Visiting Quebec City feels like visiting a city in Europe. It's perched on a cliff high above the St. Lawrence River, and still retains its original city walls, giving it an ancient aura. It has been the capitol of the region, first as the capitol of New France in the 16th century, and now as the capitol of the Quebec province, for 400 years.
Quebec was founded by the French in order to stake their claim on the new world. It is situated on cliffs 200 feet high above the St Lawrence River, giving it stunning views of the countryside and the nearby Laurentian Mountains. Under French rule, the fur and lumber trades flourished. The French lost the city to the British in 1759 and most of the French Nobility returned to France. The French were able to maintain their language, religion and culture, however. The city saw a huge Irish influx during the Potato Famine of 1850. The ships had to be quarantined at Grosse Ile due cholera and typhus outbreaks among the immigrants, however, and many died. Those that didn't survive the disease or the journey are buried there. The city remained under British Rule until 1867 when the Dominion of Canada was formed.
Quebec still considered French its official language, although English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist spots. Most road signs and menus are printed in both languages for the benefit of visitors.
Finding your way around Quebec City is pretty straightforward. The Old Town (Vieux-Quebec) is where the attractions are. The area is divided into two parts: Haute-Ville (Upper Town) which is the walled city at the top of the hill, and Basse-Ville (Lower Town) which is the area below the walled city and the river. You can move between the two by a set of steps called Escalier Casse-Cou (Breakneck Stairs) or a funicular.
Looming over the city is a huge castle. It is absolutely gorgeous and lends so much charm to the skyline of Quebec. This is the Chateau Frontenac, a historic hotel that has the distinction of being the most photographed hotel in North America.
To explore Old Town, you will want to put on a good pair of shoes and walk. Everything is fairly close, and you don't want to miss a thing. You will see lovely old buildings, quaint shops, flower-bedecked buildings, and a still-life around every corner. Take your time, take your camera, and revel in the unique charm of Quebec City.
Quebec was founded by the French in order to stake their claim on the new world. It is situated on cliffs 200 feet high above the St Lawrence River, giving it stunning views of the countryside and the nearby Laurentian Mountains. Under French rule, the fur and lumber trades flourished. The French lost the city to the British in 1759 and most of the French Nobility returned to France. The French were able to maintain their language, religion and culture, however. The city saw a huge Irish influx during the Potato Famine of 1850. The ships had to be quarantined at Grosse Ile due cholera and typhus outbreaks among the immigrants, however, and many died. Those that didn't survive the disease or the journey are buried there. The city remained under British Rule until 1867 when the Dominion of Canada was formed.
Quebec still considered French its official language, although English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist spots. Most road signs and menus are printed in both languages for the benefit of visitors.
Finding your way around Quebec City is pretty straightforward. The Old Town (Vieux-Quebec) is where the attractions are. The area is divided into two parts: Haute-Ville (Upper Town) which is the walled city at the top of the hill, and Basse-Ville (Lower Town) which is the area below the walled city and the river. You can move between the two by a set of steps called Escalier Casse-Cou (Breakneck Stairs) or a funicular.
Looming over the city is a huge castle. It is absolutely gorgeous and lends so much charm to the skyline of Quebec. This is the Chateau Frontenac, a historic hotel that has the distinction of being the most photographed hotel in North America.
To explore Old Town, you will want to put on a good pair of shoes and walk. Everything is fairly close, and you don't want to miss a thing. You will see lovely old buildings, quaint shops, flower-bedecked buildings, and a still-life around every corner. Take your time, take your camera, and revel in the unique charm of Quebec City.
About the Author:
Chris Linch is a traveler himself. When he wants to save money he shops only at this website where he can get cheap hotel rates.
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