Québec city a.ka. la
belle ville de Québec
Living on the edge of Quebec city for 25 years has provided me with ample opportunity to explore and discover its many hidden gems. It has also resulted in visits from friends and family hoping to have a chance to discover the history, architecture and culture of a city that dates back more than 400 years.
Living on the edge of Quebec city for 25 years has provided me with ample opportunity to explore and discover its many hidden gems. It has also resulted in visits from friends and family hoping to have a chance to discover the history, architecture and culture of a city that dates back more than 400 years.
Lower Town (click image to go to source |
So, what does the
itinerary look like?
Here are just a few of the areas that we consider a must-see while visiting Québec city.
Here are just a few of the areas that we consider a must-see while visiting Québec city.
Vieux Québec : Well this is obvious to those of you that know the city. Visitors could spend the entire weekend just
walking around the old part of Québec city, known as Vieux Québec. This area is
divided into upper and lower towns.
The upper town is
the walled part of the city and home to the famous Château Frontenac and the Dufferin Terrace.
The lower town is home to Place Royale, and la rue du Petit-Champlain
and an assortment of fabulous dining experiences, cute shops, and homes.
Yes, people actually do live in this part of the city.
The upper and lower towns are linked by stairs for those that enjoy a good climb, otherwise you can catch a ride up the edge of the cliff by using the funiculaire. The funiculaire also provides an interesting view over the roof tops of the lower town and the old port.
The lower town is home to Place Royale, and la rue du Petit-Champlain
and an assortment of fabulous dining experiences, cute shops, and homes.
Yes, people actually do live in this part of the city.
Rue du Petit Champlain (click image to go to source) |
The upper and lower towns are linked by stairs for those that enjoy a good climb, otherwise you can catch a ride up the edge of the cliff by using the funiculaire. The funiculaire also provides an interesting view over the roof tops of the lower town and the old port.
Place Royale (click image to go to source) |
When it comes to
supper in the old city, well the list gets really long. There are fabulous
choices of restaurants and one of our newest favourites is Chez Boulay. This is a great place to go and treat
yourself to Québec cuisine. Of course
the choices of restaurants in the old city is extensive and depending on taste
and budget I recommend guests check out the various suggestions provided on Urban Spoon.
Rue Saint-Paul and the Old Port : A quick walk over from Place Royale visitors
find themselves immersed in art galleries, antique stores and more restaurants
that line Rue Saint-Paul.
We often start our tour here on Sunday morning with a cheap breakfast at the Buffet de l’Antiquire. Breakfasts are far from fancy but visitors seem to enjoy the lively atmosphere that this well-known diner provides. After breakfast we continue our walk across the street to the farmer’s market which is located on the edge of the old port next to the train station. The market is a great place to sample local foods, ciders and cheeses.
We often start our tour here on Sunday morning with a cheap breakfast at the Buffet de l’Antiquire. Breakfasts are far from fancy but visitors seem to enjoy the lively atmosphere that this well-known diner provides. After breakfast we continue our walk across the street to the farmer’s market which is located on the edge of the old port next to the train station. The market is a great place to sample local foods, ciders and cheeses.
You can also rent
bikes at the market and bike the 3 km. path that runs through the port and
along the edge of the Saint Lawrence next to Boulevard Champlain. Quebec city
has extensive bike paths for cyclists to enjoy whether you want to be in the
city or head out to some of the various attractions on the edge of the
city.
Nouvo Saint Roch : Finally, we like to take our guests down to visit
an area of the city that is not always on the traditional tourist itinerary for
visitors to Quebec. This area has
undergone extensive changes in the last 5 years.
Rue Saint Joseph
is the main street for this part of our tour. Our first stop with guests
bringing children is the well-known toy shop, Benjos.
Celine Dion brought her son here in his younger years for his own
private shopping excursion after store hours.
There are a
variety of clothing, jewellery, furniture and second hand shops along this
street. The Basilica Notre Dame de Québec which dates back 350 years is also
located on Rue Saint Joseph.
Some of our
favourite restaurants are along this street including our favourite spot for
brunch, le Cafe Clocher Penché. The food
here is fabulous and certainly you want to give youself time to relax and enjoy
the food and the atmosphere. Reservations are mandatory as it turns out we are
not the only ones that enjoy this lively bistro.
Simons Clothing Store .... a must stop for shopping |
If you are ready
to head out of the well-known tourist areas then you are in for some real
treats. Heading up into the Charlevoix is our next favourite activity on our
list.
Perhaps a day
trip to Ïle d’Orléan, Baie Saint-Paul, La Malbaie and/or Tadoussac ?
So much more to
discover in our town, village and sometimes city.