Climate Details (C)
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
| Avg | -12.1 | -11.0 | -4.6 | 3.3 | 10.8 | 16.3 | 19.1 | 17.6 | 12.5 | 6.5 | -0.5 | -9.1 |
Travel Guides: Quebec City
General Information
Small cafés and cosy restaurants, charming boutiques, lively terraces, elegant squares, theatres and museums, street buskers and mimes all contribute to the charm and ambience of historic Old Quebec, cradle of French civilisation in North America and still predominantly European in spirit. Perched on top of Cap Diamant, overlooking the St. Lawrence River, Quebec City was first settled by the French in 1608, named from a native Algonquin word meaning 'where the river narrows'. The cultured ambience, lively spirit, high safety rating, and a comfortable blend of past and present make this provincial capital city worthy of its status as one of the top destinations in the world.
Despite having been ceded to the British in 1759, the city's population of more than half a million are today 95 percent French-speaking, lending a definite 'joie de vivre' and culture to the atmosphere. About four million visitors are drawn to Quebec City each year, to savour this French charm, the famed Quebec gourmet scene, and the beauty of the historic Old City where winding cobbled streets are lined with 17th and 18th century stone houses and churches, bewitching parks, elegant squares, and numerous monuments. The city is included on UNESCO's World Heritage List and is one of the only fortified cities in the Americas.
Many interesting sights and tourist attractions in Quebec City are located in the walled Old Town on top of the hill, including dozens of small shops and boutiques and attractive historical buildings. There are also interesting neighbourhoods to explore in the more modern Upper Town and Lower Town, which are connected by stairs. The Old Town is compact and easily walkable. If you get tired or cannot navigate the steep stairs between Upper Town and Lower Town, take a scenic ride in the Funiculaire, or hire one of many horse-drawn carriages for a quaint view of the historic sights.
There are many things to see and do in Quebec City, Visit the National Museum of the Arts, the Franco-American Museum, or the Capital Observatory, which is one of the tallest buildings in Quebec and offers panoramic views of the city. You can take a ferry to Lévis, which offers memorable views of the Chateau Frontenac and the Old Town, or take a sunset cruise on the St Lawrence River.
Children will enjoy a visit to the Chocolate Museum, or a spin around the ice rink in Old Town. Villages Vacances Valcartier has waterslides and go-karting in the summer.
Just a few kilometres from downtown, the surrounding nature of Quebec City presents numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation, like horseback riding, canoeing, hiking and skiing.
Getting Around
Walking is the easiest and most effective way to explore the compact Old City of Quebec, where most of the sightseeing opportunities are. Many visitors also enjoy hiring a bicycle and making the most of the city's system of cycle paths. If you prefer to save your feet, take a bus. Public buses are run by the Reseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC), operating between 6am and 1am (there are a limited number of night buses at weekends). Tickets are bought on boarding with exact change or in advance from newsagents, which is cheaper. Transfers are free if a transfer slip is obtained on the first bus. One-day passes, valid for two, can be bought at weekends. Taxis can be hired at ranks and the airport, ordered by telephone, or hailed in the street in the centre of the city.
Activities
Fortifications, Quebec City
Guided walking tours of the three-mile (5km) long city wall that surrounds the old city of Québec trace the evolution of the city's defence system across three centuries. The walls are set with interpretation panels. Quebec is the only fortified city in North America and this fact contributed to its being named a World Heritage City. Visitors can also view the Esplanade Powder Magazine.
Opening Times:
Daily from 10am to 6pm (16 May to 5 September); Daily
from 10am to 5pm (6 September to 10 October); Open by reservation
between October 12 to May 7
Admission:
C$3.90 (adults), C$1.90 (youths). Guided walk plus
access to the Learning Center: C$9.80 (adults), C$4.90
(youths)
Funicular, Quebec City
A panoramic bird's eye view of historic Québec City can be had from the cabin of the Funicular that travels at an angle of 45º from Louis Jolliet House in the heart of the old city to Dufferin Terrace. The funicular has been an attraction in the city since the original steam driven version was erected in 1879.
Opening Times:
Open daily, from 7.30am to 11.30pm (until midnight
from June through to Labour Day)
Admission:
C$2
Place Royale, Quebec City
The site of the historical Place-Royale complex was used in ancient times by the First Nations for trading, until the leader of the first Quebec French settlement, Samuel de Champlain, constructed a formal fortified fur trading post in 1608. The trading post flourished and grew into a thriving town, constructed largely of wood, until in 1682 it was destroyed by fire. Reconstruction was in fire-resistant stone, the buildings that still stand today. Known as the market square, the site once again became a hub of activity, until the end of the 19th century when its importance declined. By 1950 the Place-Royale was a neglected, decaying area. The Government then initiated a restoration programme that has turned this historic site, known as the 'birthplace of French America', into one of the city's main attractions. It features a clutch of interesting museums, living history demonstrations and tours of historic buildings.
