If you want a European vacation without the European price tag, consider Quebec City. This 400-year-old, French-speaking city will delight you with its cafes, architecture and festivals. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Quebec is a fortified city that juxtaposes history with modern restaurants and shops. Stroll down the cobblestone streets, dine on legendary cuisine or explore nature – all without leaving the city.
Carnaval de Quebec: Canada knows winter and where better to celebrate the frosty season than Quebec City? Carnaval de Quebec is held each year for 17 consecutive days in February and is considered one of the largest winter festivals in the world. Each year, the event boasts a different theme, like masquerades and fire and ice. Be there for the opening night show or catch dogsled racing, outdoor dance parties and parades.
No matter where you are staying in Quebec during the two weeks of Carnaval de Quebec, you'll be close to the action. The event site is located in the middle of Old Quebec. Look for snow sculptures, snow rafting and children’s activities at Place Desjardins or check out the ice palace and multimedia show at Palace Loto-Quebec. The ice rink and musical acts are located at Place Hydro-Quebec.
Winter Sports: There's no shortage of winter sports in Quebec City. Bundle up and go tobogganing at the Dufferin Terrasse or ice skate at the Place d’Youville. Skiers will thrive with downhill skiing at Mont Saint-Anne. This location has 65 trails with more than 15 available for night skiing) and has the largest skiing surface area in Eastern Canada, according to Frommers.
If you're visiting the Great White North, you'd be remiss not to spend some time dog-sledding. While this adventure can be costly for an hour-long journey, consider it something you'll probably never have a chance to do again, so it might just be worth it.
If the kids are along for this winter break, consider a visit to Village Vacances Valcartier, a water park in the summer and winter playground in the colder temperatures. With 42 long, steeply-sloping paths, ice-karting and skating, both adults and kids won't want the day to end.
Ice Hotel: A visit to Canada's Ice Hotel is not to be missed while in Quebec. Located just 30 minutes outside the city, the hotel is made entirely of snow and ice and is open between January and April.
"Hotel de Glace is located in a beautiful resort called Station Touristique Duchesnay, where visitors may practice just about any winter outdoor activity that you can imagine, such as dog-sledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, ice skating," says Richard Seguin, spokesman for Quebec City Tourism. "The Hotel de Glace is an attraction in itself, since there are only two of them in the world."
Each year, more than 70,000 people visit the hotel and more than 4,000 visitors actually stay the night. Rent a car for the day and take a tour of this world-famous hotel. If you're more daring, make a reservation to stay the night. Before you zip up your sleeping bag, have a cocktail at the Ice Bar.
History/Architecture: From the first days in 1608 when Samuel Champlain founded the settlement to the years when the city was the epicenter of New France, history buffs will find no shortage of impressive historical facts and breathtaking architecture in Quebec City.
Start your tour off at La Citadelle of Quebec. This fortification is a historical site in Canada and is an active military location. Guided tours last an hour and are offered in French and English. Check with La Citadelle for hours of operation since they change based on the time of year.
Or, enjoy free admission and Renaissance architecture at the Parliament Building – considered the most important historical site in Quebec City, according to Quebec City Tourism. A guided tour will lead you to the National Assembly and the Legislative Council Chambers.
Because it's difficult to see all of Quebec City's historical sites in one visit, create a plan of your top choices beforehand. And, when possible, book a reservation or your tickets to the attraction before you arrive.
Shopping & Food: A visit to a new city wouldn't be complete without shopping and fine dining. Fortunately, Quebec has some of the best of both in Canada.
Spend an afternoon or the day at Quartier Petit Champlain. Stroll down the narrow streets and browse the vast array of shops. It'll be hard to resist the temptation not to bring home a little something from your trip with so many clothing, fragrance and art stores.
Meanwhile, anyone craving something sweet should head to one of the maple sugar shacks that are dotted throughout the Quebec City region. For those looking for something savory, indulge in a crepe (or two!).
Of course, you'll need a real meal from time to time and Quebec City boasts plenty of restaurants for every budget and taste. However, if you’re looking for unique and trendy, consider the Quartier St-Roche suburb. From sushi to bistros to lounges, there's something for everyone.
Grab a cheap flight to Quebec and escape to an eccentric and entertaining city catered to all types of travelers.
Jennifer Jope
© Cheapflights Ltd
October 2008
