Québec City

While the other cities of Eastern Canada are becoming increasingly Americanised, Québec – the medieval-looking capital of the French-speaking province on the north bank of the St Lawrence River – remains firmly rooted in the culture of the Old World. The fully preserved fortifications of the old town are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and unique in North America. Together with the narrow cobbled lanes, they recall the eventful history of the capital of the ‘Belle Province’. In the lower town, known as Basse-Ville, picturesque lanes enchant visitors, with chic boutiques, small cafés and inviting galleries setting the scene. And to make your visit even more enjoyable, musicians and street artists perform here.

The Fairmont Château Frontenac is Québec’s landmark and its finest hotel address. The fairytale castle can be seen from almost every street corner and lends a medieval touch to North America’s most European city. The view is at its most beautiful from the water: on a boat trip on the river you see the city, home to 500,000 people, from a whole new perspective.

Just 15 minutes from the city centre lie the Montmorency Falls. They may not be as spectacular as Niagara Falls, but they are a good 30 metres higher! Outdoor enthusiasts are usually drawn to the nearby Jacques-Cartier National Park, where the whole family can go canoeing on the river of the same name – just 40 kilometres north of Québec City.