Getting There:
Bus #1, or the Écolobus service
Admission:
C$7 (adults), C$2 (children 12-16)
Parliament Buildings, Quebec City
Just outside the old city walls stands the imposing 19th-century Parliament Building, inspired by the Louvre in Paris and designed by the architect, Eugene Etienne Taché. Although it is the working home of the 125-strong National Assembly, the buildings are open to visitors for guided tours, offered in English or French, which highlight the historic value of the unique building as well as informing visitors about the organisation and proceedings of the Québec National Assembly.
Opening Times:
Open on weekdays, from 9am to 4.30pm (September to
June)
Admission:
Free guided tours may be reserved in advance
Montmorency Falls Park, Quebec City
Just to the east of Québec City lies the spectacular Montmorency Falls, plunging 272 feet (83m), one and a half times higher than Niagara Falls. Besides a beautiful setting, the park also boasts historic buildings and a variety of fun activities. A cable car runs up to the historic Manoir Montmorency manor house, dating from 1781, where there is a restaurant, view terrace, interpretation centre, reception rooms and boutiques. A suspension bridge hangs directly across the falls, providing a breathtaking view, and a second bridge gives access to the east side of the falls where there are numerous viewpoints and trails.
Opening Times:
Open daily, all year round
Admission:
Free entry to the park. Cable car (return journey):
C$9.75 (adults), C$4.45 (children)
Battlefields Park (Plains of Abraham), Quebec City
Once the setting for bloody battles between the British and French, the Plains of Abraham today serves as Quebec City's 'green lung', a playground and peaceful arboreal retreat, and venue for a variety of fairs and events. The park is to Québec what Central Park is to New York, covering 108 hectares and planted with 6,000 trees. It also features monuments and interpretive centres. In winter locals and visitors alike, as well as several ski-trails enjoy a giant skating rink. Summertime is ideal for strolling the fragrant gardens, jogging or rollerblading, and picnicking.
Opening Times:
Daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm (24 June to 4 September);
Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday
10am to 5pm (5 September to 23 June)
Musée de la Civilisation, Quebec City
Billed as 'the museum of human adventure' this very popular contemporary institution in the heart of the Québec historic district is characterised by its innovative and daring outlook. Using interactive technology its thematic exhibits cover all aspects of the human experience, from fundamental issues to major social problems of our times and various aspects of daily life.
Getting There:
Bus #1
Opening Times:
Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm; in summer daily 9:30am
to 6:30pm (24 June to 1 September) and 10am to 5pm (2 September to
13 October)
Admission:
C$13 (adults), C$4 (children 12-16), Free for children
under 12. Free admission on Tuesdays (1 November to 31 May), and
from 10am to 12pm on Saturdays in January and February
Old Port of Montreal, Quebec City
Montreal's Old Port (Vieux Port de Montreal) is actually fairly new, having had a major face-lift to make it the most popular site for visitors to the city, drawing five million of them each year to throng the bustling wharves. In the 19th century the port of Québec on the St Lawrence was one of the most important in the world, with thousands of ships and sailors passing through. There are still plenty of boats in evidence but nowadays they are mainly tour boats, ferries and even amphibious buses, which offer sailings along the St Lawrence or around the port. Ferries cross to the Parc des Iles, site of the Expo 67 world's fair, which lies in the St Lawrence and offers family outdoor activities like picnic facilities, swimming, skating or skiing in winter. The Old Port itself is a thriving arts and entertainment venue where something is always happening. It also offers a huge open-air skating rink, Imax cinema, and a Science and Technology Center with interactive displays. The port also has a vibey cafe culture. The clock tower offers excellent views across the city and contains an exhibition that traces Montreal's history. Around the port are the city's original 17th-century fortifications, while characters in period costume conduct guided tours through the streets and alleys pointing out the points of historic significance.
Getting There:
Square-Victoria, Place d'Armes and Champ-de-Mars metro
stations are a short walk away
Opening Times:
Interpretation Centre: open daily from 10am to 5pm (8
May to 3 September)
Admission:
C$4 (adults), C$2 (children 6-16). Guided walks: C$8
(adults), C$7 (children 6-16)
Lower Town (Basse-Ville), Quebec City
Quebec City's Lower Town (Basse-Ville) is the charming 'old quarter' of the city, full of narrow, winding streets, historical stone buildings, and an overwhelming array of trendy cafés, bars, and boutique stores. The oldest urban district in Canada, Lower Town has a distinctly European feel to it, and recent efforts to gentrify the area have been undertaken with appropriate sensitivity and class - resulting in postcard-perfect photo opportunities lying in wait on every street corner. Lower Town is also home to many of Quebec City's most celebrated sights and attractions - including the Place Royale, and Petit Chamblain, with its must-see Funicular. Lower Town, the heart and soul of Old Quebec, is a beguiling, enchanting neighbourhood - and all visitors to Quebec City should anticipate spending a lot of time walking its streets, and soaking up its unique atmosphere.
