Quebec City Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Quebec City Travel & Tourism, Free Quebec City Travel Guide Online

Quebec City Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Quebec City Travel & Tourism, Free Quebec City Travel Guide Online

No excursion to French speaking Canada is complete without a visit to exuberant, romantic Québec City, a travel destination found in one of the most beautiful natural settingsin North America. The well preserved Vieux-Québec (Old Québec)is small and densely packed, and is steeped in four centuries of history and French tradition. 17th and 18th century buildings have been carefully maintained and preserved over the centuries and are bordered by numerous attractive parks which contain historic monuments.

The government of Québec has completely restoredmany of the centuries old buildings of Place Royale, one of the oldestdistricts on the continent. Because of its meticulous preservation of this, theonly fortified city remaining in North America, UNESCO has designated Vieux-Québeca World Heritage Site.

Perched on a cliff abovea narrow point in the St. Lawrence River, Québec City has a view that seems to take in the whole world. In the 17th century thefirst French explorers, fur trappers, and missionaries came here to establishthe colony of New France. Today, it still resembles a French provincialtown in many ways. The culture, music, food, and art are all distinctlyinfluenced by the French. At the same time, the Quebecois havecreated their own enduring culture with its unique traditions, flavors,sounds, and sights.

Québec City's splitlevel landscape divides Upper Town on the cape from Lower Town, along theshores of the St. Lawrence. Separating these two sections of thecity are cliffs of steep and precipitous rock, against which were built more than25 escaliers (staircases). Both parts of the town offer attractions ranging from from centuries old buildings to beautiful churches. The city also has an amazing array of cabarets, cafes, and restaurantswhere visitors can enjoy the unique Quebecois cuisine.

Quebec City is the closestone can come to being in France without leaving North America. Visitors to Quebec City are never disappointed. The blend of French culture with other traditions has produced an amazing city of timeless treasures and memories to be shared.

Quebec City Attractions: Quebec City Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Quebec City Travel & Tourism, Free Quebec City Travel Guide Online

ÉgliseSt-Jean- Baptiste
410 rue St-Jean.
418-525-7188
Constructed by the architectJoseph Ferdinand Peachy this church was inspired by the facade of the Églisede la Trinité in Paris. The present church, which dates to 1884features 36 stained-glass windows – each consisting of 30 sections.The impressive sound of the church organ is a final touch in this majesticmonument.

Aquarium du Québec
1675 av. des Hôtels
418-627-2511
The aquarium, located nearthe center of the city, contains more than 340 species of marine life.This collection of animals includes everything from reptiles, exotic fish,to seals from the lower St. Lawrence River. A wooded picnic areamakes for a great afternoon or early morning.

Jardin Zoologique du Québec
9300 rue de la Faune
418-622-0313.
This zoo is especially uniquebecause of the DuBerger River, which runs through the park. 200 animalspecies make their home in the Jardin. The animals that call – ormaybe "roar" the Jardin home include bears, wildcats, primates, and birdsof prey. Another unique feature of this park is that during the wintermonths visitors can cross-country ski.

Musée de Québec(Québec Museum)
1 av. Wolfe-Montcalm
418-643-2150.
Showcasing more than 20,000traditional and contemporary pieces of Québec art, the Quebec Museumis a must see. An interesting feature of the museum is the incorporationof a newly renovated building – this building, however was once a functioningprison that is said to date back to 1867.

Plains of Abraham
418-648-4071
This park, named after theriver pilot Abraham Martin, is the site of the famous battle of 1759. However,nowadays visitors use the area to cross-country ski and for sleigh ridesduring the summer. And once the snow has melted, visitors canlace up their in-line skates and take a "roll" through the plains.

Château Frontenac
1 rue des Carrières
418-692-3861
This castle is Quebec'smost celebrated landmark. The Frontenac was completed in 1925 withthe unique addition of a 20 story central tower. Due to its impressivestature and history, the Chateau Frontenac enjoys a wide variety of famedvisitors.

Verrerie La Mailloche
58 rue Sous-le-For
418-694-0445
Catch the sight of a truemaster at work! The glassblowing techniques used in this museumare said to be quite ancient – however the products tend to be quite modern.Master glassblower Jean Vallières gives a demonstrative workshopfor visitors.

Musée de la Civilisation(Museum of Civilization)
85 rue Dalhousie
418-643-2158
Oddly located, this museum'slocale is on the foot of a cliff. The museum designed by architectMoshe Safdie, is lined with a limestone and glass facade that has beenmade in order for the structure to creatively blend into the surroundinglandscape. Its campanile echoes the shape of church steeples throughoutthe city. The museum tells the story of Quebec's culture and itspeople. Many exhibits detail the arrival of the first, the role of theRoman Catholic Church and the Québec nationalism.

