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Quebec Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Quebec
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Quebec Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Quebec - Small cafés and cosy restaurants, charming
boutiques, lively terraces, elegant squares, theatres and museums,
street buskers and mimes & all contribute to the charm and
ambience of historic Old Quebec, cradle of French civilisation in
North America and still predominantly European in spirit.
Perched on top of Cap Diamant, overlooking the St.
Lawrence River, Quebec City was first settled by the French in
1608, named from a native Algonquin word meaning 'where the river
narrows'. Despite having been ceded to the
British in 1759, the city's population of more than half a million
are today 95 percent French-speaking, lending a definite 'joie de
vivre' and culture to the atmosphere. About four million visitors
are drawn to Quebec City each year, to savour this French charm,
the famed Quebec gourmet scene, and the beauty of the historic Old
City where winding cobbled streets are lined with 17th and 18th
century stone houses and churches, bewitching parks, elegant
squares, and numerous monuments. The city is included on Unesco's
World Heritage List and is the only fortified city in the Americas,
north of Mexico. Just a few kilometres from
downtown this lively city presents numerous opportunities for
outdoor activities and recreation, like horseback riding, canoeing,
hiking and skiing. The cultured ambience, lively
spirit, high safety rating, and a comfortable blend of past and
present make this provincial capital city worthy of its status as
one of the top destinations in the world.
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Quebec
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Parliament Buildings
1045 Parlementaires Road (visitor's entrance: Door 3 on
the corner of Grande-Allée and Honoré-Mercier Avenue)
www.assnat.qc.ca |
What is it? Just outside the old city walls stands the
imposing 19th-century Parliament Building, inspired by the Louvre
in Paris and designed by the architect, Eugene Etienne Taché.
Although it is the working home of the 125-strong National
Assembly, the buildings are open to visitors for guided tours,
offered in English or French, which highlight the historic value of
the unique building as well as informing visitors about the
organisation and proceedings of the Québec National
Assembly.
Hours of Operation: Weekdays 9am to 4.30pm (September to June); from 24
June to Labor Day (September) it is also open weekends 10am to
4.30pm
Phone:(418) 643 7239 |
2. Place Royale
Interpretation Centre of Place-Royale, 27 rue
Notre-Dame
www.mcq.org |
What is it? The site of the historical Place-Royale
complex was used in ancient times by Amerindians for trading, until
the leader of the first Quebec French settlement, Samuel de
Champlain, constructed a formal fortified fur trading post in 1608.
The trading post flourished and grew into a thriving town,
constructed largely of wood, until in 1682 it was destroyed by
fire. Reconstruction was in fire-resistant stone, the buildings
that still stand today. Known as the market square, the site once
again became a hub of activity, until the end of the 19th century
when its importance declined. By 1950 the Place Royale was a
neglected, decaying area. The Government then initiated a
restoration programme that has turned this historic site, known as
the 'birthplace of French America', into one of the city's main
attractions. It features a clutch of interesting museums, living
history demonstrations and tours of historic
buildings.
Hours of Operation: Tuesdays to Sundays 10am to 5pm. From 24 June to
September daily 9.30am to 5pm
Phone:Interpretation Centre: (418) 646 3167 |
3. Funicular
Quartier Petit-Champlain, Louis-Jolliet House
www.funiculaire-quebec.com |
What is it? A panoramic bird's eye view of historic
Québec city can be had from the cabin of the Funicular that travels
at an angle of 45 degrees from Louis Jolliet House in the heart of
the old City to Dufferin Terrace. The funicular has been an
attraction in the city since the original steam driven version was
erected in 1879.
Hours of Operation: 7.30am to 11.30pm (up to midnight during summer June
to August)
Phone:(418) 692 1132 |
Quebec
holidays - Top Events
1. Quebec Winter Carnival
From 2007-01-26
To 2007-02-11
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What is it? The world's largest winter carnival was first
held in 1894, when French colonists started holding a rowdy
get-together before Lent to eat, drink and be merry. Today it has
snowballed into Québec City's most important tourist and local
event, packed full of activities and entertainment, most based on
Quebecois lifestyle. Events range from a snowshoe challenge to a
double-harness derby, sleigh rides and snow sculpturing, not to
mention a host of entertainment performances, treats to eat and
other heartwarming fun.
Where is it? Various, centred on the Place desjardins |
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