Welcome to the most European feeling and looking province in North America…Quebec, Canada. We speak very little French but the locals in the province also speak English and are very helpful, so it’s the best of both worlds! We spent most of our time in Quebec City so it is skewed to that great city. You will love wandering around the old town of Quebec City. It has fantastic architecture that makes you feel like you’re in France. There’s a lot to do but it still has a small town feel. It’s nice and cool in the Summer but if you love the Winter, it’s also a great spot for amazing winter decorations and lots of SNOW!
Here are our Top 6 Things To Do In Quebec:
1. La Citadelle de Quebec- Watch the changing of the guard at La Citadelle de Quebec. This is a ceremony that takes place daily. It marks the arrival of new sentries to relieve those on duty at the garrison. It’s a colorful military tradition and includes the regimental mascot Bastisse the Goat, dressed in his finest!
2. Old Quebec- Walk around the Chateau Frontenac and admire the beautiful architecture and grounds. This hotel is one of the most photographed hotels in the world. As you gaze upon its vastness and beauty, you will quickly understand why. You can also watch Quebec’s beloved street performers (Buskers) that perform outside the hotel. They are truly talented and worth stopping to watch their talent and skill. Catch a quick ride on the Old Quebec Funicular, a funicular railway that links the upper town with the lower town, for a unique experience. The architecture is breathtaking. Peppered through the city are many intricate murals. These murals show off the artistic nature of Quebec. Also, don’t miss out on visiting one of the oldest churches in North America, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires. It served as a filming location for the movie ‘Catch Me If You Can’ for the film’s final scene!
3. Waterfalls- Behold the Montmorency Waterfalls. The spectacular 275-feet tall falls on the Montmorency River. Fun fact, Montmorency Waterfalls tower higher than Niagara Falls! You can enjoy the beauty of the Falls from the ground, on a walkway at the top of the Falls, from the street as you drive by or Zip Line right in front of the Falls! Talk about a scenic view!
Whale Watching- All Aboard! Get ready for some amazing sights as you board the Croisieres AML for a Whale watching tour in Baie-Sainte-Catherine, Quebec. If you’re looking for a truly unique and memorable experience, this is it! Enjoy breathtaking landscapes banked on both the St. Lawrence and Rivière Saguenay. Be prepared with your camera ready to shoot as you encounter many species of whales. We repeat don’t forget your camera and be prepared to have a spotter! Side note: This ship has the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted! Ahoy Chocolate Deliciousness.
5. Shopping- Quebec City has beautiful streets filled with local boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet food shops. The Petit Champlain District is North America’s oldest shopping district. It’s filled with artisanal boutiques and decorative art shops. The rue Saint-Jean District boasts delightfully original local shops. You are sure to find the perfect Québécois souvenir here. The Old Port is for the antique lovers and the Art District has a lively atmosphere. If you are a foodie don’t worry as there are many gourmet food shops. The Farmer’s Markets here are absolument parfait (absolutely perfect)! Grab a fresh croissant or baguette from one of the many French local boulangers/bakers. As you enjoy your baguette or chocolate croissant take a stroll through the market. There you will find the freshest produce and flowers. You will be magically transported to France. Or, perhaps, you are more of a mall person. While our malls seem to be dissolving in the United States, Quebec’s malls are thriving. In fact, Quebec malls feel like the 1990’s malls of our past—including merchandise from our 1990’s malls! Anyone remember Bombay Company and smoking cigarettes at the entryway? It was truly a step back in time.
6. Lavender fields at Bleu Lavande- Quebec City was our base and we left for New England (which we’ll cover on a later post) after our time in QC ended. Driving about 280km south (3-hour drive) toward Interstate 91 in the United States happens to sit a farm. The Bleu Lavande company farm that produces natural lavender products. The thing is the farm also has a wonderful store, fields for Instagram photos, massage tables (yes, a full massage with the scent of Lavender fields around you), Cafe, tours and more. It’s a must stop to buy products (which we are still using) and to support the local farmers of southern Quebec. Plus, look out for the “Witch House” in Fitch Bay.
We hope this is a list to help you get started on your trip to Quebec. One of our favorite trips of recent summer family vacations. Feel free to email us for more suggestions at NashvilleBuyLocal@Gmail.com
