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Old Québec from the St. Lawrence River

Québec City is the heart of French Canada, the centre of French-Canadian awareness. Nowhere else in North America is the appearance and atmosphere of an old-world city so complete. To many, Québec City looks and feels very European, but in reality Québec City looks and feels very Québec City - this place is totally unique. Perhaps that is why the entire old section of the town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

CLIMATE

The climate of Québec City is very important for the visitor, as this defines many of the city's attractions. Summer is usually warm and sunny; the sun helps to emphasize the cities scenic splendour and to enjoy soaking up the city's atmosphere from outdoors. Spring and fall are a little cooler but are an excellent time to visit because the crowds in the narrow streets are less. The fall colours in the beautiful countryside that surrounds the city are magnificent. Spring brings the thaw, and the St Lawrence River, which is a focal point for the city, comes back to life. Winter usually has snow in abundance, but this does not prevent the city from continuing the seasonal cycle of activities, which in winter are particularly entertaining.

TRANSPORTATION

Getting to Québec City is easy. Several major highways that link it to the rest of Canada and North America pass through or close to the city. Long-distance and inter-provincial buses connect Québec City from all major cities in Canada and the U.S.A. For those who want to reach Québec City by train, Via Rail Canada serves the city from Montréal and Eastern Canada. There is an airport located to the west of the city, and this has regular service from Montréal and other Canadian cities enabling airline connections from anywhere in the world.(For more transportation information click here)

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

	The Hotel Chau Frontenac, Québec City

The St Lawrence River has always played an important role in Québec City. Since its founding the city has been a major port. To really appreciate the beauty of Québec City it should be seen from the river. You will get an excellent view of the ramparts and the Citadelle, and the building that dominates the Québec City skyline- the Hotel Chau Frontenac. This castle-like hotel with its towers and copper roofs is famous the world over. It was the venue for two famous wartime conferences with Roosevelt and Churchill hosted by Canada's then Prime Minister Mackenzie King. Below the walled city is Place-Royale, site of the original settlement of the area. To get access to these wonderful sites from the river you can take an organized river tour, or alternatively there is a public ferry crossing to Lévis on the opposite side of the river from Place-Royal. This is a ten-minute crossing that is available year round.

South-west of the Old City is the huge Parc des Champs de Bataille (Battlefields Park). Founded in 1908, this is one of the finest urban parks in North America. Within the park are The Plains of Abraham, site of the famous battle when General Wolfe defeated General Montcalm (both were killed), thereby ceding Québec to the British. The park offers a wonderful combination of history, culture and leisure. There are commemorative and interpretive plaques detailing the incredible history of the park, and an abundance of woodlands and gardens. You can attend a band concert or a play. There are incredible views of the St. Lawrence River from the park.

A Restaurant in Québec's Old City

Québec City is the only walled city in North America north of Mexico. In 1957 the walls were designated as the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site. There are almost 4.6km of ramparts that encircle the old city. A good portion of the city's attractions - too numerous to list - lies within these walls. The Old City consists of many beautiful old buildings that are a major part of the charm of Old Québec. There are many churches, museum, shops, galleries and restaurants, all possessing the special atmosphere that is Québec City. A path leads visitors along the walls and there are many interpretive panels detailing their history, as well as a visitor's centre at the old powder building by Porte Saint Louis. There are escorted walking tours around the walls available. These leave from the Frontenac Kiosk on Terrasse Dufferin.

The French commenced construction of Québec City's Citadelle. The British completed it, and it formed the eastern part of the city's fortifications. Because of the Citadelle some have called Québec City the "Gibraltar of America." The Citadelle is still home to a regiment of Canada's military. You can watch the Changing of the Guard and the Beating of the retreat in summertime, and there is a regimental museum that is included in the price of admission to the Citadelle. This is still considered to be a working military site, so visitors are always accompanied.

Something different, and well worth a visit, is the shop of J.A. Moisan Épicier. This is located in the old upper town at 699 Rue Saint Jean. It is claimed that this is the oldest grocery store in North America - founded in 1871 and it certainly has the atmosphere befitting a place that originated so long ago. It is fascinating to stroll amongst the excellent selection of groceries, especially the various products made out of maple syrup. Purchase the ingredients for a picnic lunch, and then take it to the Promenade des Gouverneurs or Terrasse Dufferin to enjoy good food and a splendid view.

There are two festivals in Québec City that should be experienced. The Québec Summer Festival is considered to be a very well kept secret. It is held the second week of July and consists of free shows and concerts throughout the town. It features French and international music and song, dance and drama. There are also different cultural events going on in most of the squares and parks of the old city.

	Bonhomme - The mascot of the Québec Winter Festival

Much better known is the world renowned Québec Winter Carnival held for about two weeks from the end of January. If you want to visit at this time, make your plans early, as accommodations get booked months in advance, and remember to bring plenty of warm clothes. There are parades and ice sculpting, and a lot of music and dancing. There is canoe racing on the frigid St. Lawrence and the famous snow slide from Terrasse Dufferin. All over you will see "Bonhomme", a roly-poly snowman figure who wears a red hat and is the mascot of the Carnival. The Carnival is great for families, but you should be aware that at some of the evening festivities alcohol consumption can be high, so you should inquire locally for the best events for children. Most of the liquor consumed is in the form of a local concoction of red wine and spirit called Caribou - supposedly it keeps the cold out.

A great way to finish your tour of Québec City is a trip to the observatory on the 31st floor of the Édifice Marie-Guyart (Observatoire de la capitale.) This is a new way of seeing the city. Guided tours are available which present an innovative perspective of the city and its history.