by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: July 19, 2010

At just over 400 years old, Quebec City is among the oldest cities in North America. It is the only walled city. A visit to Quebec City is a chance to experience the culture and language of France on the North American continent. The city is prepared to welcome you with a wide variety of accommodations for every price range and the cuisine in second to none. Head to this northern beauty when you are looking for something very special that is only a short flight or drive away.

Quebec is served by both air and rail service. You can arrive in Montreal on the Adirondack Train from New York City or Albany and then take the train from Montreal's  Main Station to Quebec City. The Jean Lesage International Airport is located 7 miles southwest of Quebec City. If you prefer to drive, route 20 The Trans Canada Highway is  right across the St Lawrence  from Quebec City and can bring your from anywhere in Canada and also connects with many roads from the US as well.

The iconic Fairmont Chateau Frontenac is a historic gem that is the perfect place to stay and absorb all the ambiance if you can afford the price. If you love the location but the price leaves you cold, the Chateau Bellevue literally sits in the shadow of the Frontenac at a much more reasonable rate. In the lower city, the Auberge St. Pierre offers a very French Canadian experience with breakfast included in the price. There are numerous bed and breakfasts within the old city and if you are looking for inexpensive prices,  all the standard budget hotels are located within a couple of miles.

For the perfect French Canadian dining experience, Aux Anciens Canadiens offers food typical to the region. This is where you will want to sample the pea soup, the tourtiere and the tarte aux sucre.  A wonderful river front location makes Le Cafe du Monde a great place for a meal, especially their Sunday Brunch. One thing you must do if the weather permits is to enjoy dining at one of the sidewalk cafes, it is a very French experience. Sample poutine at least once, this is  a diet  busting combination of cheese, gravy and French fries that is an obsession in the Province of Quebec. 

Quebec is a very walkable  city in spite of the fact that it is very hilly. You can take the funicular to get from the upper city to the lower and vice versa or you can walk the Breakneck Stairs. Take a ride in a horse drawn carriage and learn a little of the history of this 400 year old city. There is a hop on hop off tour bus that goes into Battlefield Park where you can visit the Discovery Pavilion and the Martello Tower. Just look for the signs with Abraham Martin on them, he was the original owner of the Plains of Abraham. 

No visit to Quebec City would be complete without a walk on the Dufferin Terrace. This boardwalk traverses the rocky cliffs and offers stellar views of the St Lawrence River and the south shore. In the winter time it is turned into a toboggan run and in the summer it is the site of almost non-stop entertainment. Everyone visit the terrace just to stroll, have an ice cream or sit on one of the park benches and just soak up the atmosphere.

"I will remember" is the motto of the Province of Quebec and it is also true for any tourist who visits. Not only will you remember, you will want to return. There are enough things to do in the city and the surrounding area to entertain you for many visits after your first.

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