Are you craving a coolcation escape from summer’s looming heat? United’s direct flight to Québec offers an easy jaunt to this Francophone city with European flair and flavors.
The city of Québec’s history dates back to the 17th century. With its many cobblestone streets and 400 years of history, Québec City is a vibrant and engaging town. And don’t miss the views from the Dufferin Terrace behind the imposing Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, built in 1893 as a railroad grand hotel.
Navigating Québec City
The historic town is divided into two parts: the Upper Town (Old Town) and Lower Town. The Upper Town — which still has 4.6 miles of its original ramparts and several historic gates — is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s the only city north of Mexico with its fortification walls still intact. And you can walk the walls and other historic parts with a Parks Canada guide from mid-June to mid-October.
The upper and lower sections of town are linked by a funicular. Or you can (carefully) descend the steep stairs, nicknamed the breakneck stairs, that date to the 1600s.
The Lower Town is located closer to the harbor area. It features the Place Royale, a historic square with the 1688 church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, museums, and art galleries. The popular Petit Champlain area has shops, cafes, and locally focused boutiques galore.
Several companies offer walking tours of the city according to different themes. With advanced notice, Xavier Chambolle of Tours Accolade can search your French Canadian ancestry and trace your family’s history, along with guiding other themed tours.
Eat, Dine, and Explore
If you don’t stay at the elegant Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, it’s worth strolling through or taking a guided tour (including the Salon Rose where Roosevelt and Churchill once met). You can sip a craft cocktail in Bar 1608 to enjoy its ambience.
For immersive wellness in an historic setting, stay in the monastic-style rooms at the Monastère des Augustines. Some of Québec’s nuns lived and ministered to those who needed healing here. Enjoy the reflective atmosphere and yoga classes in the vault area.
For traditional Québécois dining, head to Aux Anciens Canadiens in the old town. You’ll find a casual, sugar shack-inspired menu at La Bûche, including meat pies, venison tartar, and poutine. Immerse yourself in the Québec terroir and its boreal, locally inspired and grown pantry by heading to the Michelin-starred restaurant, Légende.
Venturing 15 minutes outside of town, check out Wendake — the First Nation home to the Huron-Wendat Nation. It includes lodgings, artisan demonstrations and storytelling, an indigenous restaurant. And don’t miss Onhwa’ Lumina, an illuminated nighttime forest walk that shares their culture. Or take a seasonal (early May through October) 1.5-hour day cruise on the Saint Lawrence River along the Île d’Orléans to the scenic Montmorency Falls.
Feature image courtesy André-Olivier Lyra
