, arts and entertainment. Fall and spring are also good for visiting Quebéc, as they bring beautiful colors, plenty of sales and, of course, thinner crowds.