Edifice Price (Price Building)
65 rue Ste-Anne.
Known to be the city's firstskyscraper, this structure 20story structure was modeled in the Art Decostyle. Built in 1929 it served as the main headquarters of the PriceBrothers Company.

Couvent des Ursulines(Ursuline Convent)
18 rue Donnacona.
Founded in 1639 by two Frenchnuns, this is one of the oldest of all girl schools. Located on theproperty are the Musée des Ursulines and the Chapelle des Ursulines– both of which are open to visitors.

Montcalm Monument
Pl. Montcalm.
This monument was erectedas a tribute to Louis-Joseph Montcalm, a general who won four major battlesin North America.

Grande Théâtrede Québec
269 blvd. René-LévesqueEst.
418-646-0609.
Opened in 1971, the theaterincorporates two main halls. The halls are named in honor of Louis-Frechetteand Octave-Crémazie. For a taste of the theater don't miss out onthis site of cultural distinction.

Parc de l'Esplanade (EsplanadePark)
100 rue St-Louis
418-648-7016
The French began buildingramparts along the city's natural cliff as early as 1690 to protect themselvesfrom British invaders. 3 miles of walls surround this park.Guided tours are offered in the summer.

Granby Zoo
Autoroute 10, Exit 68, Route139
450-372-9113
Recently added to the entourageis the AFRIKA Pavilion and its gorillas and AMAZOO. Amazoo is awater park featuring what is claimed to be the biggest wave pool in allof Canada. Zoo features include family water games, more than 1,000animals, the Children's Zoo, l'Île du Fort Magik and ChâteauYoplait.

Parc Safari
850 Route 202
450-247-2727
Parc Safari is a familyrecreational park. Some of the sights and activities include animals,swimming, rides, shows, picnics, games, trails, shops, and restaurants.Parc safari provides the whole family with a full day of fun and discovery.

Quebec City Events: Quebec City Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Quebec City Travel & Tourism, Free Quebec City Travel Guide Online

Events

January

Carnaval de Quebec Mr. Christie

Held in late January – mid February

Location:

290, rue Joly

QuébecQCG1L1N8

418-626-3716

The Quebec Winter Carnival is a great winter celebration for the entire family. It is a gathering of art, culture, sports and entertainment in an event that people from around the world are invited to share.

February

Antique Snowmobile Festival

Held in early February

Location: Centre-ville de Saint-Raymond
418-337-4049

Call for additional information

Winter Carnival – Le Carnaval de Quebec

Held in late January – mid February

Location:

290, rue Joly

QuébecQCG1L1N8

418-626-3716

The largest singular event on the city's social calendar is the Winter Carnival, reputedly the biggest annual event of its kind in the world and one of the reasons why Québec City gets as jammed with people in the middle of winter as it does in summer. The carnival features parades, ice sculptures, dances, a snow slide that sets up on Terrasse Dufferin, and the vigorous downing of locally brewed beers such as St. Ambroise and Boréale. The master of ceremonies since the festival began in 1954 has been a character called Bonhomme, who allegedly snowshoes in from a place called Knulandis and appears around town dressed only in a red hat and a jolly grin.

March

Papillons en fete

Held mid February – mid April
Location:

6029, boulevard Hamel, L'Ancienne-Lorette

418-872-9705

Exotic butterfly sanctuary

June

Air Nova Horse Show

Held over 4 days in late June

Location: St-Jean-Baptiste

418-647-1300 (2248)

Admission free to most events

For four days in late June the Plains of Abraham are transformed into a giant equestrian circuit. This is a premiere stop on the World Cup, attracting well-known horses and riders from around the world; everything from pony rides for the kids to riding accessories and polo demonstrations are offered. Past events have also included an equestrian circus, dog show, miniature horse exhibitions and art exhibits. A moderately priced Show Button offers complete access to all events.

July

Quebec International Summer Festival

Held in early – mid July

Location: Quebec City

514-284-2860

To meet their objective, event planners have turned not only to the stars of Québec's 70s musical scene but also to outstanding representatives of the younger generation of performing artists who, together, will renew the spirit of fraternity epitomizing this mega-gathering of cultures, a forerunner of today's Québec City Summer Festival.

Les Grands Feux Loto-Quebec

Held end of July – mid August

Location: Montmorency Falls Park

418- 692-3736

There could hardly be a more spectacular venue for international competitive fireworks displays than Montmorency Falls Park, just outside of Quebec City. Illuminating the night sky and the falls themselves, teams from around the world compete over three weeks for the coveted Solstice Loto-Qubec award; traditional favourites include Italy, Spain and South Africa's Pyro Spectacular. Regular admission to the park is free (parking is CAD7), and spectators can set up camp anywhere on the grounds.

August

Expo Quebec

Held in mid – late August

Location:

Centre de Foires, Expocité.
250 boul. Wilfrid-Hamel.
418-691-7110

Relive childhood memories at Expo Québec, the biggest fairground in eastern Canada which offers a wide variety of exciting activities!

