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Music and theater Culture is behind each and every stone wall in Quebec City. There are plenty of theaters, presenting a wide variety of shows. The Grand Théâtre is at the heart of the city's entertainment life. It's home to the Music Conservatory, the Quebec Symphony Orchestra, the Opéra de Québec and the Trident Theatre, which features plays throughout the year.
The Périscope and Bordée theatres, though of smaller stature, are also much appreciated and often present alternative plays. The Palais Montcalm is one of the most beautiful theatres in the city, standing atop Place d'Youville and featuring a wide range of events from classical music to humour. Le Capitole, also located near Place d'Youville, is a richly decorated theater offering musicals like "The Elvis Story." Le Capitole also has its own hotel and cabaret, for more intimate entertainment.
Quebec City's beautiful churches are well-known, in part for the wonderful concerts hosted. The Violons du Roy, a famous string orchestra, performs regularly in local churches. The Salle Albert-Rousseau, located in Sainte-Foy, is the choice of many artists who wish to perform in a smaller state-of-the-art theater. Pop artists who attract large crowds usually head for the Colisée de Québec, a large arena where the NHL Nordiques hockey team used to play. Finally, artists who wish to perform under the stars can do so at the Agora du Vieux-Port, a popular outdoor theatre.
Festivals and carnivals During the summer, Quebec City becomes one giant theater. Artists perform in the streets, in parks, and pretty much everywhere a crowd can gather. In June, hundreds of children from several countries come to the Montmorency Historic Site, near the famous Montmorency Falls, to share their cultures through dance and music. In July, the Summer Festival brings local and international artists to town. For 10 days, stages spring up everywhere in the city: Place d'Youville becomes its own performance space, a large stage is put together in front of the Parliament Buildings and most city parks are turned into small theaters where jazz, folk, pop, rock, opera and every other imaginable genre resonates. For less than CAD10, you can purchase a pin that gives access to all shows during the festival.
In August, Quebec City goes back in time with the Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France, which celebrates the 150 years of French Regime in the 17th and 18th centuries. Peasants and seigneurs gather at Place Royale for five days of celebration. During the last week of the summer, Quebec City has its annual fair with all the rides, animals, clowns and cotton candy one would expect.
During the winter, Québécois find a way to entertain themselves despite the cold with their famous Winter Carnival. For more than 47 years, they have enjoyed many sporting, artistic and cultural activities during this magical carnival, which allows them to rediscover each year the wonders of winter. An international ice sculpture contest, a parade, an ice castle and a canoe race on the icy St. Lawrence River are some of the activities that take place during these 17 days and nights of sheer fun. Ice rinks also spring up everywhere—at Place d'Youville, for instance, people of all ages skate to classical music.
Museums and galleries Although Quebec City offers tons of outdoors activities, those who prefer to stay inside won't be disappointed. There are plenty of museums, malls and movie theaters. The Museum of Civilization is a must: it features many exhibitions on topics as varied as the beginnings of civilization, the history of clothes, naval history and humour. There are two permanent exhibitions: "Nous les Premières Nations," which presents the history and culture of the Native peoples of Canada, and "Mémoires," which relates the history of the first European settlers. The Musée du Québec, meanwhile, is a treasure of fine art. It has held exhibitions with some of Canada's most famous artists, including Krieghoff and Dallaire, as well as world-renowned artists like Rodin and Tissot.
Those interested in Quebec's history will enjoy the Musée des Augustines de l'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, which relates the history of the sisters who founded the first hospital in North America, as well as the Musée de l'Amérique française and the Musée du Fort, which focus more on military history. The Battlefields National Park has an interesting interpretation centre, with a multimedia show on the battle of the Plains of Abraham.
Malls The Old City is filled with shops and boutiques, but there are many great malls in the Greater Quebec City area. Les Galeries de la Capitale is often the favourite because of its indoor entertainment park with rides, an ice rink and movie and IMAX theatres. Place Laurier is the largest mall with 350 stores, while Place Sainte-Foy has many upscale stores and designer boutiques.
Sports Many visitors take at least a day to swoop down the slopes or hit the links at Mont Saint-Anne or Stoneham, both just minutes east of the city. For those who prefer to watch their sports, the area's several hockey teams are not to be missed. The Remparts play in the Quebec junior league, while the Citadelles are the Montreal Canadiens' minor league affiliate in the American Hockey League. Both offer outstanding value and fast-paced entertainment.
Nightlife At night, the Grande-Allée is the place to be. This is Quebec City's busiest street, filled with restaurants, cigar rooms, cafés, pubs and nightclubs. Chez Maurice is one of the most popular clubs in the city, along with Chez Dagobert, and Le Vogue. As a general rule there are no cover charges to get into nightclubs, which means that people can go from one to the other all night long.
In the end, a walk in the Old City, especially on the Dufferin Terrace, is for some the best entertainment available in Quebec City. The view is absolutely gorgeous. Wander through the streets, watch a clown draw a smile on people's faces, enjoy the afternoon in a nice café or dance the night away.
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