Quebec City is the capital city of the province of Quebec. The official language in Quebec is French although English is also widely spoken in most tourist areas. If you plan to travel outside of the tourist area, some knowledge of the French language is a good idea. Quebec City is also one of Canada’s oldest cities, founded in 1608 by French explorer Samuel de Champlain. The city has a remarkable history that is proudly displayed throughout. The fantastic location on the grand St. Lawrence River, with it’s natural wonders such as Cap-Diamant and Montmorency Falls, combined with its historical landmarks, makes Quebec City one of the most enchanting destinations in Canada. Most of Quebec City’s points of interest are located in Old Town which is divided into two sections; Upper Town, the walled city on the hill and Lower Town, the area between the St. Lawrence River and Upper Town. The walled city of Upper Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

The only real problem you will have here is trying to decide what to see first. Many people start with Upper Town where you will find the majestic Chateau Frontenac. The Chateau Frontenac was built in 1893 but the tower, it’s most recognizable feature, wasn’t added until the 1920’s. The Chateau is located between the Terrasse Dufferin and Place d’Armes. If staying at the Chateau is not within your budget, make sure you stop in for a cocktail or just wander through the building. The Fortifications of Quebec are perhaps the city’s most popular attractions. This is after all the only walled city in the Americas north of Mexico. The city’s most distinguished feature is the 4.6 km rampart that encircles all of Old Town. Walking along the rampart offers breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River as well as the city itself. The Centre d’interpretation de Fortifications-de-Quebec is the departure point for tours that are led by costumed guides and is also home to exhibits depicting the city’s history as well as a restored powder magazine. You will also want to visit La Citadelle de Quebec which dates back to 1820. Located on Cap-Diamant , the star shaped fortress that towers over the river is the perhaps the city’s most notable feature. During the summer you won’t want to miss the changing of the guard which takes place at 10am daily. Other special sites unique to Quebec City include Place-Royale, The Plains of Abraham, Basilique-Cathedrale and Notre-Dame-de-Quebec.

Quebec City is also home to a number of fantastic museums. Musee De La Civilisation is honestly one of the best in Canada. The museum’s exhibits focus on issues and cultures. There are a few permanent exhibits including one on Quebec’s aboriginal peoples but plenty of excellent temporary displays. Musee National des Beaux-Arts du Quebec is a spectacular stop for art lovers. The museum is home to works dating back to Quebec’s beginnings right up to today as well as areas dedicated to Quebec’s finest artists, including Jean-Paul Lemieux and a new exhibit, the Brousseau collection of Inuit art. For a change of pace, Quebec City is home to Carnaval de Quebec, the world’s largest winter carnival held from late January to mid February. Concerts, snow sculptures, sleigh rides, parades, dance parties and dog sled races are just a few of the events held during this event. While you’re there, try a Caribou, the traditional drink of the winter carnival made with brandy, vodka, sherry and port; sure to keep you warm on those cold days. The Festival d’Ete de Quebec in July is the world’s largest Francophone cultural festival and attracts musicians from around the world to perform all over the city. No matter what time of year you visit, you will be dazzled by all that Quebec City has to offer. Quebec City is one of the snowiest cities in Canada. The winters here can be beautiful but they can also be very cold! The average high temperature in the winter is a balmy 8˚C but wind chills can make it feel much colder. If you are going for the winter carnival, bundle up. Summers in Quebec City are typically warm and humid. The average temperature in the summer is around 25˚C. It can vary though, so bring a light jacket just in case the nights cool down. The days when humidity is high can feel extremely hot.