Quebec City is a beautiful, historical city with a vibrant culture. With a population of 723,000, Quebec City is the second largest city in Canada. The capital of Quebec and the largest city in the province of Quebec, it is also known as “The City of Saints” because it is home to many religious institutions.
Quebec City is a bustling destination that is always buzzing with activity. It’s an urban city with a French twist, and one of the best places to visit in Canada. With so much to do and see in Quebec, there’s no wonder it’s one of the top destinations in Canada.
If you’ve been dying to visit the province of Quebec and experience a new side of Canada, you’ll want to put Quebec City on your travel list. It’s easy to get there; taking a flight from Toronto is the most efficient way. Don’t be discouraged by the long drive into this city. It can be done in just under three hours.
You should visit Quebec City for the following reasons:
- You love exploring old buildings and landmarks, like Notre-Dame de Montmagny Basilica or the Citadelle of Quebec.
- You can’t help but be charmed by all things French, from the language to the people’s sense of style to their tasty food!
- You love history and are interested in learning about Quebec City’s most famous monument, the Bas-relief of the founding of Quebec City, which depicts Champlain’s arrival in 1608.
- You love living in a city that has its flag, which is used for everything symbolizing the city: from people’s sheets to their buildings and street signs, and you’re proud of it!
- You’re interested in how people live today with their cultures and traditions that haven’t changed much through the years, like when you’ll see a group of people walking down the street, and you’ll see a guy carrying a bucket on his head with water pouring out of it.
- Quebec City offers a variety of things for tourists, including monuments and museums. It also has many parks and trails such as the Montmorency Falls, Lac St-Louis, Citadelle Laferrière, and the Plains of Abraham.
- The city is also known for its food which includes poutine, ice cream desserts, and maple products.
When is the Best Time of Year for a Trip to Quebec City?
Quebec City is a beautiful city that is well worth visiting. With the most beautiful fall color in the world, it is an excellent destination for a fall trip.
The best time of year to visit Quebec City is during the fall. Fall in Quebec City offers some of the most colorful foliage in all of Canada, with trees changing colors from red to yellow to orange and brown. The city also has some of the best festivals, including La Fête Nationale and Festival d’été, both of which occur in the summer.
In addition, there’s always a lot going on in this wonderful city during this time of year! For example, you can enjoy outdoor festivals and events like Jazz Festival or wineries; or if you prefer your vacations indoors, visit local museums and galleries that throw open their doors during these months.
Don’t forget about your local farmers’ markets and cooking classes, too – these can make for a great weekend.
What’s the Best Way to Experience Quebec City?
Quebec City is a city that has a lot to offer. It’s a place where you can experience history, culture, and cuisine. Be sure to look at our list of the top things to do in Quebec City and enjoy your time here.
7 Best Things to Do in Quebec City
1. Lower and Upper Old Quebec
Lower Old Quebec is a quaint neighborhood in Montreal that has a lot of historic charm. In addition, summer is the best time to travel there. Upper Old Quebec is a very different part of town. It is a little rougher around the edges and it doesn’t have as much history.
Lower Old Quebec:
Visit Notre Dame Basilica, which was built in 1653
Visit St. Joseph Oratory, which is on Rue Saint-Jean and features beautiful stained glass windows
Take a walk along Rue Saint-Jean, which features many restaurants and bars that are perfect for people watching
Upper Old Quebec:
Head to Rue Saint-Denis, where you can find many shops and boutiques that sell antiques and vintage clothing
Head down to Rue Saint Jean Baptiste to get your historic fix
Continue down Rue Dalhousie and follow it until you reach Place d’Youville, where you can find more of the city’s historic architecture
2. Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral
Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The cathedral was built between 1844 and 1859 on top of an old chapel that was originally built in 1647. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in North America. ; its high spire, consisting of 13 bells, dominates the Québec skyline.
The cathedral is also known for its stained glass windows, including the “Sainte-Foy” window by Marc Chagall and the “Mariage de la Vierge” window by Maurice Asselin. The cathedral has a pipe organ built in 1859 by James Jardine. In addition to being a Roman Catholic cathedral and seat of the Archdiocese of Québec, it is also home to two pieces of religious art that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: an iconostasis from 1714 and the icon of the Mother of God from 1512.
3. Place Royale
Place Royale is a special place for a lot of people. It is the only year-round indoor amusement park in Canada. There is a permanent ice rink in the winter, and a water park complete with rides for kids and adults. There are many different types of rides to choose from including wooden roller coasters, go-karts, and miniature golf courses. The park also offers live entertainment events so you can dance the night away or have fun in the air with twirling trapeze artists. If you’re looking for an exciting activity that’s family-friendly, Royale has it all!
4. Promenade de Champlain
The Promenade de Champlain is a public space in Quebec City, Canada, and is a long walk stretching across the city, linking the old and new parts of Quebec City. The promenade is a popular spot for locals to take their dogs on walks and people-watch, as well as tourists visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is centered around Place Royale, home of the Plains of Abraham and the Château Frontenac. This space offers a variety of activities such as walking, jogging, biking, and skating.
5. La Citadelle de Québec
La Citadelle de Québec is one of the most famous historical landmarks in Quebec City and was built to defend the city from invaders. Today, La Citadelle de Québec is a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Citadelle is made up of two towers connected by a wall that is on top of each other. You can visit the tower and get an incredible view of Quebec City’s Old Town, including the Château Frontenac hotel and Saint Joseph’s Oratory.
The Citadelle, perched on Quebec City’s highest natural point, offers breathtaking vistas of the city and the Saint Lawrence River. You will find out more about the Royal 22e Régiment, the only French-speaking regiment in the Canadian Armed Forces, and its fortified stronghold in Old Quebec.
6. Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
The Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is a popular place for tourists and locals to visit. It is located in the heart of the city, near the Grande Bibliothèque and the Old Port. The waterfall there is 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls.
A park is a great place for people to get away from their daily routines and enjoy nature. There are many things to do, such as renting a bike or taking a walk along the water. If you feel like having some fun, try playing one of the many games that are available at this location.
7. Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
In Quebec City, Canada, there is a hotel called Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. It was the first hotel in North America to be built with a central heating system. The hotel was built with a central heating system by Gustave Eiffel in 1877 and is stylistically reminiscent of the Thirties (Eiffel 111). It is located at 230 Sherbrooke Street West, Quebec City, and is operated by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.
The hotel has been named one of the top 10 most breathtaking hotels in the world. Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac has received many awards and accolades over the years. It’s so elegant that it is listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
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