Visiting Quebec City is a great way to explore Canada. Whether you want to learn more about the rich history of the region, or simply enjoy the local attractions, you'll find plenty to do in the city.
Place Royale
Whether you're spending a day in Quebec City or an extended trip, you won't be disappointed with the many things to do in this Canadian city. If you want to see a beautiful mural, enjoy a taste of poutine, or tour one of the most famous hotels in Canada, there's something for you.
Place Royale, the largest collection of 17th and 18th-century buildings in the continent, is a must-see on your Quebec City itinerary. It's the location of a major French settlement in 1608 and a site of some of the city's most notorious criminal executions. It's also the location of the oldest church in North America, Notre-Dame des Victoires.
The Place Royale plaza is a popular tourist attraction, and it's free to enter. The town square features plaques that describe the lives of the families who lived here. It's a popular spot for socializing, especially during Christmastime. You'll also find small shops that once housed families.
Another must-see is the Museum Of Civilization, which covers the history of Quebec and its citizens. The building has interactive exhibits and displays, and is located just a short walk from the plaza.
The Fresque des Quebecois is a beautiful mural that depicts 400 years of Quebec City history. It's also one of the best places to spend a few minutes in the city.
The Breakneck Stairs are the oldest staircase in Quebec City. They were erected in the early 1700s to help move goods around the city.
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Located at Terrasse Dufferin, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is an impressive landmark of Old Quebec. This luxury hotel has been in operation for more than a century. It offers 611 rooms and suites. The hotel also features a spa and a gym. This is one of the best places to stay in Quebec City.
The rooms have been recently renovated. They still have the classic style of the building but the furnishings are refreshed. There are floating shelves and luxury bedding. You can enjoy Wi-Fi for a fee of $16 a day.
The hotel also offers an indoor swimming pool and a sauna. The bar is a great place for drinks and cocktails. The restaurant serves brunch and dinner. The dining options include a gourmet salad bar and a variety of gourmet sandwiches. The terrace is a popular spot for artists and photographers.
There is a small museum within the building. You can view artifacts that are a part of the hotel's history. You can also get a tour of the outside building. The tour includes a primer on the architecture of the building.
The hotel has four restaurants. The Champlain is known for its elegant paneling and handsome wooden floors. The Rose Salon has a 180 degree view of the St. Lawrence River.
The terrace is a great place to watch the city go by. You can enjoy a sunset or a night time view of the city.
Ile d'Orleans
Whether you are a foodie or just looking for a fun place to visit, there are plenty of things to do on Ile d'Orleans. The island is just 15 minutes away from Quebec City, and there are plenty of cute stores and cafes to peruse.
Ile d'Orleans is a living time capsule. It is a 34km long, eight-kilometre wide island that is home to seven thousand residents. The island is surrounded by the St. Lawrence River and offers seasonal changes. You can expect to see old churches and buildings, as well as farmland.
You can spend a day on Ile d'Orleans and still have time to explore the rest of Quebec City. There are many attractions to see on the island, including a sugar shack, galleries, and museums. There are also farms to visit, restaurants, and cafes.
If you are a foodie, you should make a stop at the Vignoble Ste-Petronille, a winery and cidery. You can also enjoy the terrace overlooking the vineyards.
Afterwards, you can go for a walk around the Lower Town, which has cute shops and a waterfront. You can also take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the maple groves. You can buy fresh produce from the local market. The farms in Ile d'Orleans have pear, plum, and apple orchards.
Alternatively, you can hop on the Orleans Express. It's a fun way to see the countryside and get a discount on tickets.
Saguenay St. Lawerence Marine Park
Located near Quebec City, Saguenay-Saint-Laurent Marine Park is a protected area. It is one of Eastern Canada's top wildlife viewing hot spots. It is also home to several species of seals and birds. There are many activities to enjoy in the park, such as hiking, picnicking, and scuba diving.
The marine park is a national park in Quebec, and is jointly managed by the federal and provincial governments. The park includes the St. Lawrence and Saguenay Rivers, as well as the Fjord du Saguenay. The park covers over 1,245 square kilometers. It is the first purely marine national park in Quebec.
The Saguenay-Saint-Laurent area has been inhabited by humans for over 8,000 years. This region was the site of many historic exchanges between First Nations people and the French. This alliance initiated the fur trade across North America. The opening of dozens of sawmills promoted the establishment of new towns. The logging of the surrounding areas helped establish the forestry and agriculture-based economy.
The Saguenay-Saint-Laurent is a rich tapestry of life. This pristine environment draws thousands of visitors each year. The park features a variety of activities, including kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, and sightseeing cruises. A permit is required for any activity in the park.
The area is an important habitat for whales, and the river serves as a natural spawning ground. The park is home to hundreds of different seabirds. The diversity of species in the park is primarily dependent on the temperature, salinity, and depth of the water.
Fresque des Quebecois mural
Visiting Quebec City for a day would be incomplete without checking out the amazing murals. There are many historical murals around the city and they are painted in traditional style. You can also visit the Musee National des Beaux-Arts du Quebec. These paintings are an important part of the region's cultural heritage.
The Fresque des Quebecois is a large, three-story mural that illustrates the history of Quebec. It is located in Old Quebec near Place Royale. It was completed in 1999 and features prominent Quebecois. The 12 artists who painted the mural worked for nine weeks. The mural was designed by Cite Creation, a company that specializes in fresco murals. This company collaborated with the artist group, Helene Fleury, Marie-Chantal Lachance, and Pierre Laforest.
The Quartier Petit Champlain is a scenic area in Old Quebec. It's lined with chic boutiques and artisan shops. It's a popular tourist destination.
You can catch a ride on the funicular to get to the upper and lower parts of the city. It costs $3 for a round-trip and opens at 7:30 a.m. The view from the funicular is spectacular. The cable car goes up close to Montmorency Falls.
One of the most beautiful murals in the city is the La Fresque des Quebecois. This mural depicts key stages in Cap-Blanc history. You can see all the architectural monuments and cultural elements that make up Quebec City. The painting is 4,520 square feet.
Museum of Civilization
Located in the heart of Quebec City, the Museum of Civilization is an excellent place to learn about Quebec's history and culture. Its exhibits are a fascinating mix of old and new. It includes a French-American reference center and a Discovery Zone. It also offers guided tours of individual exhibits and a gift shop.
The Museum of Civilization is a great place to visit for all ages. Its displays include a wealth of artifacts, including exhibits on ancient Native Americans, the culinary heritage of Quebec and life in the city over the past four hundred years. It also has a Discovery Zone that features hands-on activities for young children.
The Museum of Civilization in Quebec City opened in 1988. It was designed by architect Moshe Safdie, who also designed Habitat 67 in Montreal. The building has a copper roof and limestone cladding. It also incorporates two older structures, a belltower and a 19th-century bank.
The museum is affiliated with the Canadian Museums Association, the Virtual Museum of Canada and the Canadian Heritage Information Network. In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum hosts world-class temporary exhibits. Its newest exhibit, This is Our Story, explores issues surrounding stories. It traces the history of the First Nations and Inuit people of Quebec.
The Museum of Civilization is closed on Mondays and on Christmas Day. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. There is a cafeteria, gift shop, souvenir boutique and bistro-style restaurant.
