Visiting Quebec City
Chateau Frontenac, Ice Hotel, Ghost Tours and Sugar Shacks
Often called the cradle of French culture in North America, Quebec City offers the best of both new and old world vacation escapes.
Quebec City is a taste of Europe in Canada; its world famous Old Town is the only remaining walled city north of Mexico. Although the majority of Quebec’s population is francophone, a vibrant tourism economy means that many people also speak English, particularly those in the tourism industry.
Old Town Quebec City is split into Lower Town and Upper Town, each with a unique offering of museums, dining and shopping venues.
Where to Stay
There’s no shortage of great sleeps in Quebec City. Two favourites are the Chateau Frontenac and the Ice Hotel. TheFairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in the world, is located in the heart of Quebec City and perched on Cap Diamant, overlooking the St. Lawrence River. First opened in December 1893, this majestic hotel has lodged famous film stars, sports personalities and political figureheads from around the world in its 618 rooms, spread out over 18 floors.
The Ice Hotel is a unique experience in North America. Constructed completely of ice, it’s only open in winter. Don’t think you want to stay at the hotel, but interested is seeing it? The Ice Hotel offers tours to the public. For details, call 1-877-505-0423 (toll free in Canada and United States). Dress warmly. Even the furniture is made of ice here.
What to do in Quebec City
Whatever your pleasure, Quebec City is certain to deliver. There's great shopping, dining, plenty of museums and art galleries, as well as beautiful parks and green space.
Musée de la Civilisation
Built in 1988, this museum has two permanent exhibits: the First Nations culture and the history of the province. Temporary exhibits, which focus on items of current interest, have included: All About Blood (the everyday social and cultural practises around blood and contemporary uses of blood), Sacred Money, Cursed Money! (a look into the nature of money, its influence on our behaviour, and its importance in society), and Autopsy of a Murder (a Clue-like game/exhibition that challenges the whole family to solve the murder of fictional Sarah Melville).
Schedule and Fees
Winter Schedule (from September to the end of June):
Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed on Mondays and on December 25
Summer schedule
From June 24 to September 3, 2007
Open daily, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Admission fees from April, 2007 to March 31, 2009
(including tax)
Adults: $10
Seniors (65 and over, with card): $9
Students (17 and over, with card): $7
Children (12 to 16): $4
Children (under 12): free
Free admission: on Tuesdays between November 1 and May 31; also from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., every Saturday in January and February.
Visit a Sugar Shack
More than 75% of the maple syrup comes from Quebec, so a visit to an area sugar shack is an absolute must. You can see how sap is drawn from maple trees, sample delicious maple products, feast on a maple-based meal, take a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh, listen to local musicians, and eat maple toffee poured out onto a snow-filled trough. There are a number of area sugar shacks, including: Sucrerie Blouin, Cabane a sucre Leclerc, and le Chemin Roy.
In 2008, Quebec City celebrates the 400th anniversary of its founding. With that much history you can be sure of a few local hauntings.
Located in Quebec City's Upper Town at 41 rue d' Auteuil, the Ghost Tours of Quebec is an attraction free to kids under 10 ($17.50/adults) and features a lantern walk through the historic streets of Old Quebec. This tour of the ghostly aftermath of historic executions and hauntings will delight many, but do check it out for suitability for your own family. Get more details by calling 418-692-9770.
