Visiting Quebec City feels like visiting a city in Europe. It's perched on a cliff high above the St. Lawrence River, and still retains its original city walls, giving it an ancient aura. It has been the capitol of the region, first as the capitol of New France in the 16th century, and now as the capitol of the Quebec province, for 400 years.
Quebec was founded by the French in order to stake their claim on the new world. It is situated on cliffs 200 feet high above the St Lawrence River, giving it stunning views of the countryside and the nearby Laurentian Mountains. Under French rule, the fur and lumber trades flourished. The French lost the city to the British in 1759 and most of the French Nobility returned to France. The French were able to maintain their language, religion and culture, however. The city saw a huge Irish influx during the Potato Famine of 1850. The ships had to be quarantined at Grosse Ile due cholera and typhus outbreaks among the immigrants, however, and many died. Those that didn't survive the disease or the journey are buried there. The city remained under British Rule until 1867 when the Dominion of Canada was formed.
French is the official language of Quebec although virtually everyone speaks English and most menus and signs are printed in both languages. Outside of Quebec City, some knowledge of French is helpful.
Getting around Quebec is very easy. Pretty much everything a visitor is interested in is in the Old Town (Vieux-Quebec). The Old Town is divided into two parts, the Haute- Ville (Upper Town) which is the walled part of the city at the top of the cliff, and the Basse-Ville (The Lower Town) which is the part under the Haute-Ville to the river. (I told you it was easy). You can get from one part to the other by a very steep set of stairs, or by the funicular.
The most recognizable landmark in Quebec City is the Chateau Frontenac, the huge historic hotel that overlooks the city. The Chateau dominates the skyline with its castle like architecture, and is the scene for many events. Legend has it that it is the most photographed hotel in North America.
Walking is the way to get around the Old Town. It's a small area and you don't want to miss any details of the old buildings or the charming little shops. The streets are narrow and cobblestones are uneven though, so wear good shoes.
Quebec was founded by the French in order to stake their claim on the new world. It is situated on cliffs 200 feet high above the St Lawrence River, giving it stunning views of the countryside and the nearby Laurentian Mountains. Under French rule, the fur and lumber trades flourished. The French lost the city to the British in 1759 and most of the French Nobility returned to France. The French were able to maintain their language, religion and culture, however. The city saw a huge Irish influx during the Potato Famine of 1850. The ships had to be quarantined at Grosse Ile due cholera and typhus outbreaks among the immigrants, however, and many died. Those that didn't survive the disease or the journey are buried there. The city remained under British Rule until 1867 when the Dominion of Canada was formed.
French is the official language of Quebec although virtually everyone speaks English and most menus and signs are printed in both languages. Outside of Quebec City, some knowledge of French is helpful.
Getting around Quebec is very easy. Pretty much everything a visitor is interested in is in the Old Town (Vieux-Quebec). The Old Town is divided into two parts, the Haute- Ville (Upper Town) which is the walled part of the city at the top of the cliff, and the Basse-Ville (The Lower Town) which is the part under the Haute-Ville to the river. (I told you it was easy). You can get from one part to the other by a very steep set of stairs, or by the funicular.
The most recognizable landmark in Quebec City is the Chateau Frontenac, the huge historic hotel that overlooks the city. The Chateau dominates the skyline with its castle like architecture, and is the scene for many events. Legend has it that it is the most photographed hotel in North America.
Walking is the way to get around the Old Town. It's a small area and you don't want to miss any details of the old buildings or the charming little shops. The streets are narrow and cobblestones are uneven though, so wear good shoes.
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