With its festive spirit, welcoming denizens, more than 400 years of Francophone culture and heritage, and flashes of European style and architecture, Québec City is an ideal destination for a trip within Canada.
A UNESCO Heritage Site, the area of Old Québec is just one of the areas of the city to explore and fall in love with. Shopping awaits in the oldest shopping district on the continent, Quartier Petit Champlain, and among the European-styled streetscape of Rue Saint-Jean.
World famous for its award-winning cuisine and culinary delights, Québec City and the surrounding area have something to offer any palate, such as Chez Boulay-bistro boréal, Laurie Raphaël, Restaurant Champlain du Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Légende par La Tanière, Le Saint-Amour, and Restaurant Toast!. Picture eating delicious traditional Québec recipes at Aux Anciens Canadiens, the oldest house in Québec, dating back to 1675. Or take a day trip and get your fill of delicious local strawberries and other produce from Île d’Orléans, or sample First Nations cuisine at a restaurant like La Traite in Wendake.
There are many cultural and educational opportunities awaiting visitors to Québec City as well. Younger visitors and their parents will enjoy the hands-on experiences at Musée de la civilisation, and guests of all ages will enjoy the beautiful sights at Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec or the views into aquatic life at Aquarium du Québec.
Many of those in the know have given Québec City a rave review as a destination as well, as Expedia reviewers named it the number one destination in Canada and the number two destination in all of North America. It’s also received acclaims from USA Today, Travel + Leisure, and Conde Nast, and has been awarded the Best Destination Experience by the Cruise Insight Awards in 2017.
Summertime in Québec City highlights the culture, fun and spirit that earned the city all these accolades. Of course, the city is famous for its Winter Carnival, with its friendly Bonhomme, amazing snow sculptures, and more. However the summer season festivals and events, such as Festival d’été de Québec (Summer Festival), Rendez-vous 2017, Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France (New France Festival), and others provide revelry, celebration of history and culture, music, food and something for everyone.
Festival d’été de Québec is celebrating its 50th year, and the lineup is an impressive one to say the least, with major acts such as Kendrick Lamar, Nick Jonas, The Who, Muse, Metallica and P!nk. Between July 6 and 16, the festival, which is billed as Canada’s largest outdoor music event, will play host to 300 shows across 10 venues.
For an alternative showcase, Envol & Macadam is the festival of choice. In its 22nd year, the music fest has showcased both up and coming bands and established alternative music acts.
Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France, celebrating its 21st year in 2017, is also host to a large array of culture, cuisine, costume and music. Running between August 9 and 13, it’s the chance for visitors to see a unique side of the historic area of Old Québec.
More than 40 tall ships will sail into Canadian waters for the 150th anniversary of Confederation (Rendez-vous 2017)
Impressive tall ships will cruise into Québec’s capital city during Rendez-vous 2017, in conjunction with Canada’s sesquicentennial year. While the more than 40 tall ships will visit 35 Canadian ports during the Guest Port Program portion of the Transatlantic race, the ships will anchor in Québec City and Lévis between July 18 and 23. Along with the stunning watercrafts, the stop in Québec will bring with it free activities on land, a parade of over 3,000 crew members through the streets of Old Québec, a fireworks display and more.
In the Agora Port de Québec, visitors will find Crépuscule – Vents & marées, a free, outdoor circus show featuring the talented acrobats of Flip FabriQue. This year’s production of Crépuscule is one full of water and wonder, held within a massive iceberg and bringing to life the stories of the messages in bottles tossed into the sea.
Visitors can also watch fantastic fireworks shows of Les Grands Feux Loto-Québec from an excellent vantage point on the bank of the St. Lawrence River. A fireworks competition with six performances running Wednesdays and Saturdays in August, it’s free for all to attend and gather near the historic Château Frontenac to watch with awe as the night sky is lit up with pyrotechnic expertise.
Gourmands and wine lovers, from the novice connoisseur to the seasoned oenophile, will love Bordeaux féte le vin à Québec (Bordeaux Wine Festival in Québec City). With a host of local cuisine, gourmet demos, workshops, and, of course, the famous wines of Bordeaux, this major event between August 31 and Sept. 3, is sure to have every visitor’s taste buds tingling.
With its welcoming people, awe-inspiring sights and architecture, and a festive spirit, a visit to Québec City in Canada’s 150th year is the perfect way to escape, embrace the joy of life and see an incredible part of the country.
