Quebec City
Canada
Backpacking Quebec City
Information on Quebec City, sights to see, nightlife, activities and more.
Overlooking the majestic Saint Lawrence River, Romantic Quebec City charms with sophistication, having maintained the European flavor it was bestowed when it became the cradle of New France. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quebec City is an urban space where the ancient resides besides the modern. The tiny cobblestone lanes of Old Quebec wind past 400 year old stone buildings that have been converted into restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. Horse drawn carriages gallop through the streets against the backdrop of Chateau Frontenac, a grand copper-roofed hotel overlooking the city’s ancient port. The walled Upper Town sits atop a strategic Cap Diamant, affording views above the spot where the Saint Lawrence River thins. At the foot of Cap Diamant lies Lower Town, where the city was founded back in 1608. Today, visitors strolling around the restored Place Royale can easily imagine they’re back in the 1600’s. Outside the fortified walls is a vibrant modern city with thriving art institutions, chic shopping centers and charming boutiques. There are many parks and gardens to explore that lead to urban cycle paths and trails along the river. Its European traditions are also reflected in the wonderful selections of restaurants. Whether in the old or new city. there is a wide array of menus and flavors waiting to be discovered. Quebec City’s fascinating history is stepped with the bloody battles and political struggles that decided the fate of Canada, and although nearly all of the city’s present residents are of French descent, around a third are bilingual, offering a warm, friendly welcome to visitors in English. During the summer festivals the whole town seems to be one giant stage with the locals enjoying all summer has to offer.
Must See
La Citadelle - Old Quebec is home to North America’s only remaining fortified city walls. It is also home to the oldest military building in Canada; La Citadelle. This historic neighbourhood was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. It is split into two areas; Upper Town and Lower Town. Upper Town is the main tourist area, home to the famous Château Frontenac, Hotel-Dieu de Québec, the Séminaire de Québec and the Ursulines Convent. Lower Town is where you will find Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, Place de Paris and Gare du Palais.
Château Frontenac - A magnificent castle, this 611 room hotel opened its doors in 1893. In 1980, it was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada and is the most photographed hotel in the world. You don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy its splendor. Anyone can dine in one of its elegant restaurants or sip a glass of wine in its bar. It also has a fantastic spa. You can also just admire the building from the outside, which is particularly beautiful when it is lit up at night.
Montmorency Falls - 12 kilometres outside of Quebec City. The 84 metre high waterfall is one of the city’s top attractions, even though it isn’t actually in the city proper. The falls are the largest in all of Quebec, dropping over a cliff into the Saint Lawrence River. There are several staircases surrounding the falls where you can take photos and admire the beauty of it.
Must Do
Explore Petit-Champlain - The narrow streets, steps and postcard village feeling makes the Petit-Champlain district stand out amongst the rest. It also happens to be one of North America’s oldest commercial enclaves. Explore the neighborhood and all of its glory. Small boutiques shops and bistros line the cobblestone streets, most of which are housed in refurbished historic buildings. It is a romantic neighborhood, with a European charm. Petit-Champlain sits at the bottom of Cap Diamant. The Breakneck Stairs is one of its key landmarks, which is the oldest staircase in the city.
Nightlife
Although Montreal may be more well-known for its nightlife scene than Quebec City, the latter has plenty of options to satisfy anyone looking for some late night fun. From casual pubs and breweries to chic cocktail bars and buzzing nightclubs, you won’t have to look far for something to do come nightfall. From sprawling pubs serving house-brewed beer to sleek spots crafting unique cocktails and everything in between. Each of the city’s neighborhoods offer their own selection of bars, so no matter where you happen to be, there will be a beer, glass of wine, or craft cocktail close by. Clubbing in Quebec City isn’t as ubiquitous as it might be in other major cities, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find a place to practice your best moves or sip cocktails into the wee hours. Locals enjoy an eclectic variety of music and nighttime entertainment so you can expect everything from DJs spinning house music to karaoke. Just note that, as with most clubs, the good times don’t get going until around 11 p.m.
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