by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: July 24, 2009   Last Updated: July 27, 2009

Choosing the best vacation destination is no easy task. An important consideration in determining the best vacation destination for you personally is where you live and how you plan to travel. If you live in the United States, have always dreamed of traveling to France but are looking for some place much closer, I am going to suggest Quebec City Canada. Quebec City celebrated their 400th anniversary in 2008 and the city is just jam packed with history. It isn't just history however; Quebec is a vibrant city that is very 21st century. It has everything, romance, the great outdoors and of course 400 years of history. There are numerous festivals throughout the year to celebrate everything season from summer to winter.

The Citadel
Built in the Vauban style of forts the Citadel has a four point star design and is a great place to visit. Tours are offered hourly and they have a changing of the guard which is very popular. Some of the best views in the city can be had from within the Citadel.

The Walls
Quebec is the only walled city in North America and you can walk along a large part of those walls. This gives you a unique perspective of the Old City and there are guided tours offered if you want to learn more about the city and the walls.

Battlefield Park
Today this is a large urban park 250 years ago it was the site of the decisive battle for the control of Quebec and ultimately for all of Canada. Last year the park hosted the Celine Dion Concert and at any given time you can find some sort of entertainment planned.

Museum of Civilization
This is a fascinating museum that covers the development of Canada from the indigenous peoples to the current day. There are always special exhibits, the breathe and scope of what is shown here is vast. You certainly can spend a whole day.

Terrace Dufferin
This boardwalk extends along the upper city overlooking the St Lawrence River. It is one of the most popular spots in Quebec City. You can watch the cruise ships sailing up the river, grab as snack as you stroll and stop and enjoy the street entertainment that you will undoubtedly find. In the winter there is a toboggan run on theTerrasse.

Grande Allee
This is the Champs Elysee of Quebec. It is the perfect place to have lunch at one of the outdoor cafe and in the evening there are clubs and bars. This is the place to sit and watch and to be seen.

Accommodations:
Quebec has a wide variety of hotels. For the top of the line the is the venerable and historic Chateau Frontenac, which has hosted such greats as Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II. Auberge St Pierre in the lower city offers a real taste of Old Quebec and if you prefer the modern chain, Delta, Hilton and Courtyard by Marriott all have comfortable rooms available.

Dining
For a taste of Quebecois cuisine, Aux Anciens Canadiens on the Rue St. Louis, is the perfect place to taste the delights that Quebec has to offer. Located within the walls in a ancient regime house it is one of the favorites with locals and tourists alike. Try the meat pie and pea soup with sugar pie for dessert for a traditional feast.

If you want to have the feeling that you have visited France without leaving the North American continent you really can do better than Quebec City. Taking into account that the American dollar is still somewhat stronger than the Canadian Loonie, you can also hopefully find a good bargain as well.

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