Quebec City Travel Guide

A crouton of France in North America.

Quebec City burns bright as the flame of New France. Less modern and cosmopolitan than the province's largest city, Montreal, Quebec City's blend of history, culture, old-world architecture and general joie de vivre gives this city its inimitable charm. Erratic cobblestone roads wind round clusters of turn-of-the-century granite houses and distinctly French boutiques and chapels. Deep in the heart of the famous Quartier du Petit Champlain, a quick dash of the eye and you may feel you've been transported to a provincial village on the French coast - yet Quebec City is uniquely North American.

The only walled city north of Mexico, the old city of Vieux Québec has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. As the provincial capital, this city often finds itself in the hot seat over the debate of the province's stature in Canada. Quebec City has two national sports - hockey and politics - but not necessarily in that order. This prickly nature gives the mostly French-speaking population its edgy outlook people associate with the Québécois.
Surrounded by scenic squares such as Place Royale and Carré d'Youville, and exquisite views of the St. Lawrence and the Plains of Abraham, every inch of the old city from the the first Anglican cathedral built outside the British Isles to the Artillery Park Heritage Site is postcard perfect. Bring a great pair of shoes to walk the narrow streets of Vieux Québec and soak up the atmosphere for yourself.

Château Frontenac - Looming high above the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, Château Frontenac (built in 1893) has welcomed monarchs, held charged discussions between Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt and in recent days has been a home away from home for Quebec's own pop royalty, Céline Dion. Bruce Price designed the building as one of Canadian Pacific Railway's château-type stations and hotels, as he did sister château Banff Springs Hotel, in Alberta. Costumed guides offer tours from May 1 to October 15 between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. They'll not only give you a glimpse of the château, they'll give you a peek into the history of this fabulous city.

Montmorency Falls - Montmorency Falls, 7 miles (11 km) northeast of the old city, measure 98 feet tall (30m) - higher than the famed Niagara Falls in neighboring Ontario, though much narrower. A suspended bridge over the falls allows the brave a bird's eye view of this impressive natural beauty. In winter, the spray freezes to peaks as tall as the falls themselves. In summer, Montmorency hosts an international fireworks festival you can watch from the edge of the falls or from the comfort of a kayak.