Quebec City 400th Anniversary Celebration Makes it a Perfect Time to Visit
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Quebec City – Exploring Canadaès French Canadian Origins and Victorian Architecture
Of all the cities in Canada, Quebec City is most noted for its old world charm, colour and romanticism. Restoration in part of the city has returned some of the culture and ambience of the city as it existed 300 to 400 years ago. Throughout its history, Quebec City was controlled by English and French nationals, yet the French were most staunch about calling this city its own. It is considered the heart and soul of French culture in Canada and in North America.
Quebec City has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site and it is the only walled city in North America. The wall tells us much about the battles that too place here in centuries past, battles important to the formation of Canada as a nation and to the development of French civilization in the country. Quebec City was founded as a city 400 years ago, and the 400th anniversary celebrations are on. This summer has to be the perfect opportunity, although the anniversary will undoubtedly improve the city for tourists for coming years.
Quebec City stands on the shore of the might Saint Lawrence River, the main trade route for North Americans for probably a thousand years. That accessibility to the Atlantic Ocean has made it an attractive destination for immigrants from France and for commercial trade with Europe.
Today, Quebec City is considered a wonderful tourist destination offering something so unique that tourists from all over the world come to Quebec City. A taste of old world French culture is what tourists come for and with the restoration of the lower section of Quebec City they are finding it. Visitors stroll through the cobblestone streets and winding staircases with towering Victorian architecture all around them. This is Basse Ville the lower town, and the upper town or walled city looms above. Down at the waterfront, tour boats and cruise ships await their passengers.
Quebec City Attractions
The 400th Anniversary Celebration
IF you are in the city on July 3, you will want to see the show Rencontres/Encounters which musically commemorates the city’s founding by Samuel de Champlain in 1608. And in August, experience a magical evening of fire, water, acrobatics and music at the Baie de Beauport and the pop singer Céline Dion will be offering a concert performance on the Plains of Abraham. The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec will also be showing the exhibit, Le Louvre à Québec: les arts et la vie, which will showaces more than 270 works from the collections of the prestigious French museum
There are plenty of old world buildings, forts and streetscapes to keep even the most disinterested tourists busy exploring. Chateau Frontenac is one of the largest Quebec City hotels with more than 600 rooms. It is the most obvious parts of the Quebec City landmarks. The views from the hotel are spectacular.
Other beautiful buildings include the Assemble Nationale which is the seat of Quebec’s provincial government. Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Seminaire de Quebec are two religiously significant structures with exquisitely detailed interiors. The Sainte Anne de Beaupre is one of Canada’s most sacred shrines and 1.5 million people come to see this medieval Basilica built in 1923.
Place Royale is a market square filled with boutiques, galleries, bistros, restaurants, and other retail shops all inside 18th century buildings. For scenic walking routes try the Terrasse Dufferin which sweeps along top of the Cap Diamant from the Chateau Frontenac. There are plenty of kiosks and benches where you can enjoy drinks and view the magnificent view of the St Lawrence and the Laurentian Mountains.
Skiing and Biking on the Laurentian Mountains
The Laurentian Mountains offer skiing and mountain biking activities for the active set. Just an hour drive north of Quebec City is Mont Sainte Anne, Quebec’s largest ski park area. Shuttle buses will take you from Quebec City. There are plenty of hotels so you can stay for a multiday adventure.
One last must see site is only a few miles from Quebec City. Montmorency Falls at Ile d’Orleans is Quebec’s most dramatic waterfalls. The falls is actually 100 feet higher than Niagara Falls. You can view the falls from an aerial tram, or suspension bridge, or you can climb the cliffs next to the falls for a great view.
Quebec City has its modern section too which includes hotels, restaurants, malls and movie theatres, so you won’t be denied the usual entertainment venues and activities. The richest and most memorable parts of your visit will be the fascinating architecture of the old city. Quebec City will certainly be a change from your usual vacation, perfect for couples seeking a romantic escape for families wanting experience Canada’s history and culture.
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