Tag: Quebec

Visit Quebec City: Where History Comes to Life

Consider traveling to the charming city of Quebec City, where history and culture intertwine in a captivating tapestry that stretches back over four centuries. Nestled along the banks of the majestic St. Lawrence River, Quebec City is a living testament to Canada’s rich heritage, offering travelers a journey through time, picturesque streets, and a warm embrace of French-Canadian hospitality. In this blog post, we invite you to explore the cobblestone pathways of Old Quebec, savor the flavors of this gastronomic haven, and immerse yourself in a world where every corner tells a story, as per this travel blog from Travel + Leisure. So, grab your passport and embark on an enchanting adventure as we unveil the wonders of Quebec City.

Uncover Military History and Riverside Views

Artillery Park, featuring 18th-century French army barracks, is a must-visit for history buffs. Guides in period costumes bring history to life. To soak in some of the best views of Quebec City, hop on a commuter ferry across the St. Lawrence River. The journey provides unparalleled vistas, especially in the winter when ice blocks collide.

Maple Syrup Tasting and Live Entertainment

Maple syrup is a Quebecois staple, and tasting it is a must. Visit local markets and restaurants year-round to savor this liquid gold. In the summer, catch live performances at various venues throughout the city or indulge in folk music at bars de chansonniers.

Architectural Wonders and Island Adventures

The Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré shrine, the oldest pilgrimage site north of Mexico, beckons with its intricate architecture. Take a river shuttle from Old Quebec to explore this historical gem and its scenic surroundings. Ile d’Orléans, a charming island 15 minutes from Quebec City, is a haven for gourmands and history enthusiasts. Enjoy a day visiting wineries and sampling homemade jams, chocolates, and more.

Walking Through History in Old Quebec

Stepping back in time, we begin our journey on the east coast, in Quebec City. Quebec City is a slice of Europe in North America, with cobblestoned streets and a rich history. Our first recommendation is to take a walking tour of Old Quebec. Founded in 1608, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts historic charm and guided tours that reveal its fascinating past.

Discovering Petit-Champlain and Montmorency Falls

Next, we head to Quartier Petit Champlain. This 17th-century district is a picturesque snapshot of New France. Explore the oldest stone church north of Mexico and savor a coffee at Smith Cafe as you stroll along one of Canada’s most beautiful streets. Just a short drive from the city center, Montmorency Falls awaits. This majestic waterfall stands taller than Niagara Falls and offers thrilling activities like zip lines, suspension bridges, and cliffside boardwalks. Nature enthusiasts will be in their element here.

Picnic at the Plains of Abraham and Art at its Finest

For a relaxing break, head to the Plains of Abraham, a historic site that now serves as a sprawling urban park. Enjoy a gourmet picnic in the summer sun while taking in views of the river. Afterward, immerse yourself in art at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, where you can explore over 40,000 works from various centuries, including a remarkable collection of Inuit art.

History and Ice Adventure

Tour the Citadelle of Québec, one of the highest points in the city, offering insights into the city’s fortifications. The site often hosts seasonal events, so check the schedule before your visit. For a truly unique experience, head to Hôtel de Glace, a hotel made entirely of ice and snow. Open from January to March, it offers an unforgettable adventure with icy rooms, hot tubs, saunas, and even arctic-grade sleeping bags.

These are just a few of the incredible experiences awaiting you across the United States. From historical sites to natural wonders, Quebec City offers a diverse range of activities for every traveler.

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Start the New Year atop this Magnificent Mountaintop in Québec

Each year during the winter months, many are inspired to escape to the mountains and bundle up in a ski lodge to enjoy the warm hearth, quiet atmosphere, and exhilarating slopes. Because this wintertime fantasy is shared by many travelers, it can often be tough to find a mountainside resort, lodge, or cabin that isn’t booked or crowded, but this feature from Travel + Leisure shines a light on  Le Massif de Charlevoix in Quebec, a lesser-known Canadian winter paradise.

It should be noted that recent COVID-19 surges may have caused new government restrictions, rules, and safety measures to have been set. Because of this, it’s always suggested that those who wish to travel check local guidelines for Quebec, consult CDC recommendations, and take personal health conditions into account before traveling. This way you’re more prepared to enjoy your trip while remaining as safe and responsible as possible in these unprecedented times.

Known for having the highest vertical drop east of the Canadian Rockies, housing some of the most accomplished names in Canadian cuisine, and welcoming guests to the first-ever Club Med resort in Canada that’s just opened on December 3rd, Québec’s Le Massif de Charlevoix is the perfect destination for travelers to experience adventure, comfort, and immense satisfaction. Le Massif de Charlevoix is located just one hour outside of Quebec City, and it houses over 400 skiable acres above the truly unforgettable sight of the St. Lawrence River, which is viewable from nearly every run.

As previously mentioned, the latest addition to the area that has been making quite a name for itself is the all-inclusive experience to be had at the country’s first Club Med resort, which is located just an hour and a half outside of Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport in the charming Charlevoix region. Being all-inclusive, this resort includes accommodations, food and drink, activities, and more as part of your booked nightly rate, thus allowing you to truly relax and forget about the finer details once you step foot on its campus. Outside of Club Med Québec, you might want to reserve a small home at Les Refuges so that you can share a warm fireplace and fully-equipped kitchen with a group of four to six people in between your treks out onto the various slopes.

For those sledding, skiing, and snowboarding enthusiasts, Le Massif de Charlevoix offers one of the most bountiful environments for both the beginner and the advanced winter enthusiast. Though if you’re a thrill-seeker, you’ll be pleased to hear that the mountain offers more than 9 miles of skiable and rideable terrain outside of the traditional ski area boundary (known as backcountry), and it’s the perfect environment for those who enjoy alpine hiking, touring, and splitboarding. After it’s all said and done, however, one of the largest attractions on the mountain is the classic 4.6-mile sledding run that allows you to see the mountain like you never have before. Additionally, the traditionally sledding run is also accessible at night, providing you with an unmatched, exhilarating experience that’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping.

Lastly, one of the most bountiful treasures of Québec’s Le Massif de Charlevoix’s collections of inspirational Canadian cuisine that can be enjoyed on and off the mountain. If you’re taking a break from the slopes, Restauration Summit Chalet is located on the mountain and it’s the first and last name in hearty, herbal sandwiches and soups that will satiate and satisfy your hunger like no other restaurant. Also recommended in the area is the smoked meat poutine offered at Le Saint-Pub-Microbrasserie Charlevoix.

In speaking on the luxuries that this destination has to offer, the communication and marketing director for Le Massif, Maude Barrette Desjardins, said “You have to understand, when you come to Le Massif, as soon as you enter the road, you feel at that instant that you are traveling, you are elsewhere. There’s something really unique — you feel like you’re in a dream at every run.”

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