Official Language:
French
Secondary Language:
English
|
Currency:
Canadian Dollar
|
Population:
Approximately 7.5 million people call the province
|
Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Quebec City: Quebec City is warmest during the summer months of June & July, though at times humid. The fall and spring months offer a comfortable climate. During the cruising season late August through early October, you can expect lows in the 40-50°F/10°C and highs in the 60s-70s°F/16-21°C.
|
|
|
|
Ships dock at the Vieux Port (“old” port) just a stone’s throw from the lower part of the old city. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to your destination in the city.
The "Gibraltar of North America," Québec City is carved into the 350 foot cliff of Cape Diamond. Located at the confluence of the St Lawrence and Saint Charles rivers, it is in the southern part of Quebec province. Crowned by Château Frontenac, this city resembles a scene right out of fairy tale. Quebec City is home to french culture, despite two centuries of English rule. The city's surrounding walls are dominated by the Citadel, a large fortress.
In 1629 Quebec was captured by the English. It was then restored to France three years later. English expeditions attempted with no success to capture Quebec in 1690 and then again in 1711. During the French and Indian War in 1759 the settlement was captured by the British, and led by General James Wolfe. In 1763 under the Treaty of Paris it was formally ceded by France to Great Britain.
You should spend most of your time in the Vieux-Quebec district, which is the old walled portion of the city. Some of the best historical sights, restaurants and stores are here, and the surrounding architecture is glorious. The first colony in this region was built at Cape Diamond near the St. Lawrence River. This scenic area was home to traders, seamen, and merchants until the mid-1700?s, when a fire destroyed nearly everything. Thereafter, this portion of the city was rebuilt into a warehouse and wharf area, as the locals moved into much safer homes beyond the high cliffs of Quebec City. Over two hundred years later, the original Vieux-Quebec area is being rebuilt, with new cafes, entertainment, and shops to entice visitors. The ancient walled city is spectacular, and its location, overlooking the St. Lawrence River, is absolutely perfect. The air is fresh and the rustic granite houses beam with nostalgia, creating a lovely ambiance in picturesque Quebec City.
|
|
Attractions |
 |
 |
Some suggested places of interest include: Dufferin Terrace, a promenade in the Haute-Ville overlooking the river, the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Québec, National Battlefields Park, the site of the battle in 1759 defeating the French and placing control of Canada into the hands of the English, and the Parliament Buildings. Quebec is also home to several excellent museums and theatres.
St. Anne de Beaupré Church
This is a beautiful basilica, one of the great pilgrimage sites in North America.
The Old Town
North America’s only walled city. Divided into two parts, the Lower Town, adjacent to the port, it has been totally restored and had plenty of boutiques, museums, galleries and charming cafes. You will also find the Quartier Petit-Champlain, Place-Royale, Vieux Port, Maison Chevalier, and the Musee de la Civilisation.
The Upper Town
Accessible by a staircase is a charming area of Quebec City. Some of the highlights include a visit to the Musee d’Art Inuit Brousseau, Rue de Tresor, a little alleyway full of artists displaying their etchings, watercolors, photographs and oil paintings, Rue St. Jean, the heart of the old city’s shopping district, the Basilique Notre Dame de Quebec, dating back to 1647 and the Musee du Fort, where you can see shows that produce the replicate Quebec battles. Worth a visit is the Chateau Frontenac, a green landmark that rises high above the cruise ship pier from its perch in the upper town. It is a historic hotel in the grandest of tradition. Inside is a lovely bar with fireplace and beautiful panoramic views.
The Citadelle
Construction on this fort began in 1820 and during summer the military tradition is honored with the Beating of Retreat and Changing of the Guard ceremonies.
The Musee de Quebec
can be found at 1 Avenue Wolfe-Montcalm (418/643-2150) and features the largest collection of Quebec art in North America. The inside of this establishment is filled with priceless works of visual splendor, many of them hundreds of years old.. The museum also hosts annual exhibits featuring the works of up and coming local artists.
Explore Sound & Light Show
is located at 63 Rue Dalhousie (418/692-2063) and give you a wonderful glimpse into the Age of Exploration and the history of North America. Columbus, Champlain, Vespucci and others are featured in the presentation, and this thirty-minute show is marvelous. The architecture of the theater is magnificent, and in keeping with the venue, it was built to resemble an early ship that these explorers used to sail the earths waters.
The Musee de la Civilisation
, at 85 Rue Dalhousie (418/643-2158), examines the history and culture of Quebec in an artistic and unique way. Encounter With the First Nations is a tribute to the aborigines who first inhabited Quebec centuries ago. The displays are artistically incredible and visually stimulating, making a visit to this museum a must.
Shopping
Rue du Trésor is a picturesque street where many artists display their original watercolors & paintings.
Narrow Rue du Petit-Champlain is the oldest street in the city and is located in Quartier du Petit-Champlain. The quaint buildings offer a variety of shops that sell everything from clothing to maple syrup products. You will also find crafts, jewelry, ceramics, and woodcarvings.
|
|
More Information |
|
|
|
Phone: Tourist Information at 800-363-7777
Web: www.bonjourquebec.com
|
|
