What To Do In Quebec City
The city of Quebec is considered one of North Americas most picturesque cities. A City of Canada, Quebec remains the centre of Canada’s French culture and has the largest French population outside France. If you’re wondering what to do in Quebec City, read on.
UNESCO World Heritage
A UNESCO World Heritage site since the year 1985, Quebec is North Americas only fortified city north of Mexico. From its fortified gates to stone -walled buildings and museums, like the Musée de l’Amérique française, a 100-year old seminary, to the Basilique-Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Québec where you can see world-class art collections and its crypt which houses the remains of four governors of New France.
Quebec City is a great place to visit at any time of the year especially in winter during January and February. These months herald the Carnaval de Quebec. The Carnaval transforms the city into a winter wonderland. With its Ice Castle, Ice Hotel, Ice Carvings, Ice fishing, Ice skating, dog sledding, snow swimming, downhill slides, street parades and winter festival atmosphere, it is a magic place to be and an event not to miss.
Quebec City’s cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and elaborate cathedrals will charm you and make you feel what it was like living in the city’s grandiose past. The city planners managed to update and preserve the 400-year-old buildings and attractions without destroying the city’s historical past.
Fairmont Château Frontenac, the most popular landmark of Quebec, is set on the highest point in Upper Town, where it holds court over the entire city. It is the cherry on top of the cake.
Extending from the original old city, Quebec spreads to the west from the St. Lawrence River. The true downtown core of Quebec City is located just west of the old city. Across the river from Quebec City is the town of Lévis. Frequent ferry services connect the two.
Bird’s eye view
To experience a bird’s eye view of Quebec City go to the top of Cape Diamond, commonly referred to as “Cape Diamant” by the locals. It evokes a stunning view of the city and its past of soaring adventure, military history and exploration.
At the convergence of the St. Lawrence and St. Charles rivers, the city’s famous military fortification, La Citadelle, was built in the early 19th century and it remains the largest of its kind in North America. In summer between June 24th and 24th September, visitors should try to catch the Changing of the Guard, at La Citadelle de Quebec, held every day at 10 am. You can get much closer to the guards here than at Buckingham Palace in London.
Quebec City charm
Captivating as it is, the Old City is only a small part of the true Québec experience! St-Roch, a downtown hot spot, has art galleries and a lively square. Grande-Allée and avenue Cartier are the livelier part of town dotted with nightclubs and restaurants!
Québec City continues to delight visitors. As well as the locations and features mentioned it also offers exceptional natural parks and beautiful heritage villages. If you are a foodie; you will surely enjoy the mouth-watering and innovative French style cuisine.
For more ideas on what to see in Canada go to Explore Canada.
