Québec City in 3 Days

Located on Old Quebecs most fashionable street and minutes away from Parliament Hill- the Chateau Grande-Allee welcomes you in its spacious rooms designed to make your stay as comfortable as possible- regardless of whether you are traveling for work or pleasure. The hotel has a large parking lot for your convenience. The Chateau Grande-Allee- a residence with a classic and opulent design to reflect the Grande-Allees posh image- offers an enviable proximity to both Old Quebecs attractions and downtown entertainment- the business district and convention centers. Savor a delicious meal at our restaurant- the Rivoli.

From its historical sites and enclosing wall to its French-influenced culture and cuisine, Québec City offers enticing options for all ages.

Our current issue highlights this historic Canadian city as it celebrates its quadrennial. Also read about Euro soccer, the offbeat Winvian resort and stays with the in-laws.

Québec City is the capital of the province of Québec in Canada. Located at a commanding position on cliffs overlooking the St. Lawrence Seaway, Québec City’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only city north of Mexico with its original city walls.

French is the official language of the province of Québec, though in the tourist areas of Québec City English is widely spoken. Outside of the tourist areas, some knowledge of French is advisable, if not necessary.

Québec City’s main sight is the Old Town, the upper part of which is surrounded by a stone wall built by both French and British armies. It is now a tourist district with many small boutiques and hundreds of points of interest. Some of the buildings are original structures, while others are built in the same style as former buildings. Visitors may also enjoy taking the ferry to Lévis for beautiful views of the Chateau Frontenac and the Lower Old Town, or a St. Lawrence River cruise.

Outdoorsy types can treat themselves to nature by cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on Plains of Abraham. It’s free and offers breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River.

This popular attraction is home to 250 species of fish, mammals and reptiles, including some that are unique to Quebec. The Audio-Guide is a must when visiting the aquarium, as it provides some fascinating information via headphones. Seals perform acrobatics three times per day, while a few trails, picnic tables and a restaurant are available on premises for relaxation. The aquarium is located near the Saint Lawrence River and offers an incredible view of the Old Quebec Bridge.

One of the Quebec area's trendiest bistros, this sunny spot serves first-rate California cuisine in a delightful, bustling atmosphere. Innovative pasta dishes include Linguine with Prosciutto, melon, peppers and sundried tomatoes, while traditionally prepared meat and fish courses are accented with fresh produce and other typical West Coast accoutrements. Located in Sillery, about 15 minutes west of downtown, the brightly-coloured décor and imaginative table settings exude a casual charm—hip but not pretentious.

Facing the Château Frontenac, this pleasantly landscaped promenade and boardwalk offers the city's best view of the Saint Lawrence River and Old Quebec. Full of vendors, street performers and scores of visitors in the summer, the boardwalk is also an excellent starting point for touring the rest of the city. Those in search of some exercise can descend the staircase to the Lower Town—others ride the precipitous funicular railway. The spectacular Promenade des Gouverneurs leaves the Terrace to the south, runs beneath the Citadel, and emerges at the Plains of Abraham.

This well-established French restaurant in the Old City has won several awards for its simply exquisite cuisine. The charming dining room features stone walls, flowers, and mirrors—refined, yet romantic. It specializes in seafood (swordfish with sweet pimento in a cream sauce), game (grilled caribou with poached pear and cedar jelly), lamb (rack of lamb in a fine herb and cheese crust), and Quebec duck foie gras (appetizer). Desserts are spectacular, and the wine list features a 1928 Sauternes Chateau La Tour.

This collection of buildings and narrow streets was born in 1608, when explorer Samuel de Champlain established a secure fur trading post. It changed hands between the British and French, surviving fires and battles, and eventually became Quebec City's version of "downtown." After a complete restoration, Place Royale is now the city's most picturesque place, sporting restaurants and cafés, as well as many tourist attractions. Be sure to visit the Maison Chevalier, the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, and the interpretive centre. Admission to the interpretive centre is free.