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QUÉBEC CITY, the capital city of the province of Québec, is the most European city in North America. First settled as the French colony of New France in 1608, around 95% of the city's population still claim French as their native tongue today. The city's history is everywhere as centuries-old buildings, not to mention the fortified walls surrounding the city, have been incredibly well-preserved. Such great preservation even prompted UNESCO to declare Old Québec a World Heritage Site, the only area in North America to hold that distinction. Nearby visits to Montmorency Falls, Sainte Anne de Beaupré, and L'Île D'Orléans also provide great sightseeing and a fascinating look at French culture. Come to Québec City for a cultural experience you won't forget!
Contact us at worldonwheelz@aol.com to arrange your independent trip to Québec City!
Points of Interest
The Citadel - The largest
fortified base in North America still occupied by troops. Constructed in the
early 1800s to protect the city from attack, the Citadel is now home to the
Royal 22nd Regiment. The Citadel offers guided tours, and June through September
you can watch the troops march in their traditional red coats and black fur
hats in the Changing of the Guard ceremonies.
The Plains of Abraham - Site of a monumental
1759 battle that changed the shape of Canadian history as the British defeated
the French in a surprise attack. The area is now part of Battlefields Park,
a large public park containing thousands of trees. The park comes alive in
the summer with people out enjoying the sunshine and taking in free concerts
at the bandstand.
Parliament Buildings - Completed in the
late 1800's, the Parliament Buildings are home to the National Assembly, where
Québec's provincial representatives meet. 30-minute guided tours are
available.
The Chateau Frontenac - Completed in 1893,
this luxury hotel has attracted many famous guests and has become a big tourist
attraction. The Chateau's position atop Cap Diamant makes it visible from
almost every section of the city. 50-minute guided tours are available.
Notre Dame Basilica - Rebuilt 3 times
since its inception in 1647, Notre Dame is home to the oldest parish in North
America. It still contains artifacts from the French era, such as a chancel
lamp given by Louis XIV.
Museum of Civilization - An innovative
museum dedicated to exploring different cultures. There are permanent and
temporary exhibits dealing with topics such as the history of Québec
and Native Canadians.
Place Royale - One of the oldest districts
in North America, this cobblestone square served as the town marketplace in
the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, all buildings have been restored and the
square is often alive with street dances and festive events. Guided tours
of the square depart from the new Centre d'Interprétation de Place-Royale.
Carnaval de Québec - This world-famous
winter carnival takes place for 15 days every February. Tourists from all
over the world come to take in the various parades, ice sculptures, dances,
and concerts. The festival is presided over by a big lovable snowman named
Bonhomme, who makes various appearances throughout the city.
Montmorency Falls - Located in Montmorency
Park, the Falls are 1 ½ times taller than Niagara Falls. The park is
very accessible, including accessible footpaths, 2 accessible suspension bridges
overlooking the Falls, and accessible Belvederes that provide panoramic views.
There is also a wheelchair accessible cable car going up to Manoir Montmorency,
which houses a restaurant, reception rooms and boutiques for visitors.
Sainte Anne de Beaupré - Home to
the Sainte Anne de Beaupré basilica--a very impressive, world-renowned
shrine.
L'Île D'Orléans - A charming
island 16km outside of Québec City. L'Île D'Orléans has
maintained a rural atmosphere with farms, old houses, and apple orchards spanning
the island.
Sample Independent Itinerary
Day One
- Arrive in Québec
Arrive in Québec City, accessible transfer to hotel for check-in. Dinner
in a local French restaurant. After dinner, take a ride on the Funicular to
the Upper City where you can watch street performers and get a great view
of the St. Lawrence River from Terrasse Dufferin.
Day Two - City
Tour
Breakfast at the hotel. Join a private guide for a 3-hour city tour showing
the best of Old Québec, including the Plains of Abraham, the Citadelle,
the Chateau Frontenac, and the old walled city. Lunch in the Lower Town. Then
spend a couple hours at the Museum of Civilization. End the afternoon by taking
a stroll through historic Place Royale. Balance of the evening free.
Day Three -
St. Anne de Beaupré/Montmorency
Falls/L'Île D'Orléans
Breakfast at the hotel followed by a short drive to St. Anne de Beaupré
where you can tour the world-famous Shrine. Next, it's on to Montmorency Falls.
Take the accessible cable car to the top and have lunch at Manoir Montmorency.
After viewing the Falls, drive across the bridge to l'Île D'Orléans
and enjoy a scenic drive around the island. Balance of afternoon and evening
free.
Day Four - The
Upper Town
Following breakfast at the hotel, head over to the Citadelle for the
Changing of the Guard. After the ceremony, take a guided tour of the Citadelle
Grounds and/or a guided tour of the Governor-General's residence at the Citadelle.
Following lunch in a local French restaurant, head over to the Parliament
Buildings for a tour of Quebec's National Assembly. Finally, make your way
over to the Observatoire de la Capitale for a great aerial view of Quebec
City.
Day Five - Depart
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out and depart for home.
Contact us at worldonwheelz@aol.com to arrange your independent trip to Québec City!
