For a taste of Europe in North America, head to Québec City, a place with enough history, culture, cobblestone streets and French speakers to make you think you are in France for a moment. Here is our list of the top ten things you should not miss in Québec City, Canada.
Admire One of the Most Photographed Hotels in the World
A dominant building in Québec’s skyline, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac was built in the 19th century to accommodate luxury tourists traveling via the Canadian Pacific Railway. Wrapping around the hotel is Terrasse Dufferin, which offers beautiful views of the city and Saint Lawrence River.
Weave Through 2.9 Miles of Military History
This active military installation is well worth a visit because of its impressive architecture and history. La Citadelle de Québec is located on top of Cap Diamant, the highest natural point in the city. Check out the permanent “Je me souviens” (I remember) exhibition to learn about Royal 22e Régiment’s more than 100-year history.
Wander Around a UNESCO World Heritage Site of About 0.5 Square Miles
The Old Québec (Vieux-Québec) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site complete with walled ramparts. The area has two main parts – Upper Town (Haute-Ville) and Lower Town (Basse-Ville) – and it is easy to get around the historic, compact city center by foot.
Try the Canadian Treat Which is Shaped Like a Beaver’s Tail
The Québécois do bakeries and pastry shops right. For beaver tail-shaped fried dough pastries, head to BeaverTails (Queues de Castor). Nevertheless, if you are in the mood for more traditional French treats head to Paillard or Croquembouche.
Enjoy Your Drink in the Heart of the Petit-Champlain Neighborhood
For a drink in an atmosphere filled with character and history, check out Québec’s oldest pub, L’Oncle Antoine. Located in the stone cave cellar in a house that dates to the 1700s, it is the ideal place to enjoy a microbrew, whiskey or your drink of choice.
Step Back in Time to the Early Days of New France
This spot marks the exact location where the city was established. Today Place Royale still contains some of the oldest churches and buildings in Canada and North America.
Get Your Culture Fix Visiting Three Awesome Institutions
The Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec houses a collection of art produced by Québec artists. The Galerie Art Inuit Brousseau contains one of the most unique collections of Inuit sculptures and art in the world. For a more interactive experience, head to the Musée de la Civilisation to learn more about the city’s history.
Visit an Iconic Restaurant Housed in a Historic Building
This popular restaurant is located in the oldest house in Québec, which once belonged to nuns. With five dining rooms decorated with antiques and serving traditional Québécois cuisine, Aux Anciens Canadiens is a must-visit. Do not leave without trying the soup of the day, duck, trout, or maple-syrup pie.
Explore Québec City’s Impressive Beer Scene
While the French are typically known for their wine, the Québécois have earned a reputation for fine microbreweries. Brasserie Inox and La Barberie are among the oldest microbreweries in Québec City. With tasty craft beers and lively patios, both institutions are great for hanging out with friends year-round.
Unwind and Relax Inside an Architectural Marvel
A half-hour drive from Québec City you can find the only ice hotel in North America. Hôtel de Glace is made entirely of snow and ice and is only open from January to March. Guests can keep warm tucked in sleeping bags specially designed for subzero temperatures, and have fun in hot tubs, and saunas.