Cradle of French Culture in North America, part of the World Heritage of UNESCO and capital of the French speaking province, Quebec is without doubt one of the most interesting tourist destinations in North America.
Nowhere else in Canada will you find so many well-preserved historic buildings and such a distinct European influence. And although you will find the usual shopping centers scattered around the city, you will see very few high rise apartment buildings or office towers in the center of Quebec City.
The city's name means "where the river narrows" and describes the location of Quebec City almost perfectly as it is located at a narrowing of the Saint Lawrence river where it meets the Saint Charles river.
Quebec City is located 250 km/155 miles northeast of Montreal and has a population of more than 600,000 in its metropolitan area. 95% of the population are French speaking and although English is widely understood, a few words of French will be very helpful to get along.
The city was founded in 1608 by the French and still has several buildings that date from this time. To preserve the unique character of the historic old town, UNESCO declared Vieux Québec a World Heritage Site in 1985.
Furthermore, numerous buildings in the city are recognized as national historic sites. Most of them can be found in Vieux Québec, which lies inside the very impressive fortifications which are almost 4.6km/2.9 miles in length.
Despite being full of historic and cultural sights, Quebec City is not a dead museum town. In summer in particular, the old part and surrounding areas become very lively.
Many restaurants and cafes put chairs and tables on the streets and locals and tourists alike sit here until late in the evening (weather permitting of course).
It is impossible to name all of the interesting buildings, but I want to give you some recommendations as to what you should not miss.
As Quebec City is the perfect walking destination, you will not have problems getting to most of the sights, even if you are visiting for just a couple of days.
To start exploring the city, a guided walking tour that takes you along the old city walls is highly recommended. They leave from the Frontenac kiosk on Dufferin Terrace.
The Citadelle is probably one of the most impressive buildings, if only because of its size. The complex was completed in the 1850s and is overlooking the Saint Lawrence River as well as most parts of the city.
During the Second World War, it was the seat of two Quebec Conferences, attended by Roosevelt and Churchill, in 1943 and 1944. This is now commemorated in a monument to the two giants on the spot where plans were dressed to prepare for the Normandy Debarkment and also the Japanese attack to end the war.
Not far away lies Quebec City's best known building, the Château Frontenac - surely the most photographed hotel in the world! Construction work at this castle-style hotel began in 1893 and was completed in 1924. To enjoy a drink and inhale the air of history, the Chateau Frotenac hotel is a must.
Even if you are not interested in churches, a visit of the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral should be at the top of your list. It is the oldest (1650) parish in North America and richly decorated.
On days with bad weather, you can visit one of the many excellent museums such as the Musée du Fort, the Museum of Civilization or the Musée du Québec, which is located in an old prison and contains the best collection of local art from the 17th century up to today.
But if the weather is good it is most fun to simply stroll through the narrow cobble-stoned streets of the Quartier Petit-Champlain and peek into one of the many little shops. The whole area is called the lower town. Here you will find the oldest (1615) street in Canada, Rue de Notre Dame, as well as the Place-Royal, a large square where the French began construction on the first buildings in 1608.
Quebec City is a major shipping port and you can't experience the harbor atmosphere anywhere else but the Vieux Port. Walk along the promenade and watch the luxury cruise ships that come by every year, some even larger than the Titanic! Watch them as they are leaving the port on their way up the river in summer (whale watching cruises are very popular) or see and hear the ice cracking in winter.
Right next to the old part lies the Parc des Champs-de-Bataille (Battlefields Park). It is one the largest parks in North America and of significant historical importance. It was here on the Plains of Abraham that the English defeated the French in 1759. The park is full of biking and cross-country trails and offers breathtaking views of the river.
Read more about the many excellent skiing facilities that can be found just a few kilometers away from the city center as well as the many lovely natural parks that are perfect for all kind of outdoor activities.
Quebec City has a surprisingly large and lively gay scene when you consider its rather small size.
Going out for dinner is very popular and you will find many excellent and friendly restaurants. Most restaurants serve inexpensive lunch specials as well as dinner. Of course, noon dinner Special du Jour (Business Special ) is less expensive than evening dinner.
You can even go and eat at the Assemblée Nationale (Québec's Parliament Building), with the members of Parliament and cabinet ministers! Only on weekdays. Excellent full course meals in a splendid setting! Phone 418 643-6640 for information.
There's also nothing more romantic than eating out at night in one of the beautiful sidewalk cafés on the Grande-Allée or in Old Québec! Watch the horsedrawn calèches go by and be serenated by musicians!
With regards to the cold winter climate it comes as little surprise that the city has several well-equipped installations for skiing, toboggan slides and even a giant Sports Village with one of the highest water slides in summer which becomes an ice slide in winter as well as many more activities!
