Quebec City

“Quebec City is the most European of any city in North America; they speak French all the time. There is a part of town called Old Quebec which is really like being in France. The architecture is just gorgeous, food, shopping. I’d say Quebec City is the most beautiful city in North America I’ve seen.” —Sebastian Bach

If you have a long weekend to spend in Quebec City, I hope you manage to have a great time. It is one of my favorite cities. For me, the French cuisine, the French language, and the narrow historic streets, all contribute to the City’s charm. I recommend brushing up a bit on some French phrases before you go. Even a little can go a long way. Closer to departure, check the events calendar for evening entertainment before arriving. Once there, I would visit the city ticket office to purchase tickets. I considerate it one of the safer cities for walking home late at night.

Here is a sample itinerary for your consideration. 

Day One:

• Edifice Marie Gujaret, Observatoire de la Capitale (Tues-Sun)
• Parliament Buildings on Grande Allée (Mon-Fri)
• Musée d’Art d’Inuit 
• *Musée de la Civilization, Old Port

Day Two:

• Parc des Champs de Battaille (Thus-Sun) and see
  • -Musée National des Beaux Art du Québec
  • -three Pavillions including Musée de Québec
• *Ursuline Convent
• *Musée des Augustines

Day Three:

• The Fort Museum, opposite Hotel Frontenac
• Duffin Terrace (next to Chateau)
• Notre Dame Basilica 
• Musée de l’Amérique Français
• Centre d’Interpretation des Place d’Armes Royale

Other options include hourly tours at the Château Frontenac and a wax museum. In the winter, check out Simon’s Department Store for woolen leg warmers for you or for loved ones. During Ice Hockey season, I recommend taking a local bus to a game; the local team is Radio X. If you have transport, there is an Aquarium (10am-5pm) about a 20-minute drive from the city. In the warmer months, again if you have transport, there is the option of visiting a Huron Village. (I generally arrive by plane and walk everywhere.) You may want to stay at the centrally located hostel, Auberge Internationale de Québec. 

To be unhurried with good coffee! Enjoy that Je ne sais quoi vibe that Quebec City has to offer. 

TATTOO—Journeys on My Mind by Tina Marie L. Lamb is available at Amazon and BarnesandNoble and iBooks.

Get an ebook or paper book now.