L'Île d'Orléans, Quebec City
The little island in the St Lawrence River, just 15 minutes from downtown Québec City, is an historical treasure trove containing 600 heritage buildings. Algonquin natives called the island 'windigo', meaning 'bewitched corner', before French colonists arrived in 1535 and named it for the Duke of Orleans. The island is the ancestral home of more than 300 Quebecois families and still has more than 7,000 inhabitants. A perimeter road called The Royal Way, which extends across the Taschereau Bridge to the mainland, connects all the six villages on the island. Visitors enjoy cycling or driving around the island to marvel at panoramic views of the river and explore sites like the oldest church in 'new France'.
Events
Quebec Winter Carnival
The world's largest winter carnival was first held in 1894, when French colonists started holding a rowdy get-together before Lent to eat, drink and be merry. Today it has snowballed into Québec City's most important tourist and local event, packed full of activities and entertainment, most based on Quebecois lifestyle. Events range from a snowshoe challenge to a double-harness derby, sleigh rides, snow sculpturing, and night parades, not to mention a host of entertainment performances, treats to eat and other heartwarming fun.
Date:
27 January to 12 February 2012
Venue:
Various, centred on the Place desjardins
Restaurants
Aviatic
The busy terrace of this popular restaurant bears testimony to its quality. Although located in the old train station, the Gare du Palais, near the old port, it is decorated with an aviation theme. The menu is tempting and varied, offering eastern dishes, sushi, Tex-Mex, seafood and grills.
Address:
450 de la Gare-du-Palais, Vieux Port
Les Frères de la Côte
Offering al fresco dining in a bustling atmosphere in the upper town, this busy bistro is a hang-out for politicians and journalists. The food is as lively as the clientele, with a Mediterranean inspired menu that changes daily. Specialities are pizza, osso bucco, confit de canard (duck leg) and leg of lamb, but there are often surprises like tenderloin horse meat, sweetbreads and couscous plates on offer. It can be a bit crowded, especially on the terrace, so book ahead.
Address:
1190, rue Saint-Jean
La Crémaillère
This family run restaurant offers the ultimate in gastronomic delight, blending Italian and French tradition into a tempting menu that translates into tantalising aromas as you enter. The restaurant, operating for more than 35 years, has just moved to a new location, still in the old city, but the atmosphere and quality has been maintained. Beppino Boezio, who came to Québec City in 1962 from Italy, has passed on his knowledge to his son Luidgi, who is taking over the reins. Specialities of the house are pasta, rack of lamb, milk-fed veal, beef and seafood. Open daily from 11am.
Address:
73 Sainte-Anne Street
Le Charles Baillairge
This restaurant in the Clarendon Hotel is billed as the oldest restaurant in Canada, and it is certainly one of the most expensive. What diners can expect for their dollars, however, is an exquisite experience where food has been turned into an art form. The refined menu features dishes of guinea fowl and game, enhanced with exotic sauces, delectable seafood like Atlantic salmon, daring salads made with ingredients from the hotel's own garden, and tasty terrines. As far as possible local produce is used, right down to the post-dinner chocolates, served with port. The setting is as refined and elegant as the food. Reservations recommended. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Address:
57 Rue Sainte-Anne, Hotel Clarendon
Casse Crêpe Breton
For a quick filler any time of the day, head for this café. You will probably pick it out because there is usually a queue at the door. Casse Crêpe Breton has been a favourite café near the Côte du Palais in the upper town for many years, whipping up the most delectable crêpes. Diners can watch the crêpes being made and pick their choice from more than 20 different sweet and savoury fillings. Choose from main course crêpes, prepared with a choice of two to five ingredients such as meat, cheese and vegetables, or try a sweet crêpe with chocolate, cream and fruit. Reservations not accepted.
Address:
1136 Rue St Jean
Pointe des Ameriques
Pizza with pizzazz is the speciality of this lively, ultra-modern restaurant, which attracts mainly a young clientele, ensuring every night is party night. The establishment offers perfect pizzas with an almost endless choice of toppings, some of them extremely unusual like caribou. The menu also features other favourites like pasta, a variety of burgers, panini and fajitas.
Address:
964 Rue St Jean
Le Buffet de l'Antiquaire
The best value for money in the old town is probably to be had at this diner in the antiques district. The cuisine is home-style Quebecois, both filling, tasty and reasonably priced. Pea soup, pies and poutine are some of the offerings from the menu. This establishment is particularly favoured for its delicious desserts.
Address:
95 Rue St-Paul
Aux Anciens Canadien
This establishment, set in a historic homestead, has gone out of its way to give visitors a true Canadian dining experience, with staff dressed in period costume and five dining rooms each outfitted in a different historic theme. The meals on offer are authentic Canadian, too, with plenty of rib-sticking offerings like maple-syrup pie, rich game dishes and hearty meat pies. The restaurant is renowned for its good value three-course set lunch menu.
Address:
34, rue Saint-Louis, Succursale Haute-Ville
Café du Monde
Delicious dining on traditional French fare along with a view is the offering of this popular bistro at the Old Port. The restaurant has a patio overlooking the river, and a glass enclosure. Reservations are essential here if you want to enjoy specialities like duck confit, salmon tartare, artichoke pudding, and oat tatin apple pie. Open Monday to Friday 11:30am-11pm, weekends and holidays 9:30am-11pm.
Address:
84 rue Dalhousie