SAQ New France Festival

Held in early August

Location: Old Quebec

5, rue du Cul-de-Sac, C.P. 128, succ. B
Québec, Québec
Canada G1K 7A1
418-694-3311

Festivities feature the history and heritage of New France and encourage visitors to join in the fun. The 5-day event is held in the heart of Old Quebec.

October

The Quebec City Festival of Sacred Music

Held in late October – early November

Location:

Église Saint-Roch.
590, rue Saint-Joseph Est.

418-525-9777

From Gospel music to Gregorian chants, from Corsican polyphony to Celtic sounds, the Festival features music inspired by the world's many spiritual traditions, both ancient and contemporary, performed by artists of international fame. Through their art, they give expression to sacred music's power to create a sense of both peace and exaltation.

December

Nokia Snowboard FIS World Cup

Held in mid December

Location:

Station Touristique Stoneham
1420 avenue du Hibou
418-827-1122

Some of the best riders of the World compete in the Halfpipe, Big Air, Parallel Giant Slalom, and Parallel Slalom disciplines.

Arts and Entertainment

Quebec Opera

1220 avenue Taché
Québec, QC G1R 3B4

418-529-4142

Performances held at the Grand Theatre de Quebec

Call for performance schedule

Quebec Symphony Orchestra

Location: Montcalm/St-Sacrement

418-646-8486

Season runs September – May, call for schedule

Boasting a remarkable amount of musical talent for a city of Quebec's size, this top-notch orchestra delivers a full program of concerts and events.

Theatre de la Bordee

Located in Old Quebec

418-694-9721

Call for additional information and schedule

One of a surprising number of small independent theatre companies in Quebec City, this venerable organization mounts four productions annually.

Theatre Periscope

Located in Montcalm/St-Sacrement

418-648-9989

Call for additional information and schedule
Situated at the creative forefront of Quebec theatre, the Periscope also sponsors public discussion sessions with respect to their program and art in general.

Elvis Story

Located in Old Quebec

418-694-4444
Call for additional information and schedule

This rollicking chronicle of Elvis Presley's runs at Quebec City's Le Capitôle theatre, and audiences show no sign of tiring of the now infamous production. Hear all of the King's most famous numbers during the biographical drama, including a show-stopping medley of "Blue Suede Shoes," "Shake, Rattle and Roll" and "Heartbreak Hotel."

Theatre du Trident

Located in Montcalm/St-Sacrement

418-643-5873
Call for additional information and schedule
One of Quebec City's premier theatre companies, staging plays from Quebec and around the world.

Grand Theatre de Quebec

Located in Montcalm/St-Sacrement

418-643-8131
Call for additional information and schedule
Quebec City's modern theatre stands in stark contrast to the venerable beauty of the Palais Montcalm, which it effectively replaced. Built in the mid-1960s, the home of the Quebec Symphony Orchestra and l'Opera de Quebec does have its own charm, however. The Salle Louis-Frechette seats 1,875 in a classic four-tier arrangement, while the Salle Octave-Cremazie is a more intimate option at 506 seats. With a huge annual program befitting a first-class, multi-use facility, any visitor with an interest in the arts is likely to find himself, enjoyably, at the Grand.

Sports

Capitales Baseball Club of the Northern League

Games played at the Municipal Stadium

100 rue du Cardinal Maurice-Roy

418-521-2255

Call for additional information and schedule

Hippodrome de Quebec

Professional harness racing

250 bd. Wilfrid-Hamel ExpoCité

418-524-5283

Admission free

Races held year round

Quebec City Facts: Quebec City Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Quebec City Travel & Tourism, Free Quebec City Travel Guide Online

Population: 671,889

Elevation: 300 feet (91 meters) above sea level

Land Area: 1957.1 square miles (3,149.7 square kilometers)

Location: Located in the southern section of Canada, close to the border of the United States

Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (when it's noon in Quebec City, it's 9am in Vancouver). Quebec City observes Daylight Savings Time from Late April – Late October

Weather:

Average Temperatures:

Climate:

Québec has three distinct climates: the humid continental climate in the region covered by boreal forest (south of the 50th parallel), the sub arctic climate in the taiga region (between the 50th-58th parallels), and the arctic climate of Nunavik, the tundra region above the 58th parallel, home of the Inuit.

Québec's southernmost climate is marked by seasonal extremes of temperature. A rigorous snowy winter, with an average annual snowfall of over 3 metres (10 feet), gives way to an exhilarating spring and a pleasantly warm summer, followed by a crisp and colorful autumn. Through all the thermometer's ups and downs, the hospitality and conviviality of the people of Quebec is legendary.

