Exploring Quebec: A Slice of France in North America and a Peek into the Past

Fast Facts:

• Location: Quebec Province of Canada, nestled along the scenic St. Lawrence River.

• Population: ~550,000

• Language: French (Though English is widely understood)

• Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)

• Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Hit the Highlights:

• Fairmont Le Château Frontenac: This iconic hotel is one of the most famous images of Quebec, perched high above the St. Lawrence River. Wrapped in front of the hotel is the Dufferin Terrace, which offers incredible views of both the hotel, as well as the river. The hotel has played host to a multitude of royalty, celebrities, and politicians going back nearly 100 years. Perhaps most historically significant, the hotel hosted the World War II Quebec Conference between U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King.

• Quartier Petit Champlain: Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of this old neighborhood, where boutique shops, cozy cafes, and historic architecture create a quintessential Quebec experience. Be sure to stop by Place Royale, the birthplace of French civilization in North America, and home to Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, one of the oldest Catholic Churches in North America. Along the main street of Place Royale, you may see a line of people taking pictures outside an unassuming red door. We learned that this is the site of a famous Korean drama scene from a show called Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.

• Fortifications of Quebec: Quebec City is one of the few cities in North America with intact city walls. Explore the Citadel, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city and the river, just a ten minute walk from the Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace. The Citadel also boasts a view of the Plains of Abraham, a large riverfront park that was the site of a battle between the French and the British in 1759 that led to the death of both commanders, as well as the fall of Quebec to the British.

• Montmorency Falls: Just a short drive or bus ride outside the city center, Montmorency Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder. After paying a small entrance fee, you can walk along a path that brings you up to the falls, over a suspension bridge hanging over the rapids, and all the way down to the base of the falls.

Culture and Tradition:

• French Influence: Quebec City is a true reflection of French-Canadian history and culture, from its language to its architecture. The French language dominates the city, and you’ll hear it spoken everywhere—from the charming cafés to the local shops. The city’s architecture, with its European feel, transports you straight to the heart of France.

• Food: No visit to Quebec is complete without trying the local cuisine. Poutine is a mix of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. There are several "fast-casual" poutine restaurants in Quebec, but we were recommended to go to Chez Ashton. We also tried poutine at a more "mid-range" restaurant. I would say it is definitely an acquired taste, and the cheese had an unexpected texture, but overall would highly recommend trying.

  Maple syrup is another local treasure, and Quebec is known for its wide range of maple products. During our visit, we stopped at Divina Natura near Quebec City Hall, where we sampled some unique maple syrup flavors, including whiskey-infused maple syrup.

Practical Tips:

• Transportation: Quebec City does not have a train, but the bus system is easy to use and can get you anywhere, from the airport, to the city center, to Montmorency Falls. Uber is also widely available in Quebec.

• Where to Stay: The historic district is where most of the action happens, but there are accommodations to fit every budget, from luxury hotels like Fairmont Le Château Frontenac to cheaper hostels in Old Quebec.

Photo Gallery: