5 Enchanting Reasons to Visit Québec City

Considering a visit to Canada's ironic Québec City? Check out my 5 reasons Québec City should move to the top of your Canadian bucket list!

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Considering a visit to Québec City?

Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City

With good reason, Québec City is one of the most famous locales in Canada. Founded as the earliest known French settlement in North America, in 1541, the historic portion of the city is situated majestically above the impressive St. Lawrence River. With a metro population of only about a million residents, it's an easily manageable town, bustling with overnight tourists and people hopping off of cruise ships (you'll know when a boat has just let people off). Exploring today truly feels like discovering a fairy tale, come to life.

The official language in Québec City is French, and with the winding, cobbled streets and surprisingly chic shopping, you will honestly start to believe you're across the pond, without the high costs and grueling transatlantic flight.

So let's explore all Québec City has to offer!

Place Royale, Quebec City

Québec City: The People

Even in the center of a tourist hotspots, Canadians never cease to be unfailingly welcoming, warm, and kind. They're excited to tell you about their city, and immensely proud of living in such a historic spot. Canadians make the trip an absolute pleasure.

Québec City: The Funicular

Québec City's oldest portions, collectively Vieux-Québec, is divided into upper and lower portions. The two are connected by "the breakneck stairs," taking you down from the Chateau Frontenac to Rue du Petit Champlain, the quaint shopping and dining district, at the base. The two are connected by the city's Funicular, a marvelous contraption that, for a small fee, moves tourists up and down the hill without the calf strain, through the day.

Rue du Petit Champlain, Quebec City

Is there a language barrier in Quebec City?
Let's call it a permeable barrier. The *vast* majority of people in Quebec also speak English. You will encounter people who do not, and you will definitely encounter situations where there is language-based confusion (I jumped into help in an "oatmeal" debacle). There's no better place to practice your French, though at a moment of hesitation, they'll *immediately apologize* and switch to English (extremely considerate, but not the best for easter students, like myself). If you speak no French, never fear! As in France, be sure to start with Bonjour, and ask if someone speaks English, before you start chattering away at them in English.

Québec City: The History

Québec City wears its nearly 500 years well. It's the only walled city in the US and Canada to have its original fortifications, and it's impressive. From the Plains of Abraham (whip out those high school history facts) to the Chateau Frontenac, there's plenty of historic property to be toured and enjoyed.

Plains of Abraham Museum, Quebec City

Québec City: The Food

Québecois cuisine is, unsurprisingly, French! Expect frites (French fries), tartare (raw meat), pate, and wine at lunch, throughout your trip! You'll also have easy access to Irish pubs and more than a few Tim Hortons - don't worry.

And, best of all, even with food prices in a tourist town, with the exchange rates, American tourists' pocket books are in for a (rare) surprise!

Québec City: The Château Frontenac

The stunningly historic Château Frontenac alone is worth the visit up to Québec City! Built as a railway hotel, meant to encourage travelers to explore Canada by train toward the end of the 19th-century, the hotel has been expanded several times, to become the behemoth you'll see today. If at all possible, try to stay at the Château, as it really enhances your stay!

For more on visiting and staying at the Chateau Frontenac, check out the full post!

Québec City extra credit:
​Experience a winter wonderland

​Even in summer, when the weather is admitted perfect, the Québecois are bragging about the winter wonderland you can expect at Christmas time. From mulled wine to finding the perfect Christmas souvenirs, think about exploring this charming town when it's blanketed in snow.

Winter experience on the Dufferin Terrace (a cold box where you can pretend it's winter!!)

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a phenomenal trip to Québec City! I know you'll love this enchanting city, and the people in it!

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