Local Seasons:

The crowds are at their most bustling throughout summer (June through August), particularly over the last two weeks of July when Canadian factory workers and other heavy-industry personnel traditionally lay down their tools and take a "long lunch". Another peak period is the week in mid-March when elementary and high-school students are released from school for the annual family holiday, which in Québec City often means a pilgrimage to nearby Île d'Orléans.

How to Get There:

By Plane

Aeroporte de Quebec

500, Rue Principale

Sainte-Foy (Quebec)

Canada G2G279

418-640-2700

The airport is located 12 miles (19.3 kilometers) northwest of the city and is served by many of the national and international carriers as well as a variety of local, regional and charter services.

Mirabel International Airport

12600 Aérogare A-1 Street
Mirabel, Québec, Canada J7N 1C9

800-465-1213

Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport

975 Roméo-Vachon Blvd North
Montréal, Québec, Canada H4Y 1H1

514-394-7377

Ground Transportation

Car rental, taxi, shuttle service and limousine service is available at all of the airports as well as throughout the city.

By Car

From the U.S.:

Québec City is slightly more than 805km (500 miles) from New York, and less than 644km (400 miles) from Boston. Coming from New York and points farther south, pick up Interstate 91 at New Haven, and follow it right up to the Canadian border. From Boston, take I-93 out of the city and link up with I-91 at St. Johnsbury, Vermont. After crossing the border, I-91 becomes Québec Autoroute 55, to Sherbrooke and Drummondville. From Sherbrooke, there is a choice. To make the trip quickly, take Autoroute 55 to Autoroute 20. But Route 116, which heads northeast from Richmond, midway between Sherbrooke and Drummondville, is more scenic, if a bit slower.

From Montreal & Vice Versa

When driving to Québec City from Montréal, Autoroute 40, which runs along the north shore of the St. Lawrence, is faster than Autoroute 20, on the south shore. The trip takes less than 3 hours without stops.

By Bus

Gare Centrale d`autobus
320, Rue Abraham-Martin
Québec (Québec) G1K 8N2
415-525-3000

Terminus Sainte-Foy
925, Ave de Rochebelle
Sainte-Foy (Québec) G1V 4H8
418-525 3000

By Train

Gare du Palais
450, Rue de la Gare-du-Palais
Québec (Québec) G1K 3X2
418-524-4161

Gare de Sainte-Foy
3255, Chemin de la Gare
Sainte-Foy (Québec) G1W 3A3
418-658-8792

How to Get Around:

Quebec City Bus (RTC)

418-627-2511

Taxi

Québec Taxi Co-op

418-525-5191

Taxi Québec

418-522-2001


Sainte-Foy / Sillery
Taxi Laurier

418-651-2727

Taxi Coop

418-653-7777


Rail

Gare Du Palais

450, de la Gare du Palais

Quebec

418-692-3940

Immigration and customs formalities

Visitors from any country except the United States must carry a valid passport. American citizens need only proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and an identity card that includes a photo.

Personal luggage not subject to any specific restrictions is tax exempt, but must be declared to Canadian customs. There are restrictions on imports of food products, plants, pets and firearms,

For additional information, call 506-636-5067.

National Holidays:

New Year's (January 1 and 2)

Good Friday

Easter Monday

Patriotes' Day (second-last Monday in May)

Québec National Holiday (June 24)

Canada Day (July 1)

Labour Day (first Monday in September)

Thanksgiving (second Monday in October)

Christmas (December 25 and 26)

Quebec City Kids Activities: Quebec City Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Quebec City Travel & Tourism, Free Quebec City Travel Guide Online

Aquarium duQuébec
1675 Av. des Hôtels
418-627-2511
The aquarium, located nearthe center of the city, contains more than 340 species of marine life.This collection of animals includes everything from reptiles, exotic fish,to seals from the lower St. Lawrence River. A wooded picnic areamakes for a great afternoon or early morning.

Jardin Zoologique du Québec
9300 rue de la Faune
418-622-0313.
This zoo is especially uniquebecause of the DuBerger River, which runs through the park. 200 animalspecies make their home in the Jardin. The animals that call – ormaybe "roar" the Jardin home include bears, wildcats, primates, and birdsof prey. Another unique feature of this park is that during the wintermonths visitors can cross-country ski.

Plains of Abraham
418-648-4071
This park, named after theriver pilot Abraham Martin, is the site of the famous battle of 1759.However, nowadays visitors use the area to cross-country ski and for sleighrides during the summer. And once the snow has melted, visitors canlace up their in-line skates and take a "roll" through the plains.

Granby Zoo
Autoroute 10, Exit 68, Route139
450-372-9113
Recently added to the entourageis the AFRIKA Pavilion and its gorillas and AMAZOO. Amazoo is awater park featuring what is claimed to be the biggest wave pool in allof Canada. Zoo features include family water games, more than 1,000animals, the Children's Zoo, l'Île du Fort Magik and ChâteauYoplait.

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