The International Winter Carnival is the largest in the world, with an ice palace, ice monuments, parades, parties, etc. (beginning of February).
Another high point of the city's festivities is the International Summer Festival which lasts for 3 weeks in February and features hundreds of international entertainers from around the world: singers, bands, street entertainers, magicians, jugglers, etc. Free shows almost on a continual basis throughout the 3 weeks in large city parks and public places.
Early August brings the Fete de la Nouvelle-France (Festivities of New France) where the city and the population dress in the style of the 1700s for a few days. The Place Royale and other Old Québec sites become market places and demonstration areas and there are also many parades taking place.
Fall becomes a flamboyant time to visit Québec! The Montmorency Falls are only 15 minutes from Old Québec. They are 90 feet higher than Niagara Falls!
The local tourist board is extremely helpful and the population is warm to tourists.
Over 500 touring buses enter Québec each day during the high season! Québec gets about 10 times its population in tourists each year. Many are from France and the USA, but a large number of Asian visitors also walk the city sites.
There are two youth hostels and both are in Old Quebec part of the city.
1) Centre International de Séjour, 19, Ste-Ursule, Québec G1R 4E1 418-694-0755 http://cisq@mail.org
2) Auberge de la Paix, 31 Couillard Street, (418) 694 0735
These two hostels total about 500 beds! But during the high season particularly, the NO VACANCY sign is up! It is therefore highly recommended to RESERVE AHEAD.
Near the city, on Ile d'Orleans, there is a new smaller hostel located in a farm area. A 20 minute ride from Old Quebec. Auberge Le Ptit Bonheur, 186 chemin Lafleur, St-Jean, Ile d'Orléans (418) 829 2588
Universite Laval also offer some summer accommodation at a moderate price.
Quebec City as a very gay friendly destination. Despite the fact that the local population is 94% catholic, you will find most people open minded and tolerant.
Quebec City is one of the safest cities in North America with the lowest crime rate.
Accommodation is less expensive than in most other Canadian cities, though many of the guesthouses offer just basic amenities such as shared baths because they are located in historic buildings, which makes it very expensive to upgrade the facilities.
Whether you plan a side trip from Montreal or make it your sole destination in Canada, Quebec City and its beautiful surrounding area is definitely worth a visit.
Quebec City has a very humid climate with plenty of precipitation year round. June, July, August, September and October are the only months that are free of any snow. The city gets an annual snowfall of almost 14 feet (3.5 meters) and sometimes snow falls until early May. Temperatures drop well below freezing from late November to early April. The average temperature in January varies from -8° C/18° F during the day to -17° C/1° F at night, but it can drop much lower, and a strong wind chill can make the cold unbearable. Warm winter clothing is essential if you plan to visit the city during this time of the year.
Surprisingly though, one of the biggest and most popular events, the Quebec Winter Carnival, takes place at the height of the cold in early February. It is surely quite charming and romantic to see the old buildings covered in snow, but really the best time to visit and enjoy Quebec City is during the summer months. Though the nights can be cool throughout the summer, the days are usually warm and rather sunny. From June to August daily maximum temperatures range from 20° C/68° F to 25° C/77° F. This is the time for all kinds of outdoor activities and many different festivals.
The so-called Indian Summer arrives early in Quebec City. It usually lasts 2-3 weeks from mid/late September to early/mid October. It is as colorful as the fall in the neighboring Provinces and States and a very popular time to visit the province.
Tourists like to combine their stay in Montreal with a trip to the more beautiful northern counterpart.
BIENVENUE TO THE JOIE DE VIVRE IN QUÉBEC! =======================================
Visit these sites!
They will give you an idea of what Quebec can offer you to enjoy!
Come and have fun and enjoy superb holidays!
RESEARCH SITE for Canada:
http://www.CS.cmu.edu/Unofficial/Canadiana/LISEZ.html
USEFUL SITES:
La Toile du Québec
http://www.toile.qc.ca
http://quebec.carrefour.net/
http://www.canoe.com
Ville de Québec - QUEBEC CITY
http://www.ville.quebec.qc.ca
http://www.quebecregion.com
http://www.iciquebec.com
http://www.destinationquebec.com
MONTREAL
Montreal Tourist Office:
http://www.cum.qc.ca/octgm/francais/welcome.html
http://www.icimontreal.com
Ministère du Tourisme et culture - Québec
http://www.gouv.qc.ca/francais/tourcult/fc_intro.html
http://www.tourisme.gouv.qc.ca/index/html
http://www.quebecweb.com/tourisme/introfranc.html
GAY SEARCH SITES:
http://www.latoilegaie.qc.ca/menu.html
http://www.gaycanada.com
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