72 Hours in Québec City

This is the first in a series of articles on our travels to Québec.

Sidewalk cafes, art gallery lined streets, boutiques, cathedrals, cobblestone walkways, and men and women chatting in French, eating a croissant and sipping café au lait. This could be a scene from almost any town in France yet, non non. This is Québec City. A little bit of France with a Parisian flair and it’s all close to home without ever having to fly over the pond!

One street is filled with local artwork

Art galleries

Rue Petit-Champlain – The oldest street in North America

It was no surprise that I fell in love with Québec City. Situated along the St. Lawrence River, this enchanting and romantic city has a very European feel and offers visitors a myriad of outdoor activities, spectacular architecture, history, museums, excellent dining and shopping, and reasons to return again and again. It has been called the most European city in North America.  With two distinct cities within the city: the walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and the newer and more modern section of Québec City, there is plenty to see and do. As we discovered, three nights is not nearly enough time to explore the city and the outlying region. And depending on the type of vacation you prefer, Québec City offers beautiful and unique experiences. Any time of year is the perfect time to visit Québec.

Cafés line the streets

Musee du Fort

Québec City has a feel very much like Boston; not too large and easy to navigate. The people are warm and friendly and have a real passion for their city and they embrace all of their seasons. While some of us prefer the warm months of summer or the moderate months of spring and fall for their natural beauty, the people of Québec City love the winter for the peace, breathtaking snow-covered scenery, and outdoor activities the cold weather affords.

Entering the walled Old City

There’s a charming feel to Old Québec

We saw many groups of children with their French immersion classes

Québec City is known for its many festivals and while there are festivals all spring and summer long, such as the 11-day Québec City Summer Festival in July featuring International music stars; the Bordeaux Wine Festival in August; and the renowned Québec Jazz Festival in the Fall, the winter months are also filled with activities as the quiet, snow-lined streets beckon residents and visitors to come outside and enjoy the winter’s festivities, such as the Christmas Markets (similar to those in Europe), the Festi Lumiere, and the Winter Carnival.

The list headliners for this summer’s festival was impressive

Notre-Dame-des-Victoires

Inside the small and beautiful Roman Catholic church

Outdoor cafés at night