Quebec has a rich historical centre and multicultural atmosphere. Being part of French-Canadia, there is a long and interesting colonial history to the city. Canada is a hugely tourist-friendly country, so visiting these cities couldn’t be easier. With the new eTA Canada initiative, it has never been easier to get entry to the country either.
So if you are visiting Quebec or planning to visit this enchanting city, here are a few places you can’t miss.
Old Quebec:
The old town areas of cities are always hotspots for tourists and Quebec is no different. It is the first stop we would recommend on your visit to the city. The ¨Old Quebec¨ (Vieux Québec) district is a fascinating place as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been named as the cradle of French civilisation in North America.
Walking through the cobbled streets really allows you to be transported back to an older time. With monuments from the 17th and 18th centuries, you can delve into the history of the area. There are a number of walking tours of the area which last around 2 hours, these allow you to see the walls that formed part of the cities first defences as well as the grand cathedrals and churches.
Walking through the old town is very pleasant and picturesque, with a number of quaint bars and restaurants to take photos of and eat your lunch at. The area is a hotspot for local artists and excellent music, so be sure to wrap up and sit outside.
Jacques-Cartier National Park:
One other big draw to the city is the national park. If you love being surrounded by nature, this park is the perfect spot for you. The Jacques-Cartier National Park is located 50 kilometres from the city and is home to one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Quebec.
The park is perfect for a number of outdoor activities like hikes or mountain biking. If you feel like a more relaxed trip, the woods are perfect for walking through leisurely. The park also allows camping so you can have a relaxing night under the stars.
For those who prefer water sports, there are good offers for fishing, rafting or kayak trips.
The Jacques-Cartier National Park has everything you need to enjoy your visit and make it one of the best experiences of your life.
Montmorency Falls Park:
Another area of natural beauty that Quebec boasts are the Montmorency Falls. This is a world-renowned feature of Quebec and is a must-see.
The waterfall is easy to see, situated just minutes from the city. The waterfalls sit at a staggeringly high 272 feet, making them an impressive sight. These falls are 30 metres higher than Niagra Falls so you’re in for a treat.
To accompany the natural splendour of the falls, the national park organises a lot of activities for tourists that visit the falls who want a bit more excitement. If you are a fan of heights, there is a bridge which is situated just above the waterfalls that you can walk along. Followed by this there is a path and a steep climb to the top of the falls. This walk rewards you with stunning views of the falls and the surrounding area.
If you want to spend a whole day with the family, this is the perfect place to have a picnic and for both adults and children to have a good time.
Hôtel de Glace:
Located in Saint-Gabriel-De-Valcartier, a municipality of Quebec, Hôtel de Glace is the only ice hotel in the American continent.
This is a romantic hotel that changes every winter to amaze its clients. The hotel has 42 fantastic rooms where the walls, ceiling and even the bed are made of ice. The temperature of the rooms varies between -3 and -5 degrees centigrade, but don’t worry because they have sleeping bags and pillows that are perfect for your dream stay.
The hotel’s facilities include access to theme bars, restaurants, saunas and hot tubs. Wifi is also available at no extra cost.
Although, to enjoy yourself to the full, you need to put on several layers of clothes, this is the perfect place to live a unique experience.
Île d’Orléans:
My final recommendation (but by no means the least important), is the visit to Île d’Orléans. This island is situated in the Saint Lawrence River, 5 kilometres from the centre of Quebec city and to get there you need to cross the Île d’Orléans Bridge.
Activities like fruit gathering, vineyard visits, fishing or picnics in an environment of unrivalled beauty, are the biggest attractions for those who want to be in touch with nature.
The island has restaurants, bars and ice cream parlours to complement your stay and allow you to enjoy local flavours.
If you want to disconnect completely from city life, this island is one of your best options.
As you can see from this article, Quebec offers magnificent options, allowing you to plan your holidays in the knowledge that you will have an unforgettable time. Whether you need an eTA Canada Visa for UK Citizens or an international Canada visa, it has never been easier to visit.
