A Guide To Quebec City
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Quebec City is the capital of the Canadian province, Quebec. It’s the oldest city in Canada and wasfounded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608. As a port city, it’s strategically located in the St. Lawrence River valley and has a population of about 700,000 residents. With its remarkable history, Quebec City is one of the world’s incredible historical centers of all times. Quebec City is the only city in North America outside of Mexico that still retains its original fortified city walls (built by the French and the British armies).
A rich historical heritage and beautiful surrounding make Quebec City one of the best tourist destinations around the world. Approximately nine million tourists from around the world flock to visit Quebec City every year. Quebec City has some unique and modern hotels and restaurants that offer the best comfort in accommodation and food, and give a taste of both North America and Europe combined.
An elaborate and well organized road, rail, air and sea network offers excellent public transport convenient for traveling both within and outside the city. Jean Lesage International Airport is the main airport located in the west of the city, 16 km (10 miles) away, approximately a 20 minute drive from downtown Quebec. Flights are available to most cities in North America and Europe, and charters are available for more remote areas of the province. The city also has a large major port at St. Lawrence.
The city’s main train station is found at the port of Quebec, 450 rue de la Gare du Palais. The Quebec-Windsor corridor trains operating via Toronto and Montreal have regular daily schedules. The inter-city bus station, Gare du Palais Bus Terminal, is also located at the old port of Quebec next to the train station. From here, the long-distance bus services connecting to all parts of the province operate.
A must see when visiting Quebec City is the Le Chateau Fontenac. This is the most visible and famous landmark in the city. It’s said to be the most photographed hotel in North America. Another great architectural work in the city is the National Assembly building with its sculptors and monuments. The Ice Hotel too, is one of the only two ice hotels in the world. The walled city on top of the hill (Quebec City Old Town) itself is a tourist district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other attractions worthy of visiting include the historical Saint Damme des Victoires church, the Basilica of Saint-Anne-de-Beaupre, the Mont-Sainte-Anne ski resort and the Montmorency Falls.
Quebec City is also internationally known for its Summer Festival, Winter Carnival and the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day celebrations. The Summer Festival’s main features are the classical and contemporary music concerts held throughout the city, for over two weeks every July. The Winter Carnival, which attracts people from around the world, consists of singing and dancing, outdoor movies, shows and all sorts of games lasting three weeks. The Winter Carnival can only be compared to the New Orleans’ Mardi Gras and the Rio de Janeiro’s renowned Carnival.
