Quebec city

Sure of its charms and just a touch haughty, Québec City’s gracious yet simple style continues to delight its visitors, year after year. The city has everything it takes to please: an enchanting setting on the St. Lawrence, a priceless architectural heritage, a rich and colourful past and, above all, a warm heart bubbling over with the special joie de vivre that has characterized it for four centuries.

Colonial city, contemporary capital

PhotoIt was here at the base of this natural fortress dubbed the “Gibraltar of America” by Charles Dickens that Samuel de Champlain first established a fur-trading post in 1608. As religious and political institutions sprang up within the fortifications, merchants and craftsmen set up shop alongside the river. A coveted prize that was subject to repeated assault, Québec City eventually fell to the British in 1759, and New France became a subject of the English crown.

Québec City (pop. 622,000), the cradle of French civilization in North America, is today a busy seaport, an important service and research centre, a cultural hot spot and, of course, the capital of Québec. Here you’ll find the art of living unsurpassed—and the pleasures of the table high on the list of priorities. Splendid public gardens and close proximity to the great outdoors add to a superb quality of life which does the locals proud.

A World Heritage Site

Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, QuébecHistoric Québec was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. From the top of its imposing ramparts down to the mighty St. Lawrence, Québec City, the only fortified city north of Mexico, is your invitation to plunge into a colourful pageant of history.

Near St. John’s Gate—one of four in the city walls—Artillery Park features many historic buildings, including an impressive redoubt dating from the French Regime. Many fascinating museums lie tucked away behind the venerable façades of the old town, including the Musée de l’Amérique française, housed within the centuries-old walls of the Seminary, and the Musée des Ursulines. The Notre-Dame-de-Québec basilica boasts a superb art collection, while its crypt houses the remains of four governors of New France.

Lower Town

PhotoTake the funicular and drop into the Lower Town, whose origins hearken back to the first days of the colony. Place-Royale and the adjacent Petit-Champlain quarter abound with activity, despite their advanced age, with an interpretation centre, art and craft boutiques, and many restaurants and bistros. The Musée de la civilisation presents various themed exhibitions with a fully up-to-the-minute interactive approach. Stroll along the Old Port or, in summer, hop aboard a refreshing cruise on the river.

... and Upper Town

PhotoIf you decide to climb back up toward the Citadelle dominating the city, you’ll pass by the immortal Château Frontenac with its medieval-looking gables and turrets. From there, stroll along the Dufferin Terrace boardwalk for a sublime vista of the river. If you keep going, you’ll come to the Plains of Abraham, also known as Battlefields Park. This vast green space was the site of the fateful clash in 1759 between the French and British armies, one of the most significant military events in North American history. The site also houses the Musée national des Beaux-Arts du Québec, with its remarkable collection of Québec art and steady stream of major international exhibitions.

The newly revamped Parc Aquarium is a must for families visiting Québec. And facing Île d’Orleans, the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré shrine near Mont Sainte-Anne has welcomed pilgrims since the mid‑17th century.

Non-stop celebration

PhotoIn this city redolent with history, Québecers long ago mastered the art of living well and having fun, whatever the weather. In summer, the capital swings to the beat of the Québec City Summer Festival and the New France Festival as its streets, parks and concert halls overflow with music and performance. And, since feeling festive here knows no seasonal bounds, come February, Québec City explodes into action once more with the famed Carnaval, the largest winter festival of its kind in the world.